Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus in Norfolk

From working downtown to weekend days on the water, good vision matters. If you’ve been struggling with frequent changes in your prescription or contacts that just don’t feel right, keratoconus could be the reason. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we offer specialty scleral lenses designed for patients with keratoconus, helping you live and see comfortably in every part of your Norfolk life.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape disrupts how light enters the eye, leading to distorted, blurry, or double vision, even with glasses.

Keratoconus usually starts during the late teens to early 30s and often progresses over time. For some, it’s a slow shift; for others, it feels like their prescription keeps changing every few months with no lasting clarity.

Common Symptoms of Keratoconus

You might have keratoconus if you notice:

• Blurry or distorted vision that glasses can’t fully correct
• Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription
• Light sensitivity or glare, especially at night
• Double vision (in one eye)
• Eye strain or headaches
• Difficulty wearing soft contacts

Diagnosing Keratoconus at Envision Ghent Optometry

Many people go years without a proper diagnosis, especially if they’re told “you just need stronger lenses.” But our team looks deeper.

Our eye doctor, Dr. Cassis, uses corneal topography and advanced imaging to map the shape of your cornea. This allows her to detect even early-stage keratoconus and start building a management plan before vision worsens.

She also looks at your family history, screens for allergies or frequent eye rubbing, and evaluates the health of your corneal tissue.

Why Scleral Lenses Work for Keratoconus

For keratoconus, regular glasses and soft contact lenses just can’t provide the clarity and stability you need, but scleral lenses can. These large, dome-shaped lenses vault over your entire cornea, creating a smooth optical surface and trapping a layer of fluid between the lens and your eye. This:

• Corrects the distorted vision caused by the cone shape
• Keeps your eyes hydrated throughout the day
• Provides all-day comfort, even for sensitive eyes

Unlike rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses don’t touch the cone, which makes them more comfortable and safer for long-term use.

What to Expect from Your Scleral Lens Fitting

Our keratoconus fittings are detailed and customized—no rush, no “one-size-fits-all.” We’ll:

• Conduct a full specialty lens evaluation
• Take digital maps of your cornea
• Fit you with trial lenses based on your eye shape and keratoconus stage
• Adjust and refine the fit over multiple visits to ensure clarity and comfort

You’ll also receive training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses at home. Many of our keratoconus patients say scleral lenses give them “the first clear vision in years.”

The Importance of Professional Care

Keratoconus is a lifelong condition, and it requires expert care to manage effectively. Dr. Cassis and our team stay up to date on the latest scleral lens technology and keratoconus research, because your vision deserves more than a generic fix.

We also monitor your condition over time, adjusting your lenses as needed and referring for surgical intervention only if necessary. For many patients, scleral lenses eliminate the need for surgery altogether.

Get Keratoconus Support You Can Count On

Living with keratoconus doesn’t mean settling for poor vision. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we help patients across Norfolk get back to clear, stable sight with advanced diagnostics and expertly fitted scleral lenses.