Vision Therapy in Northwest Side

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(210) 641-4999

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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346 Reviews
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- Oct. 03, 2024
Been coming here for years, I would not go anywhere else!
- Sep. 28, 2024
Great customer service. Kobi (??) was great and very friendly. The doctor was wonderful and optical ... what little interaction we had was great.
- Sep. 23, 2024
Friendly staff. Take great care and are super helpful.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Dr Amir & his entire staff are awesome! It’s always a great experience on every visit! Come see fo... r yourself!
- Sep. 11, 2024
Great staff
- Sep. 05, 2024
Bella Optical staff is cheerful and professional. I have never felt rushed at any time during my app... ointments. Both Dr. Amir and Dr Cummings are thoughtful, thorough and friendly. I love that there is also a large selection of nice eyeglass frames. 2024 is my sixth annual visit, I highly recommend Bella Optical.
- Jul. 28, 2024
It was a great experience , the personnel are so kind and helpful.
- Jul. 08, 2024
Dr Farshid is Outstanding with his work, always accurate with his work. I have perfect eyeglasses af... ter consultation.
- Jun. 24, 2024
All very kind. And friendly. And willing to help. Really like Dr. AMIR.
- Apr. 17, 2024
My entire family has been seeing Dr Amir for over 20 years !! Following him around town each time he... moved his practice to bigger space. He is truly an awesome doctor!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Love this place! The doctors and staff are very friendly and helpful.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Simply the best
- Feb. 20, 2024
I have been going to Bella Optical for 5 years. The entire staff has been attentive, sincere, and ca... ring.
- Feb. 16, 2024
The office is really inviting, and Dr. Garcia really took her time by explaining everything to me.
- Feb. 01, 2024
Amazing staff, great experience. really helped me with understanding my new ins. Would highly recomm... end to anyone!
- Jan. 30, 2024
Dr Garcia is an excellent optometrist and she goes above and beyond in order to help you out and get... the right product that you need.
- Jan. 16, 2024
I've been visiting this office since 2012/2013 my level of services have never changed im pleased wi... th doctor and staff
- Jan. 06, 2024
Dr is very friendly and happy with the visit. Front office staff are great. They are all very welcom... ing and responsive to questions/requests.
- Dec. 29, 2023
It was my first visit here for an annual exam. Dr. Amir and his staff are professional, friendly and... efficient. This was a good experience.
- Dec. 24, 2023
Great experience. Everyone was very professional and friendly. My glasses were in less than 2 wks.

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Scleral Lenses in Northwest Side

Our optometry practice in Northwest Side

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  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Bella Optical

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 Bella Optical today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(210) 641-4999