Vision Therapy in Monroeville

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(412) 372-2323

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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459 Reviews
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- Nov. 10, 2024
Great place
- Oct. 27, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Budd for the last 15 years and have nothing but great things to say! To... day I saw Dr. Ives for the first time and she was lovely too 🙂 The same is true for the front office staff; I was terribly indecisive picking out frames close to closing time and they were all so kind in helping me choose the right pair for me regardless of the time of day. So very appreciative of The Eyeglass Store!!
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr. Budd is very thorough in explaining the exams and educating the client about what they're lookin... g at. He is clearly very passionate about what he does and you can trust him with your eye health.
- Aug. 06, 2024
Dr. Budd was very thorough in explaining cataract removal to me. He demonstrated the lense removal a... nd replacement. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Jul. 31, 2024
I brought my 90 year old mother in for a pair reading glasses. After getting turned away at another ... eyeglass store because they did not accept medical insurance, we walked into The Eyeglass store at 4:25 pm. They closed at 4:30. Mary was the person helping us and she graciously allowed my Mom to pick out the frames even though it was past 4:30. She was patient and helpful! Great customer service in a day and age where good customer service is rare! Thanks, Mary!
- Jun. 28, 2024
Friendly, professional doctors and staff, and flexible scheduling.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I have been going to this establishement for over a decade for my eyewear, contacts and checkup need... s. The staff is azaming and welcoming, they will go above & beyond to help you find right glasses and fit for you. The quality of frames and lenses is always great. Dr. Budd has been amazing over the years, he is thoroug and detail oriented and has helped me over the years to keep my eyes healthy. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
- Jan. 06, 2024
Very thorough Dr.Been to multiple eye Drs and none of them were able to tell me why my vision in one... eye is worse than the other. Customer service was also great!
- Dec. 30, 2023
Very pleasant and helpful
- Dec. 27, 2023
Very professional service at this office. All staff are knowledgeable and well trained in their role... s. My new eye doctor is excellent in her field and very caring about her patients.
- Dec. 04, 2023
Our family has been seeing Dr. J. Bud for a long time and always he was very through and extremely p... atient. Their staff is also very kind and helpful. I am a fully satisfied customer kudos to the entire team of The Eyeglass Store. Regards
- Nov. 13, 2023
Arrived about 40 minutes before close, Kelly was friendly, patient & helpful, paid no mind to the ti... me. We bought 2 pair of glasses, eager for them to come in!
- Oct. 29, 2023
Great selection of frames. Awesome customer service.
- Oct. 21, 2023
I delt with Kelli, she was very professional and and very knowledgeable. Excellent employee.
- Sep. 15, 2023
I bought a pair of Rec Specs from the Eyeglass Store mainly for cycling and they are perfect. The pe... rson who waited on me was patient, kind, and knowledgeable, and my glasses were made within one week. Highly recommend this place.
- Aug. 30, 2023
I see Dr. Kaur for my annual visits, as well as my children. She is always so pleasant, sweet, knowl... edgeable, personable and interacts great with children! She even asks my young children if they have any questions which is so considerate to give them time to talk with her about their glasses. She really takes her time and never rushes you. I cannot say enough good things about her and I highly recommend her for your eye care needs!
- Aug. 27, 2023
I can’t say enough about Dr. Budd and staff! Exceptional service and expertise! Very personable wi... th patients and answers all questions on point! Recommend 100%
- Aug. 26, 2023
As usual - great thorough examine and friendly service
- Aug. 23, 2023
I had an appointment with Dr. Bud yesterday. He was kind and informative. I have been going there fo... r several years now and will continue. However, this is not Kenneth Funk, sr, this is his wife, Margie!! 😊
- Aug. 14, 2023
I love the staff friendly and welcoming. Dr Budd is kind and attentive to your needs he makes sure ... he is treating all your eye needs with state of the art equipment. I am very satisfied. Been a patient for 6 yrs

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Scleral Lenses in Monroeville

Our optometry practice in Monroeville

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from The Eyeglass Store

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with The Eyeglass Store today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(412) 372-2323