Questions Keratoconus Patients are Asking
- I get great vision with ClearKone contacts and comfort for the most part however my contacts cloud up at times, especially my left eye. Could this be the adpatation period?
- Since part of the hybrid lens is rigid, will I feel the lens in my eye?
- I have had keratoconus for 4 years and it continues to get worse. At what point should I consider surgery?
- I’ve thought about getting Intacs, but I’ve heard that you still need to wear contact lenses after you’ve had Intacs surgery. Is this true?
- What is the best solution to use with my ClearKone® lenses?
- Can I sleep in ClearKone® lenses?
- What do you suggest for dry eyes?
Q: I am a Keratoconus patient and have been wearing Soft Perm contact lens for over 10 years. I have now been fitted with the new ClearKone Synergeyes lens in both eyes. I get great vision with these contacts and comfort for the most part however my contacts cloud up at times, especially my left eye. I know that these lenses are high in oxgyen – like 7 times more oxygen is received by the conrea compared to the Soft Perm – could this be the adpatation period? Shak
A: Shak, you bring up a very common issue faced by SynergEyes and other contact lens patients: “cloudy vision.” There are several reasons for cloudy vision including an improper contact lens fit. Please tell your contact lens fitter about this issue so that he/she can check the fit and make sure that it is correct. More commonly, many patients experience cloudy vision because of the surface of their lens drying out or hazing over. The surface of contact lenses requires extreme care in order to keep it wetable. There are several steps that you may want to take in order to enhance the surface of the lenses. 1. Use the proper soap. The soap that we use can have oils that cause the surface of the lens to become non-wetting. Use lanoline free soaps that are free of perfume and fragrances. 2. After washing your hands, rinse your fingertips with the contact lens solution that you use prior to handeling your contact lenses (Unless you use a hydrogen peroxide solution such as Clear Care) 3. If you are getting cloudy vision consider switching to a different contact lens solution that creates a more wettable surface. As always consult your contact lens fitter on any changes that you make to your lens wearing routine or solution use. Dr. Kading
Q: Since part of the hybrid lens is rigid, will I feel the lens in my eye?
A: If you’ve never worn contact lenses before, or if you have only worn soft lenses, there may be a period of adaptation. Typically this adaptation period lasts for 3-5 days.
Your practitioner may want to build up your wearing time over a few days, and they will be able to recommend a wear schedule customized for you.
Q: I have had keratoconus for 4 years and it continues to get worse. At what point should I consider surgery?
A: Approximately 20% of patients with keratoconus will have progression to the degree where corneal surgery is necessary. The most common procedure performed is a full thickness corneal transplant also known as a penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). In this surgery the diseased cornea is removed and replaced by a human donor cornea. Luckily, transplantation of the cornea is the most successful of all organ transplants with a low rejection rate. Many patients will still need the assistance of glasses or contact lenses for optimal vision. This is why many of the top corneal surgeons first refer their keratoconus patients to a contact lens specialist before operating. Answer by: Dr. Chou
Q: I’ve thought about getting Intacs, but I’ve heard that you still need to wear contact lenses after you’ve had Intacs surgery. Is this true?
A: Intacs is a relatively newer surgical method to address the corneal irregularity found in keratoconus. It involves the implantation of tiny plastic segments within the cornea. The result is to make the optical surface of the cornea relatively more regular, thus reducing the degree of vision distortion. This technology is only indicated for keratoconic corneas without scaring, yet have become contact lens intolerant. Results with Intacs have been encouraging, but once again are not a total solution for this disease. As with PK, patients who have had Intacs implanted most often still require contact lens correction for maximum vision. By making the corneal surface more regular contact lens fitting may be more successful following Intacs.
Keratoconus patients contemplating Intacs surgery should first consult with a qualified contact lens practitioner to investigate less invasive and potentially more effective treatment. Click here for an article on surgical options. Answer by: Dr. Eiden.
Q: What is the best solution to use with my ClearKone® lenses?
A: There are several care systems approved for use with hybrid contact lenses. You should always follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional with regard to caring for your lenses. SynergEyes, the manufacturer of ClearKone lenses also has some recommendations that you can find on this website.
Q: Can I sleep in ClearKone® lenses?
A: ClearKone lenses are approved by the FDA for daily wear only. Therefore you should never sleep in your lenses. You should remove your lenses at the end of the day clean them and store them overnight.
Q: What do you suggest for dry eyes?
A: Use re-wetting drops approved for soft lenses like Optive to help with dryness. It is also very important to digitally clean your lenses – ignore the “no rub” on solutions. Also using the non preserved products for insertion does seem to help as well, rather than using a multipurpose solution.
Ask an Expert!
To submit a question, please send an email to askanexpert@synergeyes.com. We will review all questions and post an answer each week.
Please note: If you have an urgent question about your eye health, contact your eye care practitioner immediately. This page is designed to provide general information about vision, vision care and vision correction. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you suspect that you have a vision problem or a condition that requires attention, consult with an eye care professional for advice on the treatment of your own specific condition and for your own particular needs.