Vision Therapy in Ocala

The Power of Scleral Lenses and Corneal Crosslinking

(352) 512-0560

Advanced Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can significantly impact your vision over time. If you've been diagnosed with this condition, you may have concerns about the future of your eyesight. Fortunately, a groundbreaking treatment combination can help — corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses.

woman adding contact


close-up of contact in eye

Understanding Keratoconus: Symptoms and Causes

Keratoconus is a unique and challenging eye disorder. It's characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, the eye's clear front surface. This corneal distortion causes vision problems, including blurry and distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing soft contact lenses or glasses. Over time, the progression of keratoconus can lead to severe vision impairment.


The Power of Corneal Crosslinking and Scleral Lenses

Corneal crosslinking is a minimally invasive procedure that can strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus. Riboflavin eye drops are carefully applied to the cornea's surface, followed by controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination of riboflavin and UV light strengthens the bonds between collagen fibers , which add strength and stability to the cornea.

In combination with corneal crosslinking, scleral lenses play a crucial role in improving vision for keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses are larger, specialized contact lenses that vault over the cornea, creating a smooth, moist reservoir of tears between the lens and the eye's surface. This provides clear vision and enhances comfort, making them an excellent option for individuals with keratoconus.

Corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses offer several advantages. Among others, this combination:

  • Improves Vision

    Many patients experience improved vision after undergoing corneal crosslinking and using scleral lenses. The strengthening of the cornea combined with the customized fit of scleral lenses can lead to clearer and more stable eyesight. As a result, you may rely less on glasses or traditional contact lenses.

  • Is Minimally Invasive

    The procedure itself is minimally invasive, typically performed in an outpatient setting. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the process, and the recovery time is relatively short, allowing you to return to your daily activities promptly.

  • Shows Long-Lasting Results

    The strengthening effect on the cornea can provide long-term benefits. By preserving your corneal integrity and utilizing scleral lenses, this combination can help maintain your vision for years, reducing the risk of further vision loss.

Patient Reviews
4.8
998 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Aug. 27, 2025
My visit here was fantastic from the moment I walked in and throughout my whole appointment. Alex wa... s my eye tech. She was very professional, friendly and made me feel very comfortable during all of my testing. She explained each test in detail which I appreciated! Doctor Castello is extremely nice and took his time to explain everything in detail regarding my test results. Check out was a breeze with Courtney. She is so pleasant! I am so very happy and grateful to have such a wonderful place to come to for my eye care. They really do make you feel like family. Thank you eye care center of Ocala!
- Aug. 21, 2025
I’m very happy that I found this facility! Alex and Dr. Castello were both very friendly and help... ful. The wait time was minimal and it was easy to get in to be seen. I highly recommend Eye Care Center of Ocala.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Excellent service.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Went last week and Christina was very helpful and super friendly thank you!
- Aug. 19, 2025
Very clean, the people are friendly. I don’t wear contacts or glasses but go for my yearly checkup... here. Yesterday Alex did my exam and was very friendly and efficient. I would recommend this office.
- Aug. 15, 2025
For twenty years I have battled an eye condition and worked in customer service. I have visited many... eye doctors and clinics. Without any hesitation I can say I wish there something greater than a five star rating. From the moment I walked in I was treated like I truly mattered, and not like my name was there to just fill an appointment slot. Each step was efficient, but I was not rushed. Alex took my information. She looked me in the eye's and LISTENED. She was professional and compassionate. It was clear she takes pride in her profession. In a very short time Dr. Castello came in and treated me like I was the most important person in the world. He didn't rush. He was interested and focused. All doctors have many years of training, but what Dr. Castello and the whole staff have is something that can't be trained. They have humanity. They treat others the same way they would want to be treated.
- Aug. 15, 2025
It was refreshing to come across a kind eye technician (Gailyn). Extremely helpful and knowledgeable... .
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had an outstanding experience with Eye Care Center of Ocala on 08-13-25. Had follow up visit after ... my surgery with Dr. Castello and Alex. Both were exceptional with my eye care. Their attention to detail, compassion and concern for my eyes made me feel grateful I had found them. The entire staff was wonderful from the moment I walked in right up to the time I left. If you are looking for exceptional eye care I highly recommend Eye Care Center and wished I had been going there all along. Penny assisted me with finding the perfect glasses from previous visit. Very patient and kind. Service is the best and has been every time I walked thru the door.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My Tech Gailyn was perfect very knowledgeable and she was incredibly helpful
- Aug. 14, 2025
The Eye Care Center of Ocala does an amazing job! Alex has always been amazing when doing my exam. D... r. Castello is very knowledgeable and takes time to answer any concerns I have about my eyesight.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great first experience, very clean office and attentive care from Christine. All my question... s answered and eye health fully assessed.
- Aug. 14, 2025
Great staff and Alex is awesome!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had an amazing experience with Christine, ophthalmology technician, during my visit. From the mome... nt I walked in, she made me feel completely at ease, explaining every step of the process with patience and care. It was clear she genuinely wanted to ensure I understood everything about my eye health, and their warm demeanor made the whole experience so much more comfortable. It’s rare to come across someone so professional yet so kind, and I really appreciated the personal touch they brought to my appointment. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had a great experience. Christine was great at helping me and very nice. These guys are one of a kin... d. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2025
i was helped by gailyn. superb service. would definitely go again.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My experience here was amazing! The whole staff was excellent, specifically the tech Gailyn. She was... so accommodating and patient with me, was very thorough and explained everything clearly. High recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I flew in all the way from New York, and Gailyn was one of the first encounters. The team is amazing... . When I tell you great service is an understatement. This place does wonders, just stop what you’re doing and go to Eye Care Center of Ocala. They don’t disappoint!
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit the establishment was clean and the process fast very efficient! The Tech I had Gail... yn was very accommodating and answered all my questions 10/10 would recommend
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit, Gailyn was a terrific tech. Her kindness throughout the visit made me feel comforta... ble with my decision making of my eye wear. I will definitely be returning in the future.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great experience at this office. The service was professional and efficient, and I especiall... y want to thank the tech, Gailyn. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. She explained everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience. It’s rare to find someone who combines skill with such a warm attitude, and Gailyn truly made my visit a positive one. Highly recommend this office and their staff!

View All 998 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Photograph of Lauren Chermak
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

woman in examination

Who Can Benefit from Corneal Crosslinking and Scleral Lenses?

Corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses are recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with keratoconus and have shown proven progression of their condition. We understand the unique challenges of keratoconus and are dedicated to helping you preserve your eye health and vision.

If you've been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect you may have it, our team at Eye Care Center of Ocala specializes in this innovative treatment combination and is committed to providing you with the best possible care. We understand the unique challenges of keratoconus and are dedicated to helping you preserve your eye health and vision.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how the combination of corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses can strengthen your vision, halt the progression of keratoconus, and preserve your eye health for years.

(352) 512-0560