Vision Therapy in Lee's Summit

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(816) 524-7400

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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377 Reviews
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- Feb. 08, 2024
I’ve been a patient here for several years. I love the fact that they work with you to maximize yo... ur insurance benefits. Both DrDrake & DrDrake are amazing. I’m in the medical field as well & I’m not easily impressed. I’ve had nothing but good experiences here! I highly recommend them!
- Jun. 17, 2023
CustomEyes has the best opticians and the best selection of contacts/glasses available and “in sty... le”. I’m always pleased with my visits, the doctors are always fast, friendly and very helpful. They got newer inventory for glasses such as Tiffany and co, Gucci and more. The girls who help with purchasing glasses and contacts are always super friendly/helpful as well and explain everything such as insurance/and lenses options greatly. Definitely happy with my new Tiffany and co prescription glasses! I can’t wait to pick them up.
- May. 09, 2023
I've been a patient here for 12 years! Excellent service and awesome optometrist! I recommend Custom... Eyes!
- May. 01, 2023
Absolutely the best staff and crew, companionate, attentive, empathetic. These guys were very profes... sional, they didn’t treat me any differently than anyone else. The other offices I visited definitely did not exhibit or display that same love. Very grateful for Dr. Drake and his team. Absolutely the best
- Dec. 22, 2022
Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. The best optometry appointment I have ever had. From the f... ront desk all the way to the doctor, this place is fantastic.
- Jul. 03, 2022
I was warmly greeted by staff members. I liked the relaxed atmosphere, and the professionalism of th... e Optometrist, and the technicians that assisted him. I left the office feeling that I had been completely taken care of.
- Jun. 09, 2022
Been going to Dr Jeffrey for years and the place is top notch and they're happy to answer any questi... ons you may have.
- Apr. 29, 2022
I have to say that was my first visit to the eye doctor, it was smooth, the staff very friendly and ... the environment was clean and welcoming.
- Apr. 04, 2022
Very nice doctors and staff. Take the time to do a careful and thorough examination.
- Apr. 02, 2022
Friendly staff, very detailed exam, efficient process, very clean office.
- Mar. 09, 2022
I am from Colorado, and in Missouri taking care of my elderly parents. I had an emergency in January... and on a Saturday. I called CustomEyes, they were one of the very few clinics open on a Saturday. They were very friendly, and able to squeeze me into the schedule. I found myself staying in Missouri, and possibly relocating here. I've been due for an eye exam, so I gave CustomEyes a call because I was so impressed and comfortable at my original appointment. I saw Dr. A. Genilo, both times and everyone, from her, check in, techs, optical, and check out, was friendly and professional. I would highly recommend this office to anyone. I feel very comfortable saying, I have found my new eye care clinic and will definitely return. Thank you to everyone at CustomEyes!
- Feb. 15, 2022
Been using custom eyes for years. Always a great experience each year.
- Feb. 13, 2022
Took my 2 year old daughter to have her first eye exam she was seen by Dr.Ali Genilo. I absolutely l... ove love love this doctor and the staff. She made my daughter comfortable and fun with the different props she had.. I was so pleased with Custom Eyes I made me and my husband a eye appointment.. Don't hesitate call today!
- Feb. 10, 2022
The doctor and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It's one of the cleanest places I've been ... to. Everyone was masked and washed hands before touching anyone. I felt very safe. The exam was thorough and I didn't feel rushed to choose new frames. They went out of their way checking my insurance and making sure I got the best price. I actually paid half here what I paid at the "discount" place.
- Jan. 22, 2022
So appreciative that they were able to work me in quickly when I woke up with eye pain- and fortunat... ely nothing serious, had multiple suggestions to help with condition.
- Jan. 15, 2022
Brenda is amazing. She knows what looks good and makes recommendations I would have never thought o... f. Love this place!!
- Jan. 11, 2022
My appointment was conducted in a timely manner. Everyone was including friendly and informative and... made my experience extremely pleasant and straight forward.
- Jan. 04, 2022
Professional staff, timely appointment and they care about your eye health.
- Dec. 11, 2021
I have been a patient of custom eyes and originally Dr Drake for more than 20 years. Dr E. continues... the same quality of care.
- Dec. 10, 2021
We love the staff and doctors. They alway make you feel welcome and comfortable. They have a wide se... lection of eyewear as well

View All 377 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Lee's Summit

Our optometry practice in Lee's Summit

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  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
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  • Sunday Closed
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from CustomEyes - Lee's Summit

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with CustomEyes - Lee's Summit today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(816) 524-7400