Generally, scleral contact lenses can provide the preferred fit and visual acuity for someone with keratoconus.
Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than conventional gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, which can allow them to vault over even relatively large areas of distorted cornea, eliminating much of the irregular astigmatism and other refractive errors caused by keratoconus.
Also, when properly fitted, scleral lenses can provide a more stable fit and may be less likely to become dislodged from the eye during sports and other activities.
However, the preferred type of contact lens for keratoconus can vary from person to person. In some cases, conventional GP lenses may be a better choice — especially if the wearer has a difficult time applying and removing larger scleral lenses.
Hybrid lenses — they have a rigid gas permeable central zone, surrounded by an outer zone made of silicone hydrogel contact lens material — are another option for mild to moderate keratoconus. There even are custom soft contact lenses designed for the correction of astigmatism from keratoconus.
The first step in determining preferred lenses if you have keratoconus is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens evaluation with an eye doctor who specializes in contact lenses.
