Kerasoft IC and NovaKone Lenses for Keratoconus
Understanding Keratoconus
An overview of keratoconus helps patients know why special lenses may be needed and what to expect from treatment.
Keratoconus occurs when the cornea’s collagen structure weakens, leading to a progressive thinning and outward bulge into a cone shape. This change affects how light enters the eye and may worsen over time, often beginning in the teens or early twenties.
Many people with keratoconus notice a range of symptoms that can affect their daily life. These may include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Difficulty seeing fine details or reading small print
- Double vision or ghost images, especially in one eye
The cone-shaped cornea causes light to scatter rather than focus clearly on the retina at the back of the eye. This scattering leads to ghosting of images, halos around lights, starbursts, and difficulty driving at night. As the shape changes, standard glasses often become less effective, making specialized lenses necessary.
The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it may involve genetic and environmental factors. Known risk factors include:
- Family history of keratoconus
- Frequent or vigorous eye rubbing
- Chronic eye allergies and inflammation
- Certain conditions like Down syndrome or connective tissue disorders
Kerasoft IC Lenses
Kerasoft IC lenses are soft contact lenses designed especially to fit over an irregular corneal surface, providing comfort and improved vision for many keratoconus patients.
These lenses are made from a flexible silicone hydrogel material that drapes gently over the cornea. The soft design adapts to the eye’s shape, helping reduce pressure points and improving comfort while allowing good oxygen flow to support a healthy cornea.
Patients often report greater comfort and easier adaptation compared to rigid lenses. The soft material allows for more natural eyelid movement and less irritation, making these lenses particularly effective for mild to moderate keratoconus.
Soft lenses may collect protein deposits more easily, so a strict cleaning routine is important. In advanced keratoconus, soft lenses may not provide the sharpest vision or adequate corneal support, making regular monitoring of your eye health essential.
Proper lens care helps maintain comfort and eye health. Follow these steps:
- Clean with a multipurpose soft lens solution daily, rubbing gently
- Rinse and soak lenses in fresh solution overnight
- Replace lenses as directed by your eye care professional, typically every 3 to 6 months
- Avoid using tap water or saliva on lenses to reduce infection risk
This lens is best suited for patients with mild to moderate keratoconus who prioritize comfort and ease of adaptation. It may also be a good choice for those with dry eye symptoms or sensitive eyes that do not tolerate rigid lenses well.
NovaKone Lenses
NovaKone lenses are rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses custom designed for cone-shaped corneas, offering excellent visual clarity and corneal support.
These lenses have a custom back surface tailored to the cornea’s cone shape, which allows the lens to vault over the irregular area. The rigid design creates a smooth optical surface over the cornea, which helps regularize its surface for sharper vision.
NovaKone lenses often provide very sharp vision, even in advanced keratoconus. The rigid material resists deposits and buildup, maintaining optical clarity over long periods of wear, and their stable shape promotes corneal health.
Some patients require time to adjust to rigid lenses, which can initially feel noticeable or uncomfortable. The fitting process is also more involved, requiring several follow-up visits to achieve the optimal fit. This initial discomfort typically improves within a few weeks.
RGP lens care involves specific steps to ensure longevity and comfort. Follow these guidelines:
- Clean lenses with a dedicated RGP cleaning solution after each removal
- Rinse lenses in sterile saline before insertion
- Store lenses in a clean case filled with fresh RGP lens solution overnight
- Replace lens cases every three months or as advised to prevent contamination
NovaKone lenses are ideal for patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus who prioritize the sharpest possible vision and long-term corneal health. Patients willing to invest time in the adaptation period and lens care often find these lenses highly rewarding.
Choosing Between Kerasoft IC and NovaKone
Selecting the right lens depends on your individual vision needs, comfort preferences, lifestyle, and the severity of your condition.
NovaKone lenses typically offer the clearest vision, especially in advanced keratoconus, due to their ability to smooth over irregular corneal surfaces. Kerasoft IC lenses provide good vision for mild to moderate keratoconus but may be less effective in severe cases.
Soft lenses like Kerasoft IC tend to feel more natural and cause less initial discomfort. Rigid lenses like NovaKone may feel foreign at first but usually become very comfortable with time and a proper adaptation schedule.
Active individuals may benefit from the more stable fit of rigid lenses, which are less likely to shift during physical activities. Soft lenses may be preferred for part-time wearers or those new to contact lenses.
Costs vary between soft and rigid lenses, with custom rigid lenses often having higher upfront costs due to the detailed fitting process. Both lens types require regular follow-up visits, but rigid lenses may need more adjustments initially.
Both lens types allow good oxygen flow to the cornea when fitted properly. However, rigid lenses may offer better protection against further distortion in some cases. Monitoring your corneal health remains essential regardless of your lens choice.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone with keratoconus will choose the same lens type. Several factors help determine the best option for each patient.
