Keratoconus vs. Standard Astigmatism: Signs You Need Specialty Lenses in Kent, WA

Blurry or distorted vision is often blamed on astigmatism, but not every irregularity in the cornea is the same. For some patients in Kent, WA, vision that remains unclear even with updated glasses or standard contact lenses may be related to keratoconus. Understanding the difference between standard astigmatism and keratoconus can help determine when a traditional prescription is enough and when specialty contact lenses may provide better vision.

What Is Standard Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of light focusing evenly on the retina, it may focus at multiple points, causing blurred or distorted vision at different distances.

Regular astigmatism can often be corrected successfully with eyeglasses or standard toric contact lenses. Symptoms may include blurry vision, squinting, headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing clearly at night.

How Is Keratoconus Different?

Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This creates irregular astigmatism that can become more difficult to correct with traditional glasses or soft contact lenses.

People with keratoconus may experience blurry or distorted vision, light sensitivity, double vision, or increasing nearsightedness and astigmatism. Because keratoconus can change over time, regular eye examinations are important for monitoring the cornea and determining whether a different approach to vision correction is needed.

Signs Specialty Contact Lenses May Be Needed

Patients may benefit from a specialty contact lens evaluation if they notice that conventional vision correction is no longer providing consistently clear eyesight.

Signs to discuss with your eye doctor include:

•          Frequent or significant changes in your eyeglass prescription

•          Vision that remains blurry despite an updated prescription

•          Increasing astigmatism

•          Glare, halos, or difficulty seeing clearly at night

•          Distorted or doubled images

•          Difficulty achieving comfortable, clear vision with standard contacts

•          A previous diagnosis of keratoconus or another irregular corneal condition

These symptoms do not automatically mean you have keratoconus. A comprehensive eye examination in Kent is needed to determine what is affecting your vision.

How Specialty Lenses Can Help Keratoconus

When the corneal surface is irregular, specialty contact lenses can create a more uniform optical surface and improve how light enters the eye. Depending on the patient's corneal shape and visual needs, rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses may provide clearer vision than standard soft contacts.

At Kent Eye Clinic, we specialize in medically necessary and specialty contact lenses, including custom WAVE Designed RGP and scleral lens designs for patients with keratoconus. The practice also works with patients who have irregular or high astigmatism, pellucid marginal degeneration, dry eye, and other challenging corneal conditions.

Find the Right Lens for Your Eyes in Kent

If your glasses or standard contact lenses are no longer giving you the clarity you expect, a specialty contact lens evaluation can help determine whether the shape of your cornea is contributing to the problem. We can evaluate your vision and discuss lens options designed around the individual needs of your eyes.

Schedule an eye exam with Kent Eye Clinic to explore custom specialty contact lenses for your vision and comfort. Contact our office in Kent, WA, by calling (253) 852-2120 to book an appointment today.