Vision Therapy in New Holland

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(717) 354-2251

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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383 Reviews
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- Dec. 09, 2024
Just had a wonderful experience at Dr. Owens’s office in New Holland , Pennsylvania. No appointmen... t needed. I walked right in and was treated wonderfully. I had stepped on the stem of my glasses and it was repaired within five minutes. Going to make Doctor ‘s office a place that I plan to visit frequently for my eyecare. Giving a five star review
- Nov. 12, 2024
Love Dr. Owen & Dr. Strybos. Both doctors go into depth explaining every detail of their finding... s. They recommend next steps as if you were their own family. Staff so professional, knowledgeable and friendly ! Been going there for many years and always a great experience! I also get to play a bit with Quinn, the office mascot; Collie, who hangs out there at times. Seeing him is always a bonus!
- Nov. 01, 2024
Great place for eye care. As long as I need glasses, I will be there!
- Oct. 31, 2024
This practice goes above and beyond for their patients. I feel very comfortable and know I am getti... ng the best care.
- Oct. 23, 2024
Everyone was friendly. I arrived 15mins before my appointment, and was seen almost immediately
- Oct. 11, 2024
Prompt and friendly service. Knowledgeable doctor. Staff was very explicit in exam procedures and do... ctor was very thorough explaining the results. Office was clean and organized. Great overall experience.
- Oct. 05, 2024
Everyone is knowledgeable, caring and friendly. Great service!
- Sep. 30, 2024
Loved the staff here. They were so warm and welcoming the moment I walked in. They were all extremel... y knowledgeable and I’m so glad I found this office.
- Sep. 04, 2024
Awesome care from the best in the business
- Jul. 17, 2024
I went in to Owens today for a comprehensive eye exam and I can easily say that this is one of the b... est Optometrist offices I have ever been to. The staff was friendly and courteous, the wait time was minimal, and it’s clear that they try to keep the latest and highest tech equipment available for their use. Dr Kauffman did my exam and was polite, personable, and incredibly thorough. He answered all of the questions I had and made sure I understood exactly what was going on inside my eyes and what each test was for. 10/10 experience, and I will continue to visit them for years to come.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Excellent service provided here! I came to establish myself as a new patient, and I am severely myop... ic needing a high prescription for both glasses and contacts. I received a thorough eye exam including screening for glaucoma and macular degeneration, had my options presented to me clearly, and had all of my questions answered, about my eye health and about cost of services. I was seen by Dr. Strybos, an intern, and another learning practitioner, all three of whom contributed positively to my care. 10/10 would recommend this practice.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Owens Optometrics is as good as it gets
- Jun. 11, 2024
So happy that Dr. Owens and his staff are keeping my vision tip-top!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Owens optometric is a well oiled machine. Everyone we met were kind and courteous and considerate. T... hey all work together as a team. I would highly recommend a Owens optometric to anyone who needed corrective vision help.
- May. 17, 2024
I highly recommend Dr. Strybos and the team at Owens Optometrics! The photos they take of the blood... vessels/nerves of the eyes are very fascinating, and Dr. Strybos takes time to review and explain them in detail, as well as compare to previous and discuss changes and risks (the vessels show a lot, such as stress from high blood pressure or indication of high blood sugar, etc.). I have learned a great deal from our conversations and refer my friends and family to him!
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Owens and his staff are awesome!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Had my appointment recently and loved the place! Super kind and helpful staff. The doctors are amazi... ng, really they listen to your concerns, the appointment didn’t feel rushed, detailed check. 100% recommend.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Dr Owens is the best.
- Apr. 17, 2024
Love my new glasses! Such a great experience at Owen’s Optimetrics. Thank you everyone!
- Apr. 09, 2024
My experience at Owens Optometrics is always a good one. The doctors and staff are friendly and kno... wledgeable. They are thorough and I never feel rushed. I feel like they give excellent care.

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Scleral Lenses in New Holland

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Photograph of Noah  Kauffman
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Owens Optometrics

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Owens Optometrics today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(717) 354-2251