Vision Therapy in Ocala

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(352) 512-0560

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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998 Reviews
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- 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!

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Scleral Lenses in Ocala

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Eye Care Center of Ocala

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 Eye Care Center of Ocala today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(352) 512-0560