Custom soft contact lenses like KeraSoft IC and NovaKone offer a comfortable vision correction option for patients with mild keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and other corneal irregularities. These specialty lenses combine the comfort of soft contact lens material with designs that help correct vision distorted by an irregular cornea.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape bends light unevenly as it enters the eye, causing blurry and distorted vision. Standard glasses and regular contact lenses often cannot fully correct this type of vision problem.
The condition typically begins during the teenage years or early twenties. It may progress slowly over ten to twenty years before stabilizing. Some patients experience only mild changes, while others develop more significant corneal bulging that requires advanced treatment.
Pellucid marginal degeneration is a related condition where the cornea thins along its lower edge rather than at the center. This creates a different pattern of irregularity but causes similar vision problems. Like keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration falls under the category of corneal ectasias, which are disorders that weaken the corneal structure.
Corneal irregularities can develop from several other causes. Eye injuries, previous refractive surgeries, corneal transplants, and scarring from infections can all change the shape of the cornea. These patients often develop irregular astigmatism that standard glasses or contact lenses cannot correct properly.
A healthy cornea has a smooth, dome-shaped surface that focuses light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea becomes irregular, light rays scatter instead of focusing to a single point. This causes symptoms such as:
If you can see reasonably well with glasses, that is often the best place to start. Patients with mild keratoconus may achieve good vision without contact lenses, especially if their condition has stabilized. For those who have had corneal crosslinking to halt progression, glasses may continue working well for many years.
Corneal crosslinking is a procedure that strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibers. While it does not reverse keratoconus, it can stop or slow progression. Patients with stable keratoconus after crosslinking have more predictable vision correction options available to them.
When glasses no longer provide adequate vision, specialty contact lenses become the next step. Several types of lenses can help, ranging from soft specialty designs like KeraSoft IC and NovaKone to rigid gas permeable lenses and scleral lenses. The right choice depends on the severity of your corneal irregularity and your comfort preferences.
KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses are made from a firmer soft lens material than standard contact lenses. While regular soft lenses simply drape over the cornea and take on its irregular shape, these specialty designs provide more structure. They help mask some of the corneal irregularity to create clearer vision.
These lenses can be customized in several ways to match your unique eye shape and vision needs. Your eye doctor can adjust:
Many patients find soft specialty lenses more comfortable than rigid alternatives. The soft material causes less lens awareness during wear. Insertion and removal are also typically easier, which makes these lenses a good option for patients new to specialty contact lenses or those who have struggled with rigid lens comfort.
KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses can provide meaningful vision improvement for patients with mild to moderate corneal irregularity. However, they may not deliver the same level of clarity as rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses. Your eye doctor will help you understand what level of vision improvement is realistic for your specific condition.
KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses work best for patients with mild keratoconus or other minor corneal irregularities. They are also a good option for patients who have tried rigid lenses but found them too uncomfortable. Some patients prefer to start with soft specialty lenses before considering more advanced options.
Patients with moderate to severe keratoconus often achieve better vision with scleral lenses. These larger rigid lenses vault completely over the cornea and create a smooth tear layer that provides sharper optics. Hybrid lenses, which combine a rigid center with a soft skirt, offer another alternative for patients who need better vision than soft lenses provide but want more comfort than traditional rigid lenses.
Choosing the right contact lens requires a comprehensive eye examination and detailed corneal measurements. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA and Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC use advanced diagnostic equipment including the Pentacam corneal tomographer to map your cornea and determine the best lens option for your needs.
Your first appointment will include a detailed examination of your corneal health and shape. Your eye doctor will use corneal topography or tomography to create a map of your cornea. These measurements guide the lens design and help predict which type of specialty lens will work best for you.
Once diagnostic lenses arrive, you will return to the office to try them on. Your eye doctor will evaluate how the lens fits on your eye and check your vision. It is normal to need adjustments to the lens parameters before achieving the best fit and vision.
After any needed modifications, your final lenses will be ordered. You will learn proper insertion, removal, and care techniques before taking your lenses home. Follow-up visits ensure your lenses continue to fit well and your corneal health remains good.
Proper lens care is essential for maintaining eye health and getting the best performance from your lenses. Clean and disinfect your lenses each time you remove them using the solution recommended by your eye doctor. Never use tap water or saliva on your contact lenses.
Store your lenses in fresh solution in a clean lens case. Replace your lens case every one to three months to prevent bacterial buildup. Follow your prescribed replacement schedule for the lenses themselves, which is typically every few months for custom soft lenses.
Contact your eye doctor promptly if you experience any of these symptoms:
These specialty lenses are made from a firmer material than standard soft contact lenses. They also feature customized designs that address irregular corneal shapes. While regular soft lenses conform to your cornea, these lenses provide more structure to help correct the optical distortions caused by keratoconus and similar conditions.
This depends on the severity of your corneal irregularity. Some patients with milder conditions can achieve acceptable vision with soft specialty lenses and prefer their comfort. However, if your keratoconus is moderate or severe, you may notice a significant drop in vision quality compared to scleral lenses. Your eye doctor can help you weigh the tradeoffs.
KeraSoft IC and NovaKone lenses are typically replaced every three to six months, depending on your wearing schedule and how well you care for them. Your eye doctor will recommend a replacement schedule based on your specific lenses and wearing patterns. Following this schedule helps maintain good vision and eye health.
Keratoconus progression varies from person to person. The condition often stabilizes naturally by the mid-thirties or forties. Corneal crosslinking can help stop progression earlier. If your keratoconus does progress, your lens prescription may need updating, and you might eventually need a different type of specialty lens for best vision.
You should remove your lenses before swimming, using a hot tub, or showering to prevent water-related eye infections. Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless your eye doctor specifically approves extended wear. Most daily activities including sports, computer work, and driving are fine with these lenses in place.
If KeraSoft IC or NovaKone lenses do not provide the vision clarity you need, several other options exist. Scleral lenses offer superior optics for more advanced corneal irregularities. Hybrid lenses combine a rigid optical center with a soft outer ring. Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA has advanced fellowship training in fitting all types of specialty lenses and can guide you to the best solution for your eyes.
