Written by Dr. Brent Fry

Published: 21 April 2017

Have you ever been told that you have keratoconus?  Keratoconus is a condition that affects the front surface of the eye called the cornea.  Many people who have keratoconus do not even know it.  In its beginning stages, keratoconus is very difficult to detect.  Your eye doctor can detect keratoconus in its early stages using a corneal mapping device called corneal topography.  Keratoconus usually presents in early adulthood and can progress as one ages.  It is important to detect keratoconus in its early stages and to see an eye doctor that is very familiar with the disease and treatment for it.

There are many types of contact lenses designed for keratoconic corneas.  In most cases of keratoconus, eyeglasses provide less than optimal clarity due to the warping effect of the cone.  By using specially designed contact lenses, visual acuity can be improved above and beyond what eyeglasses can provide.  Traditional soft contact lenses also fall short in acuity because they take the shape of the cornea and do not address the conical shape of the cornea.

A new procedure that has recently been approved by the FDA is called corneal cross-linking.  This procedure is used to slow down the progression of keratoconus in young adults.  Even after cross-linking, the keratoconus must still be addressed with specialty contact lenses to provide optimal vision.  Cross-linking does not reverse the effects of keratoconus, but rather slows down or halts the progression of the disease.

Keratoconus can be hereditary so it is important to stress the importance of regular eye examinations for family members of people with keratoconus.  If keratoconus is diagnosed early, the prognosis is much better.  It is important to find an eye doctor who is experienced in fitting specialty lenses.  Keratoconus contact lenses can be rather expensive.  Some vision plans provide very good benefits for "medically necessary" contact lenses.  

Written by Dr. Brent Fry

Published: 06 February 2017

We are now into February and I would assume most of us are looking forward to the warmer days of spring.  Although sunglasses should be worn year-round, many people associate sunglasses with warm, sunny days.  Now is a good time to consider upgrading your sunglasses.  If you already enjoy wearing high quality polarized sunglasses, then you are in the minority.  Unfortunately, high quality sunglasses usually make people think "expensive".  It is true that high quality sunglasses have a higher price tag, but this is one area that you truly get what you pay for.

We wear sunglasses for fashion, visual comfort and clarity, and for protection from harmful sunlight.  If your sunglasses don't provide all of those things, then you need to find some that do.  The higher the quality of sunglasses, usually the higher the price tag.  That doesn't always hold true in reverse.  There are plenty of high priced sunglasses that are not necessarily the highest quality.  The main thing that seperates the quality of the sunglasses in the high price category is the lens.  If the lenses don't protect your eyes properly, including UV and blue light, and provide high quality optics, then you should look for some that do.

We have many options in sunwear and you should rely on your eye care professionals to find the right sunglasses for you.  Fortunately, if you rely on prescription eyeglasses to see, the higher quality sunglasses also come in prescription.  These lenses are made with the same technology that the non-prescription lenses are made.  Keeping your eyewear properly adjusted will ensure that your sunglasses remain as comfortable and the optics are a clear as possible.

Your eyes are precious.  Don't skimp on quality to save a buck.  Your eyes will thank you for it!