Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Original Keratoconus Specialists Information

Understanding Keratoconus

Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye that is meant to focus light into your eye. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where your cornea thins out and bulges forward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape changes how light enters your eye, bringing light rays out of focus and causing your vision to become blurry and distorted.

Keratoconus typically begins during the teenage years or early twenties and can progress for 10-20 years before stabilizing. The condition usually affects both eyes, though one eye may be more severely affected than the other.

Symptoms of Keratoconus:

• Blurred or distorted vision that worsens over time
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Frequent prescription changes for glasses or contact lenses
• Sudden worsening or clouding of vision
• Double vision or multiple images when looking with one eye
• Seeing halos around lights, especially at night
• Difficulty driving at night
• Eye strain and headaches

Expert Keratoconus Treatment at Arizona's Vision

The Keratoconus Specialists at Arizona's Vision are here to help! We know how important your vision is to you and how keratoconus can make daily tasks like reading or driving more challenging. Keratoconus can make daily tasks like reading or driving difficult, but with proper treatment and specialized contact lenses, most patients can achieve excellent functional vision.

If your vision is getting blurry and distorted, call Arizona's Vision to meet with the Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ today!

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, research suggests it may be related to:

• Genetics: Family history of keratoconus increases risk
• Eye Rubbing: Chronic, vigorous eye rubbing can damage corneal tissue
• Allergies: Conditions like hay fever, eczema, and asthma are associated with increased risk
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Certain conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Down Syndrome: Higher incidence in individuals with Down syndrome
• Environmental Factors: UV exposure and oxidative stress may play a role

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

At Arizona's Vision, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect and monitor keratoconus:

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Treatment depends on the severity and progression of keratoconus. Our specialists offer a range of options:

1. Specialty Contact Lenses

For most patients with keratoconus, specialty contact lenses provide the best vision correction:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Provide a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea
• Hybrid Lenses: Combine RGP center with soft lens skirt for comfort and clarity
• Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea, providing excellent comfort and vision
• Piggyback Lenses: Soft lens worn under RGP lens for improved comfort

2. Eyeglasses

In early stages, prescription eyeglasses may provide adequate vision correction. However, as the condition progresses, contact lenses typically become necessary.

3. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

For progressive keratoconus, we can refer you for corneal cross-linking treatment, which strengthens corneal tissue and can slow or halt progression.

4. Surgical Options

In advanced cases, surgical interventions such as corneal transplant may be necessary. We work closely with corneal specialists for referrals when needed.

The Trusted Stop for All Your Eye Care Needs

Choosing an eye care office you can really trust with your eyesight and the health of your family members is paramount. This is a major component to getting the 20/20 vision you've always wanted, or the healthy eyes that you deserve to enjoy every day of your life. You should feel 100% relaxed with the eye doctor's office you choose.

When you choose our eye doctors for your keratoconus treatment, you will benefit from the following:

• We are able to provide eye exams for patients of all ages from young children to seniors
• We take pride in running an eye care office that makes use of the best modern technology and the most effective, long-lasting results
• We inform our patients of all ages about proper nutrition and UV protection
• We provide the best service to make you feel comfortable during your eye exam and part of the family
• We offer a full range of services from routine eye exams to emergency care, as well as eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, pink eye treatment, Keratoconus treatments, Invisalens and other eye disease treatment and more!
• We offer comfort options such as the Optomap that fit the needs of busy patients
• We have an unmatched set of reviews you can trust
• You'll benefit from a number of payment options to fit your budget and we accept most vision insurances

Living with Keratoconus

With proper care and the right contact lens fitting, most patients with keratoconus can achieve excellent functional vision and maintain their quality of life. Here are some tips for managing keratoconus:

• Avoid Eye Rubbing: This is crucial to prevent progression
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage
• Manage Allergies: Control eye allergies to reduce rubbing urge
• Regular Follow-ups: Monitor progression with regular eye exams
• Proper Contact Lens Care: Follow wearing schedule and cleaning instructions
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest treatment advances