Managing Keratoconus and Glaucoma with Specialty Contact Lenses

Living with complex eye conditions like keratoconus and glaucoma can be challenging, but advancements in specialty contact lenses offer new avenues for improved vision and eye health. At Colorado Eye Clinic, located in Greenwood Village, Dr. Abed Namavari, an experienced eye specialist, is helping patients manage these conditions with tailored solutions.

Understanding Keratoconus and Glaucoma

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty with night vision

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). If untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. Symptoms vary but may include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Eye pain and redness in certain types of glaucoma

Both conditions require specialized care to prevent further complications and maintain quality of life.

How Specialty Contact Lenses Aid in Keratoconus Management

Traditional corrective lenses often fall short for keratoconus patients because they cannot address the irregular corneal surface. Specialty contact lenses, such as scleral and hybrid lenses, are designed to provide clear, stable vision by creating a smooth refractive surface.

1. Scleral Lenses:
   These large, gas-permeable lenses vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera. For keratoconus, they:
   • Provide a uniform refractive surface, correcting distortion.
   • Offer superior comfort by avoiding contact with the sensitive cornea.
   • Maintain hydration with a tear-filled reservoir beneath the lens.
2. Hybrid Lenses:
   Combining a gas-permeable center with a soft outer ring, hybrid lenses:
   • Enhance visual clarity for patients with mild to moderate keratoconus.
   • Offer a balance of comfort and effectiveness.

At Colorado Eye Clinic, Dr. Namavari uses advanced diagnostic tools to ensure each lens is custom-fitted to the patient’s unique corneal shape, delivering optimal results for residents of Greenwood Village, Centennial, and Southglenn.

Managing Glaucoma Alongside Specialty Contact Lenses

For glaucoma patients, the focus is on managing intraocular pressure and preserving vision. While specialty contact lenses do not directly treat glaucoma, they play an important role in cases where keratoconus and glaucoma coexist.

Integrating Glaucoma Treatment:

• Patients with glaucoma often use medicated eye drops to control IOP. Scleral lenses can be adapted to ensure compatibility with these treatments.
• Regular monitoring of IOP is essential. Specialized scleral lenses equipped with pressure sensors are emerging as a promising diagnostic tool for continuous IOP measurement.

Why Specialty Lenses Matter in Combined Cases:

• Glaucoma may complicate corneal conditions like keratoconus, making traditional corrective solutions less effective. Specialty lenses address corneal irregularities while accommodating glaucoma management strategies.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Cases

Every patient’s condition is unique, requiring a personalized approach. Dr. Namavari collaborates with patients to create comprehensive care plans that include:

1. Custom-fitted specialty lenses for visual correction.
2. A glaucoma management strategy involving medication, laser treatments, or surgery as needed.
3. Regular follow-up visits to monitor disease progression and lens performance.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Both keratoconus and glaucoma benefit significantly from early detection. Regular eye exams with an experienced eye specialist like Dr. Namavari ensure these conditions are identified and managed before they cause severe vision impairment.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Keratoconus: Blurred vision, difficulty driving at night, frequent prescription changes.
• Glaucoma: Gradual vision loss, halos around lights, eye pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wear scleral lenses if I have glaucoma?
   Yes, scleral lenses can be used by glaucoma patients. However, regular IOP monitoring is crucial, as some lenses may affect pressure readings.
2. How do I know if I need specialty lenses for keratoconus?
   If glasses or traditional contact lenses fail to correct your vision adequately, specialty lenses may be recommended.
3. Are specialty lenses covered by insurance?
   Coverage varies. Some insurance plans may consider specialty lenses medically necessary for conditions like keratoconus.
4. Do specialty lenses require special care?
   Yes, they require daily cleaning with recommended solutions and careful handling to maintain their performance and longevity.
5. Can glaucoma and keratoconus be treated simultaneously?
   Absolutely. A tailored care plan can address both conditions, ensuring optimal visual outcomes and eye health.

Why Choose Colorado Eye Clinic?

At Colorado Eye Clinic, Dr. Abed Namavari is dedicated to providing cutting-edge care for complex eye conditions. Whether you’re managing keratoconus, glaucoma, or both, you can trust the clinic’s expertise and personalized approach. Serving patients in Greenwood Village, Centennial, and Southglenn, Colorado Eye Clinic combines advanced technology with compassionate care to deliver life-changing results.

---

Sources:

• Gatinel, D., & Saad, A. (2015). Advances in Specialty Contact Lenses for Keratoconus. Cornea Journal.
• Weinreb, R. N., & Aung, T. (2014). Glaucoma and Emerging Diagnostic Technologies. Journal of Ophthalmology.
• Michaud, L., & Dube, I. (2018). Managing Corneal Irregularities with Scleral Lenses. Eye & Contact Lens.