Scottsdale

(480) 991-6432

Keratoconus

Keratoconus Treatment Offered by Your Optometrist in Mesa and Scottsdale

Not everyone has a typical eye shape. People with non-round eyes tend to have problems with vision. Additionally, the curvature of the eye makes it more difficult to fit a person with contacts. At Riviera Opticare Inc., serving Mesa, Scottsdale, and the nearby Arizona regions, our optometrist may pair patients with issues like keratoconus with the proper treatment to optimize their vision.

Keratoconus

Definition of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea. The collagen in the stroma of the cornea gives it structure. If you have keratoconus, this layer begins to diminish and weaken. As a result, the eye bulges and causes it to have conical shape. Since the eye isn’t shaped correctly, the light that enters your eye doesn’t focus directly on your retina as it should. Because of this, you experience vision problems.

It's not known what causes keratoconus. However, it appears you’re more at risk if you have a family history of it. Other issues seem to increase your chances of developing it, including:

    • Asthma
    • Rubbing your eyes vigorously frequently
    • Retina pigmentosa
    • Down syndrome
    • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
    • Having low levels of antioxidants


Symptoms of Keratoconus

You may experience distorted, clouded, or blurry vision. Some people experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare. In some cases, people who have keratoconus struggle to drive at night. You may notice you have frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact prescription. Your symptoms will worsen as the shape of your eye changes.

Most people start having symptoms of keratoconus as a teenager or when they’re in their 20s. It’s not as common, but some people don’t receive a diagnosis of the condition until they’re older. This occurs when the irregular shape of the eye isn’t severe. Once you have keratoconus, the symptoms of the condition will worsen for a while and slow down in about 10 to 20 years.

Diagnosing and Treating Keratoconus

We diagnose the condition based on your eye examination. We can detect it through visual acuity testing as well as our astigmatism test. We can also tell if you have it based on how frequently you change eyewear prescriptions. We’ll provide you with the option of glasses or contacts to correct your vision. You may need to wear scleral contact lenses since they cover a larger portion of your eye. We might prescribe contacts for astigmatism to optimize your vision. We may advise you to opt for gas-permeable lenses because they’ll be more comfortable for you. Hybrid lenses or wearing two different contacts in each eye are often effective as well.

Schedule an appointment with Riviera Opticare Inc., serving Mesa, Scottsdale, and the general vicinity, by calling:

Scottsdale – 480-991-6432
Mesa- 480-827-9184

*Published/Written by: Dr. Amy Keding & Dr. Susan Reckell

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  • My Internal Medicine Doctor recommended Dr. Susan Reckell for my eye care. After a very extensive first eye exam with the doctor, I spent time with the eye care specialist who did not rush me and helped me choose a great pair of glasses within my budget. Highly recommend.

    - Hughes, S. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • Love love love Riviera!!!!! I had the most fun experience ever for an eye exam and contact lens fitting....who knew? Been a customer for a few years and not going anywhere else!!!!!

    - Monahan, C. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • I've been going to Riviera for 15 years and wouldn't consider anywhere else. Great doctors, beautiful eyewear and knowledgeable opticians.

    - Dolinky, A. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • Dr. Reckell is amazing, the staff is amazing and the place is very up to date and wonderful! They have the latest and greatest technology. I am always impressed when I go in. :)

    - Colquhoun, A. / Gilbert, AZ
  • I have been going to Riviera Optic for my eye care and glasses needs for the last 15 years. There commitment towards client satisfaction has consistently exceeded expectations year after year. I always receive comments on my glasses about how great they look on me, I couldn't have done this without the help from their talented staff guiding me with frame selection.

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    Show More - Dunlop, J. / Gilbert, AZ
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    - Silva, D. / Mesa, AZ
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    - - Fred W. / Mesa, AZ