What is keratoconus?
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. In keratoconus it gradually becomes thinner or more steep and irregular, scattering light and causing blurred or distorted vision. Progression differs between people, and the two eyes may be affected to different degrees.
What are the symptoms?
Possible signs include frequent spectacle or astigmatism changes, blur that glasses do not fully correct, ghost images, glare, halos, light sensitivity and poor night vision. Symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis, but they are a reason to request a detailed assessment.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
Assessment includes history, refraction, ocular-surface and corneal examination. Corneal topography or tomography provides information about curvature, irregularity and thickness depending on the system, while previous maps can help document change. An ophthalmologist confirms diagnosis and decides medical treatment.
What are the treatment and vision-correction options?
The pathway depends on severity and stability. Spectacles or soft lenses may correct early cases. An irregular cornea may require corneal RGP, hybrid or scleral lenses. Cross-linking, corneal rings, surgery and transplantation are medical decisions for an ophthalmologist; specialty lenses correct vision and do not replace progression monitoring.
When are glasses insufficient?
Glasses may be insufficient when corneal irregularity creates distortion that a regular spectacle lens cannot fully correct. Specialty contact lenses can then be assessed to create a more regular optical surface while comfort, ocular health and vision are monitored.
What are corneal RGP lenses?
Corneal RGP lenses are smaller rigid gas-permeable lenses that rest and move on the cornea. They can provide useful vision in selected keratoconus cases but require individual measurement, diagnostic fitting and follow-up.
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger. They vault the cornea, rest on the white of the eye and are filled with sterile saline before insertion. They may be considered when an irregular cornea needs a different design or stability, subject to examination and trial fitting.
Corneal RGP versus scleral lenses
The main differences are diameter, bearing and movement. A corneal RGP is smaller and moves on the cornea; a scleral lens vaults it and rests on the sclera. Corneal shape, vision, comfort, ocular-surface health and handling ability guide the choice.
Are scleral lenses suitable after a corneal transplant?
They may be an optical option in selected cases, but graft health, corneal shape and the ocular surface must be assessed, with input from the treating ophthalmologist where needed. The transplant alone does not determine suitability.
Where can keratoconus be assessed in Oman?
New Vision Optics provides keratoconus and specialty lens assessment in Al Buraimi and coordinates suitable follow-up through selected NVO branches. Review branches and contact options, or send your reports through WhatsApp before visiting.
Keratoconus questions
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Possible symptoms include blurred vision, frequent prescription change, irregular astigmatism, glare, halos and poor night vision. Symptoms do not confirm the condition; examination and corneal mapping are required.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
Assessment combines history, refraction, corneal examination, curvature and thickness maps, and previous measurements when available. An ophthalmologist confirms diagnosis and decides medical treatment.
When are glasses insufficient for keratoconus?
Glasses may be insufficient when corneal irregularity causes distortion that a regular spectacle lens cannot fully correct. RGP, hybrid or scleral lenses can then be assessed.
What is the difference between RGP and scleral lenses?
A corneal RGP is smaller and moves on the cornea. A scleral lens is larger, vaults the cornea and rests on the white of the eye with fluid beneath it. Examination and trial fitting guide the choice.
Can scleral lenses be used after a corneal transplant?
They may suit selected post-transplant cases, but graft health, corneal shape and the ocular surface must be assessed, with the treating ophthalmologist involved when needed.
Where can keratoconus be assessed in Oman?
New Vision Optics provides corneal and specialty lens assessment in Al Buraimi and coordinates appropriate follow-up through selected NVO branches in Oman. Contact the team before visiting.