Keratoconus Care in Saratoga Springs, NY
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition that can significantly impact your ability to see clearly — but with proper diagnosis and management, many patients maintain excellent functional vision. At Saratoga Vision in Saratoga Springs, NY, our experienced optometrists are skilled in diagnosing keratoconus and fitting specialty contact lenses to provide the clearest vision possible. If you have been experiencing worsening vision, distortion, or increased sensitivity to light, call (518) 587-5900 to schedule your evaluation today.
Book OnlineWhat Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye — gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes light entering the eye to scatter rather than focus properly on the retina, resulting in blurry, distorted vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard eyeglasses or soft contact lenses.
The condition typically begins in the late teenage years or early twenties and may progress over the following decade or two before stabilizing. In some patients, keratoconus progresses quickly; in others, the rate of change is slow and may never become severe. Early diagnosis is important because it opens the door to monitoring and, if appropriate, corneal crosslinking — a procedure that can halt the progression of keratoconus before vision is significantly compromised.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus often begins with mild symptoms that are easy to overlook or attribute to a changing prescription. As the condition progresses, symptoms typically become more noticeable. Common signs of keratoconus include:
- Blurry or distorted vision that is not fully correctable with glasses
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, particularly in astigmatism
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night, with halos or streaking around lights
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Double vision or “ghosting” in one eye
- Eye rubbing (both a symptom and a risk factor for worsening keratoconus)
- Corneal scarring in advanced stages
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam at Saratoga Vision is the first step. We use corneal topography and other advanced imaging to map the shape of the cornea and detect keratoconus even in its earliest stages.
Risk Factors for Keratoconus
While keratoconus can occur in anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling with keratoconus increases your risk
- Frequent eye rubbing: Chronic, vigorous eye rubbing is strongly associated with keratoconus progression and should be avoided
- Atopic conditions: Allergies, eczema, and asthma are associated with increased risk
- Down syndrome: Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher prevalence of keratoconus
- Connective tissue disorders: Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome are associated with corneal vulnerability
- Prior LASIK surgery: Ectasia (a keratoconus-like condition) can develop after laser refractive surgery in patients with undiagnosed pre-existing corneal weakness
Management and Treatment Options
Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition and its rate of progression. At Saratoga Vision, we offer comprehensive management including:
- Eyeglasses: Suitable for mild cases where vision can still be adequately corrected with a spectacle prescription
- Specialty Contact Lenses: The cornerstone of keratoconus management. We offer a full range of specialty lens options through our hard-to-fit contact lens services:
- Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses — create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea
- Scleral lenses — the gold standard for moderate to advanced keratoconus, vaulting over the cornea entirely for unparalleled comfort and clarity
- Hybrid lenses — rigid center with a soft skirt, combining optics and comfort
- Corneal Crosslinking Referral: For patients with progressive keratoconus, we will coordinate referral to a corneal specialist for corneal crosslinking (CXL) — a procedure that uses UV light and riboflavin eye drops to strengthen corneal collagen and halt disease progression
- Surgical Co-Management: For advanced cases requiring intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) or corneal transplant, we provide pre- and post-operative care in coordination with our surgical partners
Our team at Saratoga Vision is experienced in working with keratoconus patients at every stage of the condition. We will monitor your corneal health over time, adjust your lens prescription as needed, and coordinate any specialist care required. Call (518) 587-5900 to schedule your keratoconus consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus
What causes keratoconus?
The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but research suggests it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Keratoconus is associated with abnormalities in the collagen structure of the cornea that reduce its mechanical strength, allowing it to gradually deform under normal eye pressure. Risk factors include family history, chronic eye rubbing, atopic conditions like allergies and eczema, and certain connective tissue disorders. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect keratoconus early.
Can keratoconus be cured?
There is no cure for keratoconus, but its progression can be halted with corneal crosslinking, and excellent vision can typically be achieved with specialty contact lenses even in advanced cases. Corneal crosslinking is most effective when performed before significant corneal thinning has occurred, which is another reason why early diagnosis matters. Our team at Saratoga Vision will monitor your condition closely and coordinate referrals when appropriate.
What specialty lenses are available for keratoconus patients?
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP), scleral, and hybrid lenses are the primary options for keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses are often considered the gold standard because they vault completely over the irregular cornea, creating a smooth optical surface and a fluid reservoir for comfortable wear. Hybrid lenses offer a combination of RGP optics with a soft lens skirt for added comfort. Our specialty contact lens fitting services include all of these options.
Does keratoconus always require surgery?
No. The majority of keratoconus patients are successfully managed with specialty contact lenses without ever needing surgery. Surgery — such as corneal crosslinking, intrastromal corneal ring implants, or corneal transplant — is reserved for cases where contact lenses can no longer provide adequate vision or where disease progression is threatening the long-term integrity of the cornea. At Saratoga Vision, we will monitor your corneal health and advise you if surgical intervention is warranted.
Is it safe to have LASIK if I have keratoconus?
No. LASIK is contraindicated in patients with keratoconus or even suspected corneal weakness. Laser surgery removes corneal tissue, which further weakens an already compromised cornea and can trigger or accelerate post-LASIK corneal ectasia. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, you are not a candidate for LASIK. However, other vision correction options — particularly specialty contact lenses — can provide excellent results. We offer pre-LASIK screening to identify patients who may not be safe candidates as part of our LASIK co-management services.
At what age does keratoconus typically start?
Keratoconus most commonly manifests in the late teens or early twenties, though it can occasionally appear in younger children or emerge later in adult life. The condition tends to progress most rapidly during the teenage and young adult years, often stabilizing in a person’s mid-thirties or forties. This is why early detection and monitoring are especially important for young patients — prompt diagnosis creates more opportunities to slow progression. We recommend regular eye exams for children and teens to catch keratoconus early.
What happens if keratoconus is left untreated?
Without treatment, keratoconus can progress to the point where standard glasses and contact lenses can no longer provide functional vision. In advanced cases, the cornea can develop scarring, which further degrades vision quality and may necessitate a corneal transplant. Vision loss from advanced keratoconus can have a serious impact on quality of life, including the ability to drive and perform daily tasks. Early intervention — whether through specialty lenses, crosslinking, or both — is essential to preserving your vision. Call Saratoga Vision at (518) 587-5900 to schedule your evaluation today.