If you have keratoconus, finding the right contact lens can make a real difference in your daily life. KeraSoft IC and NovaKone are soft lenses designed for the unique shape of keratoconic corneas. They offer a comfortable alternative to rigid lenses while still providing clear, stable vision.
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape over time. This leads to blurry or distorted vision and increased sensitivity to light. Traditional glasses or standard soft lenses often cannot fully correct the irregular shape of the cornea.
KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses are made from silicone hydrogel materials that flex to fit irregular corneas. They smooth out surface distortions while staying comfortable throughout the day. These custom soft lenses are fitted to each patient based on detailed corneal measurements.
Patients with mild to moderate keratoconus often do well with these soft specialty lenses. They are also helpful for people who have had corneal crosslinking or who cannot tolerate rigid gas permeable lenses. Our optometrists will evaluate your corneal shape and vision needs to determine if these lenses are right for you.
KeraSoft IC lenses use a breathable silicone hydrogel material that is both flexible and sturdy. The center of the lens has extra thickness to help smooth out corneal irregularities. This design gently masks surface distortions without sacrificing oxygen flow to the eye.
Each KeraSoft IC lens can be adjusted to fit your unique cornea. We can modify the central base curve, lens diameter, and peripheral curves in small increments. If one part of your cornea is steeper or flatter than another, the lens edges can be adjusted to match.
These lenses go in just like regular soft contacts. There are no special tools or techniques needed. A blue handling tint makes the lens easier to see during insertion and removal. Many patients wear them comfortably for 10 to 12 hours a day.
KeraSoft IC lenses are designed to last about three months per lens. This longer replacement schedule can make them a practical choice for patients with stable corneal conditions. Proper cleaning and care help maintain lens performance throughout their lifespan.
NovaKone lenses are built to correct the irregular astigmatism common in keratoconus. The lens has a steep central base curve that works with cone shaped corneas. A separate paracentral zone helps keep the lens stable and centered on the eye.
NovaKone achieves strong rotational stability through its customizable thickness profile and paracentral zone design. This keeps the lens locked in place and prevents unwanted movement. The result is consistently clear vision throughout the day without sudden shifts in focus.
NovaKone offers a power range from +30.00 to -30.00 diopters and cylindrical correction up to -10.00 diopters. This wide range makes the lens useful for keratoconus cases and unusual prescriptions that may not fit within typical lens parameters.
The fitting process uses an 18 lens diagnostic set with orientation markings. This allows us to assess fit and rotation during your appointment. The result is less guesswork and faster results when finding your ideal lens.
Both KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses use silicone hydrogel materials known for high oxygen transmissibility. Even with the extra thickness needed to mask corneal irregularities, the lenses allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea. This helps prevent problems like corneal swelling or unwanted blood vessel growth.
The soft, flexible materials reduce the likelihood of irritation compared to rigid lenses. Many patients report improved comfort ratings with these lenses. The gentle fit allows patients to work, drive, and enjoy daily activities with confidence in their vision correction.
Both lens designs have shown stable or improved visual acuity over time in patients with different stages of keratoconus. With proper cleaning and correct replacement schedules, the risk of infection or other complications is low. As keratoconus can progress, lens parameters can be adjusted over time as needed.
Lens selection starts with a detailed eye exam. We will assess your corneal shape, visual acuity, and the extent of your irregular astigmatism. Advanced imaging helps evaluate whether the cone is central or off center and identifies any other distortions that need correction.
KeraSoft IC may be a good choice if you have mild keratoconus and can still see reasonably well with glasses. It is also helpful for patients who have had corneal crosslinking and are dealing with early irregularities. The sector specific peripheral curve adjustments help achieve a precise and comfortable fit.
NovaKone may work better if your keratoconus is more advanced or if you need higher cylinder correction. It is also a good option for patients who have had trouble tolerating rigid gas permeable lenses. The customizable central thickness and wide power range make it suitable for more complex cases.
Our optometrists will consider how well the lens moves and centers during trial fittings. Your prior experiences with other lens types also help guide the decision. The goal is to find the lens that gives you the best combination of comfort and clarity.
We first capture a detailed map of your cornea using topography. This scan is far more precise than simple measurements. It helps determine the ideal base curve, diameter, and initial lens design for your eyes.
Beyond selecting the base curve, the lab can independently modify up to two peripheral curve segments. This is called Sector Management Control. It allows the lens edge to match localized steep or flat areas for a snug, stable fit.
After topography, the trial lens is selected by matching its central base curve to the steepest part of the cone. It is then fine tuned using the IT Factor, which adjusts central thickness to achieve optimal vault and centration over the cornea.
After your initial fitting, you will return for follow up visits to check lens performance and comfort. We may make additional adjustments based on how the lenses are working for you. This process helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Both KeraSoft IC and NovaKone are soft lenses, so they are easier to handle than rigid lenses. KeraSoft IC has a blue handling tint that makes it easier to see. NovaKone has clear orientation marks that help ensure correct alignment when you put them in.
Whether you work long hours, stay active outdoors, or manage a busy schedule, the right lens should support your daily life. Both lenses offer lasting comfort and reliable vision throughout the day. Their consistent performance helps reduce frustrating vision fluctuations.
If your keratoconus progresses or if soft lenses no longer provide adequate vision, we may recommend scleral lenses or other options. Scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye. They can provide excellent vision for more advanced cases.
Our eye doctors hold advanced credentials in contact lens fitting. Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA holds fellowships in scleral lenses and is one of approximately 300 FSLS fellows worldwide. Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC also holds an FSLS fellowship and uses Pentacam corneal tomography for precise measurements.
Insight Vision Center Optometry uses advanced tools including the Tomey WaveDyn Aberrometer and AS-OCT imaging. These technologies help create detailed maps of your cornea for accurate lens fitting. Precise measurements lead to better fitting lenses and clearer vision.
With over 600 reviews and a 4.9 star average rating, our practice is known for personalized attention. Each lens is customized to your unique corneal shape and visual needs. Our team works with you to find the lens that fits your lifestyle and goals.
The initial fitting usually takes one to two hours. This includes corneal mapping, trial lens evaluation, and vision testing. Most patients need two to four follow up visits to finalize their prescription and ensure optimal comfort.
No, these lenses are designed for daily wear only. You should remove them before sleeping each night. Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections and other complications.
Many patients have keratoconus that affects one eye more than the other. We can fit each eye with a different lens type or prescription as needed. The goal is to balance vision between both eyes.
We will evaluate your corneal shape and vision during your exam. If the cone is very steep or if soft lenses cannot provide adequate clarity, scleral lenses may be recommended instead. Vision that cannot be corrected to acceptable levels with soft lenses is usually the deciding factor.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. Some plans cover medically necessary contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus. Our office staff can help verify your benefits before your appointment.
You should use fresh solution every time you store your lenses. Never top off old solution in the case. Replace your contact lens case every one to three months to reduce the risk of contamination.
