Contacts in Rhode Island

In the later stages, keratoconus typically requires laser or surgical treatment. In the earlier stages, however, patients living with keratoconus can achieve clear vision with much less invasive treatments, such as specialty contact lenses. At Koch Eye Associates, we have many eye health professionals who focus on specialty contact lens services and can determine which type is best for each patient. At a consultation with one of these specialists, you will have a comprehensive eye exam and evaluation to assess your specific needs for the stage of your keratoconus.

We are proud to have several contact lens options available for patients in the earlier stages of the condition. If you are a candidate for keratoconus contact lenses, we will be able to choose the type that will help you attain your clearest vision with the least maintenance. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a facility in Wakefield, Woonsocket, North Kingstown, Warwick, or Johnston, RI near you.

RGP Lens – Rigid Gas Permeable lenses are typically the most advantageous option for patients with keratoconus. Though they are rigid, they should not be confused with the old fashioned “hard” contacts. RGP lenses are able to keep their form, allowing for a more uniform, complete masking of corneal irregularities and providing consistently crisp vision. They are made of a material that allows oxygen to pass through directly to the eye.

Scleral Lens – Scleral lenses are typically RGP lenses with a larger diameter. The larger diameter provides refractive correction over the entire surface of the cornea. The outside edge of the contact extends over the white part of the eye (the sclera), which translates to a more secure and stable fit, for example, during sports.

Soft Lens – Soft contact lenses may be an option for patients whose keratoconus has progressed to the point that rigid contacts are difficult to keep in place. Made of a new silicone hydrogel material, soft contacts for keratoconus can be designed with different central and peripheral curvatures. This allows a design that both corrects refraction errors and fits snugly on the eye.

Piggy-Back – Piggy-backing refers to the use of two lenses at the same time, a soft lens and an RGP lens, for patients who don’t receive vision acuity with a soft lens only. The soft lens provides a cushion of comfort while the RGP lens sits on top to serve as the surface of the cornea.

Hybrid Lens – Hybrid lenses are the combination of an RGP lens in the center with a soft lens at the rim or outer edge. They can be designed in multiple shapes and sizes to provide the best fit for your eye.

Your contact fitting may be performed on the same day as your initial consultation or at your next visit. During your fitting, one of our specialty lens experts will conduct an eye exam and ask about your lifestyle and activities to determine your needs. After we fit your new contact lenses, we will carefully go over how to put them in, take them out, and properly clean and store them. These instructions are very important and should always be followed to ensure your continuing eye health, as well as to maintain your contact lenses.

We ask all of our specialty contact lens patients to schedule one or two follow-up visits after a contact fitting. These follow-ups are important because these visits are how we make sure that your new contacts continue to fit and work properly. We can offer more help and advice for insertion and removal if you are struggling, or we can try other options if you are experiencing discomfort. Most importantly, if you are not achieving optimal vision, we may need to try a different type of contact.

All of the eye health professionals at Koch Eye Associates strive to provide comprehensive eye care that improves quality of life. We know that a diagnosis of any progressive eye disease can be alarming, and our team is here to guide you through the early and later stages of keratoconus. With the right treatment plan from a skilled optometrist or ophthalmologist, you can preserve your optimal vision. Contact one of our Rhode Island facilities near you to schedule your first consultation. We are here to help you achieve your clearest vision with a customized contact lens evaluation and fitting.