Managing Corneal Ectasia with Specialty Contact Lenses

Corneal ectasia is a progressive eye condition where the cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge outward. This irregular shape disrupts the way light enters the eye, causing distorted or blurred vision. It often develops after refractive surgeries such as LASIK or PRK, or may occur as a result of underlying corneal diseases like keratoconus.
 

Why Traditional Lenses Fall Short

Soft contact lenses are made to fit the natural curvature of a healthy cornea. In patients with corneal ectasia, however, the cornea becomes uneven and unpredictable in shape. Because soft lenses conform to these irregularities, they can’t create a smooth optical surface. The result is fluctuating or distorted vision and, in many cases, discomfort or instability when wearing the lenses.

Patients with ectasia need a lens that can provide a new, stable surface for light to focus correctly - something traditional contacts simply can’t achieve. Advances in specialty contact lens design have made it possible to correct the irregularities caused by corneal ectasia while maintaining comfort and clarity.
 

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are small, firm lenses that maintain their shape on the eye. They vault over the irregular cornea, creating a smooth optical surface that improves vision. Because they allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, they are both safe and effective for long-term wear.
 

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the clarity of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens. They have a rigid center surrounded by a soft outer skirt that enhances stability and reduces lens movement. For many patients, hybrid lenses provide the best of both worlds - excellent vision correction and all-day comfort.
 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of the cornea. They vault completely over the cornea, creating a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. This not only provides superior comfort but also protects the cornea and delivers exceptional vision clarity - making them ideal for advanced cases of corneal ectasia.
 

Living Comfortably with Corneal Ectasia

With proper diagnosis and a customized lens fitting, patients with corneal ectasia can enjoy clear, comfortable vision again. We specialize in fitting advanced specialty contact lenses for patients with complex corneal conditions. Our optometrists take precise corneal measurements to design lenses that match each patient’s unique needs.

If you’ve been diagnosed with corneal ectasia or are struggling to see clearly with traditional lenses, our team at Family Vision Care of Richmond is here to help. Schedule an eye exam to explore your options for customized specialty contact lenses and start seeing clearly again. Visit our office in Glen Allen or Ashland, Virginia, or call (804) 217-9883 to book an appointment today.