Non-Surgical Vision Improvement for Eye Keratoconus: Dr. Boshnick’s Approach
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease affecting the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It thins out and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. If you or a loved one is grappling with this condition, you may be seeking treatment options. One viable, non-surgical solution is the use of scleral lenses, dramatically improving vision impacted by Keratoconus.
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can cause significant visual impairment. This disease affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea is typically round and smooth, which allows light to pass through it to the retina, creating a clear image. However, in keratoconus, the cornea thins out and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to visual distortion 1.
According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of keratoconus often first appear in the late teens or early twenties and can include mild blurring and distortion of vision, increased light sensitivity, and eye strain from difficulty focusing.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Scleral Lenses
The distortion of vision caused by keratoconus can often be corrected without the need for surgery. One effective non-surgical treatment method is the use of scleral lenses 2. Unlike regular contact lenses, scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Because these lenses sit on the sclera rather than the cornea, they can help to correct the irregular shape of the cornea caused by keratoconus, providing improved vision and comfort for the wearer 3.
Dr. Boshnick at Eye Freedom specializes in fitting these lenses for patients with keratoconus.
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses that make a significant difference in managing keratoconus. Unlike regular contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the “white” of the eye (the sclera). By doing so, they create a smooth optical surface to correct vision issues caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities AOA.
In this video, retired Marine Captain Juan Fernandez speaks about keratoconus and how scleral lenses have changed his life. Honored and privileged to have helped this wounded warrior regain quality vision once again.
The Man Behind The Vision: Dr. Edward Boshnick
Dr. Edward Boshnick holds a global reputation for his expertise in treating patients with the most complex vision problems. A graduate of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Boshnick has spent over three decades dedicating his career to helping patients reclaim their vision.
The doctor operates a full-scope optometry clinic, with a special focus on patients suffering from keratoconus, post-LASIK complications, and other irregular corneal conditions. Dr. Boshnick’s innovative approach has offered a new lease of life to patients from all around the globe. You can learn more about Dr. Boshnick’s work and philosophy here.
Cutting-Edge Technology at Eye Freedom
At Eye Freedom, we employ cutting-edge technology to ensure the best possible vision correction for our patients. Two significant technologies that we use are the EyePrint Pro system and wavefront scleral lenses.
The EyePrint Pro system designs lenses based on an impression or mold of the eye’s front surface. This process provides data that allow the creation of a lens that fits perfectly to the eye’s unique shape, offering unparalleled comfort and improved vision.
Wavefront scleral lenses, on the other hand, are designed using wavefront optics technology. The wavefront aberrometer device measures how light travels through the eye, identifying distortions that cause poor vision. This data is then used to create a lens that precisely corrects these distortions 4. You can learn more about this technology on our wavefront scleral lenses page.
EyePrint Pro
EyePrint Pro is an innovative technology Dr. Boshnick uses to design lenses based on a mold taken from the front surface of the eye. This provides a perfect fit and improved comfort. This technology is incredibly useful for patients with keratoconus as it allows the creation of a lens that accommodates the unique shape of their cornea, providing improved vision quality EyePrint Pro.
Wavefront Scleral Lenses
Dr. Boshnick is one of the few optometrists globally who uses the advanced technology of wavefront optics in the design of scleral lenses. This technology maps out aberrations in the eye, allowing for a truly personalized lens design that can further improve visual quality for keratoconus patients Wavefront Scleral Lenses.
Regular Follow-ups and Continuous Care
Dr. Boshnick and the team at Eye Freedom believe that managing keratoconus is an ongoing process. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your condition and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure your scleral lenses continue to provide the best possible vision correction and comfort.
Expertise and Patient Satisfaction
At Eye Freedom, patient satisfaction is our top priority. Our team, led by Dr. Boshnick, brings years of experience and expertise in managing keratoconus with scleral lenses. We take pride in the countless patients who have achieved improved vision and better quality of life through our personalized care About Us.
Why Choose Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus?
Scleral lenses have several advantages for keratoconus patients:
Improved Vision: They provide excellent vision correction because they replace the irregular shape of the cornea with a smooth, refractive surface WebMD.
Comfort: Since these lenses rest on the sclera and not the cornea, they are often more comfortable than traditional contact lenses. They also retain a reservoir of fluid that provides constant hydration to the eye’s surface AOA.
Protection: Scleral lenses can protect the cornea from harsh external conditions and prevent further damage.
Improving Vision: How We Work
At Eye Freedom, our process begins with a comprehensive eye examination to assess the health of your eyes and the extent of keratoconus. Then, using top-of-the-line devices like the wavefront aberrometer and EyePrint Pro, we create a unique vision correction plan to meet your needs. Our goal is not just to improve your vision but to ensure that you have the most comfortable vision experience possible.
Living with Keratoconus: What You Should Know
Living with keratoconus doesn’t have to mean living with poor vision. With the right treatment and a dedicated care team, you can live an active life with clear vision. It’s important to remember that early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in managing this condition, so regular eye examinations are crucial 5.
For more detailed information on keratoconus and other ocular conditions, feel free to explore our blog.
Footnotes
Eye Keratoconus (FAQs)
1. What are the early signs of keratoconus?
The early signs of keratoconus can include mild blurring and distortion of vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, and a slight irritation in the eye. As the condition progresses, the symptoms typically become more severe1.
2. How does keratoconus affect vision?
Keratoconus affects the cornea, which is responsible for focusing most of the light that comes into the eye. As the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, it causes the light entering the eye to become scattered rather than focused, creating a distorted and blurred image1.
3. Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear?
Yes, scleral lenses are often more comfortable to wear than traditional contact lenses. Since they vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, they don’t touch the sensitive corneal tissue. This unique fitting approach often makes them more comfortable for people with corneal irregularities like keratoconus2.
4. How long can I wear scleral lenses each day?
Scleral lenses can be worn comfortably for 12-14 hours a day. However, the exact wearing time may vary depending on individual tolerance and doctor’s recommendations.
5. Can I sleep with scleral lenses in?
No, it’s not recommended to sleep with scleral lenses in. They should be removed, cleaned, and disinfected nightly.
6. Who is a good candidate for scleral lenses?
Patients with keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, other corneal irregularities, and those with severe dry eyes may benefit from scleral lenses. However, the ultimate decision rests with your eye doctor who will consider several factors, including the health of your eyes, your lifestyle needs, and your specific vision challenges.
7. Are scleral lenses difficult to insert and remove?
There may be a learning curve when you first start using scleral lenses, but with practice and guidance from your eye care professional, most patients find the process straightforward and easy to master.
8. Does insurance cover the cost of scleral lenses?
Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of scleral lenses, especially when they’re medically necessary. It’s recommended to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Optimizing Your Vision with Dr. Boshnick
Keratoconus can pose significant challenges to your daily life, but the right treatment can improve your vision dramatically. At Eye Freedom, led by Dr. Edward Boshnick, we are committed to helping our patients see the world clearly. Using advanced technology and individualized care, we aim to optimize your vision and improve your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards better vision.
