At Vision Excellence in Norwest, we are acutely aware of the serious impact that keratoconus can have on vision. This condition is a progressive disease of the very front layer of the eye, known as the cornea, more common in people with a family history and in people who often vigorously rub their eyes. For this reason, we have equipped our practice with instrumentation that will assess the risk or identify the presence of keratoconus and monitor changes in the condition of the cornea with time.

The main three aspects of the eye affected by keratoconus are corneal astigmatism, corneal curvature and corneal thickness. Our normal refraction procedures will allow measurement of the amount and orientation of any astigmatism in each eye. Where keratoconus is suspected, we are equipped to perform topographic mapping of the cornea of each eye, which will identify and quantify any irregularities in the curvature of the corneal surface and allow for future comparison of subtle changes.

Furthermore, our pachymeter gives us the means to measure corneal thickness both in the centre as well as off-centre parts of the cornea that are most likely to be affected by keratoconus. Changes in corneal thickness of patients will also be accurately monitored with time.

The earlier its presence can be ascertained, the quicker a plan can be made to manage the condition. Depending on the severity of a person’s keratoconus, our optometrist at Vision Excellence will advise whether correction with spectacles or rigid gas-permeable contact lenses is appropriate.  Our Hills District practice take pride in our experience in fitting scleral lenses for patients with keratoconus, which has been life-changing for many of our patients. Almost all keratoconic patients can be fitted with sclerals, to provide them with comfortable and stable vision, with little or no compromise to the health of the cornea. Scleral lenses have been especially popular with patients who feel like giving up on conventional contact lenses which fall out or cause major scratchiness, discomfort or even pain, causing the eyes to be constantly watery and red. We aim for the best vision possible and the best health outcomes for the eyes through comfortable scleral lenses providing clear and normal-looking eyes!

In more advanced cases, our optometrist can provide referral to experiences corneal ophthalmologists in the Hills District or elsewhere if an opinion is necessary regarding corneal cross linking (CXL) or other eye surgery.