Struggling with Keratoconus in La Mesa? Why Standard Contacts Cause Eye Pain

Keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea, causing it to become thinner and gradually bulge outward. Because the cornea is no longer evenly shaped, standard contact lenses may not fit or perform as expected. For some people with keratoconus in La Mesa, this can lead to uncomfortable lens wear, unstable vision, irritation, or difficulty keeping contacts in place. At Vision Solutions Optometry, we evaluate the shape of the cornea and help patients find contact lens options designed for their individual eyes.

Why Standard Contacts Can Be Uncomfortable With Keratoconus

Traditional soft contact lenses are designed to sit directly on the cornea. With keratoconus, however, the corneal surface is irregular rather than smoothly curved. This can make it harder for a standard lens to remain centered and stable.

A poorly matched lens may move excessively, rub against sensitive areas of the eye, or fail to provide consistent vision. Dryness can make the discomfort even more noticeable. Some patients may initially assume that they simply cannot tolerate contact lenses when the problem is actually the type or fit of the lens.

Signs that your current contacts may not be meeting your needs include:

•          Eye pain or irritation while wearing contacts

•          Blurry or fluctuating vision throughout the day

•          Frequent lens movement or difficulty keeping lenses centered

•          Redness, dryness, or needing to remove contacts earlier than expected

If these problems are persistent, a specialty contact lens evaluation in La Mesa can help determine whether another lens design may be more appropriate.

How Scleral Lenses Can Help With Keratoconus

Scleral lenses are specialty gas-permeable contact lenses that are significantly larger than standard contacts. Rather than resting directly on the cornea, they rest on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye, and vault over the irregular corneal surface.

The space between the scleral lens and cornea is filled with fluid before insertion. This creates a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea while helping keep the eye hydrated. For people with keratoconus, this design can provide more stable vision and may improve comfort compared with contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea.

A Customized Contact Lens Fit Matters

Keratoconus affects each cornea differently, so specialty contacts should be fitted according to the individual shape and needs of your eyes. During a contact lens evaluation, we can assess corneal shape and curvature to help determine the most appropriate lens design. Our office uses corneal topography as part of contact lens evaluations when assessing the shape and curvature of the eye.

For patients in La Mesa struggling with keratoconus, discomfort with standard contacts does not necessarily mean contact lenses are no longer an option. Scleral lenses may provide the customized fit needed for clearer, more comfortable vision.

If keratoconus is making standard contacts uncomfortable, schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation with Vision Solutions Optometry to learn whether scleral lenses may be right for you. Contact our office in La Mesa, CA, by calling (619) 461-4913 to book an appointment today.