Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the cornea to thin out and begin to bulge, warping it from a normal and healthy rounded shape into a cone-like shape that distorts vision, causes double or blurry vision, and increases sensitivity to light.
These symptoms can significantly impair activities that require sharp vision, such as driving at night. For individuals with keratoconus, the glare of headlights and streetlights can be particularly challenging, making light sensitivity worse and complicating their ability to see the road.
Understanding Light Sensitivity Linked to Keratoconus
Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is a common symptom in people with keratoconus. The irregular shape of the cornea scatters light as it enters the eye, leading to discomfort and difficulty in processing visual information under bright conditions. At night, this issue is intensified by the high contrast between darkness and the bright lights of oncoming traffic, which can cause significant glare. This glare can result in halos or starbursts around lights, making it difficult to focus and navigate safely while driving.
How Scleral Lenses Can Help
Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens often prescribed to manage severe corneal irregularities, such as those caused by keratoconus. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the entire corneal surface, settling on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. This helps correct corneal irregularities by providing a consistent, round refractive surface for light to enter the eye through, resulting in clearer, more focused vision and significantly reducing the visual distortions commonly experienced by keratoconus patients.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Night Driving
Specifically for night vision and driving at night, scleral lenses for keratoconus offer a number of advantages. These include:
Reduced Glare and Halos: Scleral lenses can dramatically decrease the glare and halos around lights at night. Their ability to correct the irregular shape of the cornea allows for more precise light focusing, lessening the effects of scattered light that contribute to these issues.
Enhanced Visual Clarity: By correcting the overall shape of the cornea, scleral lenses improve the overall sharpness and clarity of vision. This is crucial for night driving, where the ability to discern fine details can be the difference between arriving at your destination safely and running into problems along the way.
Increased Comfort: Scleral lenses are designed to be highly breathable and to maintain hydration, which can be particularly soothing for eyes that may feel strained or irritated after prolonged exposure to harsh lighting conditions.
Considerations Before Choosing Scleral Lenses
While scleral lenses offer significant benefits for individuals with keratoconus, especially for night driving, they also require careful fitting and maintenance. It's important to consult with an eye care professional who fits scleral lenses to ensure they are a suitable option and to receive proper training in their care and usage.
Keratoconus can make night driving a daunting task, full of obstacles and visual challenges. However, with the right corrective measures like scleral lenses, it’s possible to regain confidence behind the wheel. These lenses improve visual acuity, reduce light sensitivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for those dealing with this challenging condition.
Visit our New Holland eye care team at Optometric Associates to learn more.