Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

What Is Keratoconus?

Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye, responsible for focusing light accurately onto your retina. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes light to be scattered as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred, distorted vision that worsens over time.

Keratoconus typically develops in the teenage years and early adulthood and can progress over 10 to 20 years before stabilizing. Left unmanaged, it can significantly impact daily activities like reading, driving, and using digital devices.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

If you notice any of the following visual changes, please schedule an evaluation with our keratoconus specialists as soon as possible:

• Blurred or distorted vision that worsens over time
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare (photophobia)
• Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contact lenses
• Difficulty seeing at night (halos around lights)
• Poor vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses
• Eye rubbing — a known risk factor that can accelerate progression

Keratoconus Diagnosis

At Arizona's Vision, our optometrists use corneal topography — a sophisticated imaging technology that maps the curvature and surface elevation of the cornea — to accurately diagnose keratoconus and monitor its progression over time. This allows us to detect keratoconus in its early stages and begin treatment before vision is significantly affected.

Keratoconus Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and progression of your condition. Our keratoconus specialists will develop a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Specialty Contact Lenses — including rigid gas-permeable (RGP), hybrid, scleral, and custom soft lenses designed to vault over the irregular corneal surface and provide clear vision
• Scleral Lenses — large-diameter lenses that rest on the white of the eye and create a smooth optical surface over the cornea, dramatically improving vision for moderate to severe keratoconus
• Corneal Cross-Linking Referral — for progressive keratoconus, we coordinate with ophthalmologists for cross-linking procedures to halt progression
• Ongoing Monitoring — regular topography mapping to track any changes and adjust treatment as needed

Living With Keratoconus

Keratoconus doesn't have to define your life. With the right specialist care and appropriately fitted lenses, many patients achieve excellent functional vision. Arizona's Vision has helped countless Phoenix-area patients with keratoconus regain their independence and quality of life. Our team is experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to finding the best solution for your unique situation.