Vision Therapy in Centennial

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(303) 771-4221

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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- Sep. 13, 2025
Fabulous experience with this practice. They corrected the bad prescription I had received elsewhere... and I am so grateful for the dignity and kindness shown from the call for the appointment to receiving my glasses.
- Aug. 30, 2025
Dr. Kaitlyn Barkey was wonderful! Very thorough and explains everything in great detail. She actuall... y cares about her patients and that came through loud and clear. The staff was great as well and I’m so thankful I selected this office and Dr. Barkey as my new eye care provider. They did not disappoint.
- Aug. 25, 2025
Great experience! Courteous and knowledgeable staff, highly recommend. Glasses are priced a bit high... but the staff and Doctor that I saw were phenomenal.
- Aug. 20, 2025
A wonderful overall experience.
- Aug. 09, 2025
Very patient and thorough. Explain things well. Good with kids. Great selection of higher-end gla... sses frames.
- Aug. 07, 2025
I had a great experience with Dr. Barkey and her team. Dr. Barkey took the time to explain everythin... g clearly and answered all of my questions with patience and professionalism. I never felt rushed, and I appreciate her attention to detail. She is smart, kind, and personable. I highly recommend her!!
- Jul. 10, 2025
The staff is professional and friendly. Dr. Barkey takes time to explain things clearly.
- Jun. 27, 2025
Knowledgeable to le and pleasant...
- Jun. 16, 2025
Service was kind efficient. The doctor was helpful and provided a lot of information and made me fee... l comfortable. Ty woman who helped me select my glasses and sunglasses was knowledgeable, positive, and helpful. I did pay quite a bit for my new glasses, but I'm very happy with them and the best part is I can see!
- Jun. 12, 2025
Excellent experience. Professional and caring. Dr. Barkey was exceptional.
- Jun. 04, 2025
I've been going here for years. Very friendly staff and doctors.
- Jun. 03, 2025
Dr. Shimonova was very professional and patient. She answered all of my questions clearly and comple... tely.
- Jun. 02, 2025
Heavenly environment million thanks
- May. 25, 2025
EyeCare Consultants is great
- Apr. 08, 2025
They provide excellent customer service.
- Apr. 04, 2025
Great eye doc, staff, and facility!
- Apr. 01, 2025
Very professional, highly recommend
- Mar. 21, 2025
I have used EyeCare Consultants for over two decades since my PRK procedure. I have always received ... excellent care for my vision health. Despite change in ownership in 2021, I continue to experience that same level of excellence.
- Dec. 18, 2024
Dr. Barkey is wonderful. Knowledgeable an kind. My wife and I both go there and my father did as wel... l before he passed. The best place to go for eyecare in Colorado.
- Dec. 12, 2024
The entire office is professional, courteous, prompt and polite.

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Scleral Lenses in Centennial

Our optometry practice in Centennial

Photograph of Katlyn Barkey
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from EyeCare Consultants

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 EyeCare Consultants today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(303) 771-4221