Keratoconus often progresses during adolescence and early adulthood. Patients whose corneas have been stable for several months are often easier to fit, though younger patients can still benefit from lenses with close monitoring.
Eyes with minimal or no change in corneal shape over time are ideal for a consistent lens fit. Active keratoconus progression may require treatments like corneal cross-linking to stabilize the cornea before fitting lenses for better long-term results.
Patients who are diligent with lens care routines and attend regular follow-up visits are good candidates for either lens type. Hobbies or occupations involving dust, wind, or water exposure should also factor into your lens selection.
Patients with severe dry eye, allergies, or other ocular surface diseases may find soft lenses more comfortable initially. While rigid lenses can be challenging with poor tear film, other therapies can often be used to improve tolerance.
The Lens Fitting Process
Fitting keratoconus lenses involves precise measurements, trial fittings, and close follow-up to ensure optimal comfort and vision.
Your eye care specialist will use corneal topography to map the cornea’s shape accurately and pachymetry to measure its thickness. This information guides the initial lens design and selection of trial lenses.
You will try different lenses in the office to assess how each one fits the cornea, moves with blinking, and corrects your vision. Adjustments to the lens parameters are noted before your custom lenses are ordered.
After your custom lenses are dispensed, follow-up visits are essential to ensure the fit remains optimal and the cornea stays healthy. Minor refinements may be made to enhance comfort and vision before follow-up visits are scheduled every six months.
Your eye care team will provide guidance on wearing schedules, insertion and removal techniques, and care routines. A gradual increase in daily wear time helps reduce discomfort and promotes successful adaptation to your new lenses.
Daily Care and Hygiene
Maintaining strict hygiene and care routines minimizes risks while maximizing comfort and the lifespan of your lenses.
Use the recommended solution for your lens type every time you remove them. Rub lenses gently between clean fingers before rinsing to remove surface deposits. Never use water or saliva to clean lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them before handling your lenses. Avoid applying lotions or creams before lens insertion to prevent residue from building up on the lens surface.
Store your lenses in a clean lens case with fresh solution each night. Replace your storage case every three months to prevent contamination, and never reuse or top off old solution in the case.
Follow the wearing schedule advised by your eye care professional. Remove lenses immediately if you notice pain, redness, or sudden vision changes, and do not sleep in lenses unless specifically approved by your provider.
Possible Side Effects and How to Handle Them
Recognizing and managing side effects promptly helps maintain eye health while using these specialized lenses.
Mild discomfort is common when starting new lenses. If irritation persists, remove your lenses and rest your eyes. Preservative-free artificial tears can often help relieve dryness and irritation.
Red or sore eyes may indicate a poor fit, lens damage, or a developing infection. Remove the lenses immediately and rinse your eyes. If symptoms continue for more than a few hours, seek urgent care.
Poor hygiene greatly increases the risk of serious eye infections like keratitis. Symptoms include discharge, severe pain, and decreased vision. Promptly report any of these symptoms to your eye doctor for early treatment.
Persistent discomfort, excessive movement, or vision fluctuations can often be corrected by refitting the lens. Do not continue wearing lenses that cause pain, as this may harm your cornea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Kerasoft IC and NovaKone lenses to help you make informed decisions.
Adjustment time varies for each person. Soft Kerasoft IC lenses usually feel comfortable within a few days. Rigid NovaKone lenses may take several weeks to fully adapt, with a gradual wearing schedule recommended by your eye care team.
If comfort or vision is not ideal with one lens type, patients can often try switching to the other. In other cases, alternative options such as scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, or piggyback systems may be discussed with your provider.
Other treatment options include corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea and slow progression, as well as corneal transplant surgery in severe cases. Your eye care specialist can discuss all available options with you.
Lens replacement schedules vary by type. Kerasoft IC soft lenses usually require replacement every 3 to 6 months. NovaKone rigid lenses may last 1 to 2 years with proper care and maintenance.
These lenses mainly improve vision and comfort but do not stop keratoconus from progressing. Treatments like corneal cross-linking are specifically designed to slow or halt progression. Contact lenses are for managing vision, not the underlying disease.
Many people with mild allergies or dry eyes can wear these lenses, but extra care may be needed. Using preservative-free artificial tears can improve comfort. Discuss your symptoms with your eye care professional for tailored advice.
If your vision changes suddenly, remove the lenses immediately and schedule an eye exam promptly. Sudden changes may indicate lens damage, corneal swelling, or an infection that requires urgent evaluation and care.
Yes, many patients can be fitted for these lenses after their cornea has stabilized following a cross-linking procedure. Your eye care provider will determine the best time to begin the contact lens fitting process to ensure a safe and comfortable outcome.
Next Steps
If you are interested in Kerasoft IC or NovaKone lenses, schedule a comprehensive contact lens evaluation. A series of trial fittings and follow-up visits will help determine the best lens for your unique needs to achieve comfortable and clear vision.