Vision Therapy in Fridley

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(763) 784-3997

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
4.5
157 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 25, 2024
Very professional and courteous
- Nov. 13, 2024
Very friendly, great service the doctor and staff are very thorough to make sure you get what you... need and are 100 percent satisfied! Would recommend to anyone! Thank you Fridley optical!
- Oct. 20, 2024
Great home town personal service. Staff & Dr always professional, friendly & knowledgeable. Eyewear... reasonably priced.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Amazing staff, Super friendly
- Sep. 30, 2024
Always helpful and professional in every aspect! Been a patient/customer since 1991 and wouldn't go ... anywhere else!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Got me into a pair of glasses quickly and within my budget.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Been coming here for years,their so helpful and honest.
- Aug. 19, 2024
I have had two eye exams completed there along with two sets of glasses. Service has always impresse... d me.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Good selection for insurance frames.
- Aug. 02, 2024
I love Fridley Optical. I switched to them as my provider one year ago. I just had this year's exam ... today. I also feel in good hands with Dr. Petronack very thorough and just a nice person. The rest of the staff did an awesome job. My insurance paperwork, helping me with new frames, etc. I am proud of how they have continued on without Brad. Everyone loved Brad. I feel they have recovered well. Any business has obstacles when there is change with staff or new computer systems. But doesn't appear actual eye care and dedication from staff has changed. I definitely recommend...it is also a very calming environment.
- Jun. 17, 2024
I've been going here for years and can promise that they are the best!!
- May. 10, 2024
Excellent service, the staff super friendly.
- May. 09, 2024
Helpful and friendly. Helped me stay within budget
- May. 06, 2024
I was so impressed with the personalized care by the optometrist as well as all the staff. I will de... finitely be going back!
- Apr. 19, 2024
We’ve been getting our eye exams by Dr Petronack at Fridley Optical for years. He gives a very com... prehensive exam and is always so kind. Fridley Optical has a large selection of glasses in all price ranges. The turn around for glasses is pretty quick and usually less than the timeframe they quote me. I’m a very satisfied customer!
- Apr. 17, 2024
Very nice place to get some glasses and the staff is so friendly and helpful
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great Dr and staff!
- Apr. 13, 2024
Love Dr. P, staff are great & my kids absolutely love going to Fridley Optical. Employee’s are ver... y knowledgeable about the products they carry. Helped me find the best glasses & sunglasses for myself & children. Reasonably priced, very helpful in explain everything from the start of the appointment until the end. Would highly recommend to anyone & everyone!
- Apr. 05, 2024
I have been other places but have never had better results than Fridley Optical. Seeing is believing... !!
- Mar. 31, 2024
Great service Highly recommended

View All 157 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Fridley

Our optometry practice in Fridley

Photograph of Michael  Petronack
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Blue Cross

chart

Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Fridley 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 Fridley Optical today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(763) 784-3997