Keratoconus Treatment Options in Westchester: Custom Scleral Lenses vs. Cross-Linking

Keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea, causing it to thin and gradually bulge outward. As the cornea becomes more irregular, patients may experience blurry or distorted vision, glare, light sensitivity, and frequent prescription changes. For patients seeking keratoconus treatment in Westchester, custom scleral lenses and corneal cross-linking are two important options, but they address the condition in different ways.

At Maple Eye and Laser Center in White Plains, we evaluate the shape and health of the cornea to determine which approach may be appropriate for each patient.

How Custom Scleral Lenses Help Keratoconus

Scleral lenses are large-diameter specialty contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white portion of the eye, called the sclera. The space between the lens and cornea is filled with fluid, creating a smoother optical surface over the irregular cornea.

For patients with keratoconus, this design can provide clearer, more stable vision than standard soft contact lenses. Each lens can be customized to the individual shape of the eye, which is especially important when the cornea has become steep or irregular.

Scleral lenses primarily address the vision problems caused by keratoconus. They do not stop the underlying cornea from continuing to change.

What Does Corneal Cross-Linking Do?

Corneal cross-linking has a different goal. Rather than functioning as vision correction, cross-linking is designed to strengthen the corneal tissue and slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.

During treatment, riboflavin eye drops and controlled ultraviolet light are used to strengthen bonds within the corneal tissue. Cross-linking may be considered when testing shows that keratoconus is progressing, particularly because treating the condition before significant corneal thinning occurs can help preserve future treatment options.

Cross-linking does not necessarily eliminate the need for glasses or specialty contact lenses afterward.

Scleral Lenses vs. Cross-Linking

The right approach depends on how keratoconus is affecting both your vision and the structure of your cornea. Important differences include:

• Scleral lenses are primarily used to improve vision affected by an irregular corneal shape.
• Cross-linking is intended to stabilize a cornea with progressive keratoconus.
• Scleral lenses are removable and require a personalized fitting and ongoing lens care.
• Both treatments may be appropriate because one can address visual clarity while the other addresses disease progression.

Because these treatments serve different purposes, choosing between them is not always an either-or decision.

Personalized Keratoconus Care in Westchester

A detailed eye examination and corneal measurements can help us determine the severity of keratoconus and whether the condition is stable or progressing. We can then discuss options based on your corneal health, vision needs, contact lens tolerance, and long-term goals.

If you have keratoconus or have noticed increasing astigmatism, distorted vision, glare, or frequent prescription changes, an evaluation can help determine the next step.
​​​​​​​

Schedule your keratoconus evaluation with Maple Eye and Laser Center at our Westchester office in White Plains, NY, by calling 914-948-5157.