Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

Understanding Keratoconus

Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye that focuses light into your eye. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This structural change distorts the way light enters the eye, resulting in blurry, distorted, and sometimes double vision that standard glasses can no longer fully correct.

Keratoconus typically develops in the late teens or early twenties and can progress over 10 to 20 years. Early detection and proper management are essential to preserving your vision and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus

• Progressively blurred or distorted vision that standard glasses can't fully correct
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially at night
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
• Halos or streaking around lights
• Eye rubbing — a known risk factor that can accelerate corneal thinning
• Difficulty driving at night or reading in low-light conditions

How We Diagnose Keratoconus

At Arizona's Vision, we use corneal topography — a specialized imaging test that maps the surface curvature of your cornea in precise detail — to accurately diagnose keratoconus in its earliest stages. This technology allows our specialists to detect subtle corneal changes before significant vision loss occurs, enabling more effective early intervention.

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Treatment depends on the severity and rate of progression of your keratoconus. Our specialists will work closely with you to find the right management strategy:

• Updated glasses prescription — effective for mild early-stage keratoconus
• Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses — vault over the irregular cornea to provide a smooth refracting surface
• Scleral contact lenses — large-diameter lenses that rest on the white of the eye, offering exceptional vision correction and comfort
• Hybrid contact lenses — a rigid center with a soft skirt for improved comfort
• Corneal cross-linking referral — a procedure to strengthen corneal collagen fibers and slow or halt progression

Expert Keratoconus Management at Arizona's Vision

Our optometrists have extensive experience fitting specialty contact lenses for keratoconus patients, offering solutions that can dramatically improve visual acuity and comfort where traditional lenses have failed. We are committed to monitoring your condition closely and adjusting your treatment plan as your needs evolve.

• Advanced corneal topography for precise diagnosis and monitoring
• Expertise in fitting scleral and specialty lenses for irregular corneas
• Co-management with corneal surgeons when needed
• Compassionate, ongoing care tailored to your lifestyle