Keratoconus Diagnosis & Specialty Contact Lens Fitting
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition that standard glasses often can't fully correct. Vespa Vision Centre diagnoses keratoconus early and provides specialty contact lens fittings — including scleral and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses — to restore clear, stable vision.
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally round, dome-shaped cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature distorts vision, causing blurriness and increased sensitivity to light that glasses alone often cannot correct.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
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Blurred or distorted vision that doesn't fully correct with regular glasses
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Increased sensitivity to light and glare
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Frequent prescription changes
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Difficulty with night vision
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Eye rubbing habit (both a symptom association and a risk factor for progression)
What causes keratoconus?
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but contributing factors include:
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Genetics and family history
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Chronic eye rubbing
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Certain connective tissue disorders
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Onset typically in the teens to early 30s, often progressing over 10–20 years
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
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Corneal topography — detailed mapping of the cornea's surface curvature to detect early, subtle irregularities
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Slit-lamp examination — direct visual assessment of corneal thinning and shape
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Comparison of curvature measurements over time to track progression
How is keratoconus treated?
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Specialty contact lenses — scleral lenses and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses vault over the irregular cornea to create a smooth optical surface, often restoring vision that glasses cannot
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Corneal cross-linking referral — for progressive cases, we refer to specialists who perform this procedure to halt further corneal thinning
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Regular monitoring to track progression and adjust lens fittings as needed
Can keratoconus be managed without surgery?
Yes, in many cases. Specialty contact lenses are often the first and most effective option, allowing many patients to avoid or delay more invasive interventions. Our team has experience fitting complex, custom lenses for irregular corneas.