Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the normally round cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This change distorts vision and can lead to significant visual impairment if left untreated. At Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates, we believe early detection and tailored treatment are key to preserving your vision. Understanding the different stages of keratoconus can help you take the right steps toward proper management.
 

Stage 1: Early or Mild Keratoconus

In the earliest stage, changes to the cornea are subtle. Patients may begin to experience slight blurring or distortion in vision, which is often mistaken for common refractive errors like astigmatism or myopia. Glasses or soft contact lenses may still provide adequate vision correction at this stage, but regular eye exams are essential for monitoring progression.
 

Stage 2: Moderate Keratoconus

As the condition progresses, corneal thinning becomes more apparent and vision becomes more distorted. Patients may notice frequent prescription changes, increased light sensitivity, and trouble seeing clearly at night. Standard glasses may no longer provide sufficient correction. At this point, specialty contact lenses such as rigid gas permeable lenses or hybrid lenses are often recommended to improve visual clarity and provide corneal support.
 

Stage 3: Advanced Keratoconus

In the advanced stage, the cone shape becomes more pronounced and the cornea significantly thins and steepens. Vision becomes highly distorted and irregular, and wearing glasses or soft lenses is no longer effective. Advanced specialty lenses like scleral lenses are typically prescribed. These lenses vault over the cornea, creating a smooth refractive surface while keeping the eye hydrated and comfortable.
 

Stage 4: Severe or End-Stage Keratoconus

At this point, the cornea may develop scarring, and the vision is severely impaired. In some cases, specialty lenses can still help, but others may require surgical intervention. Corneal cross-linking can help slow or halt the progression of the disease, while corneal transplant may be necessary when scarring or thinning is extreme.
 

Our Personalized Approach

At Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates, we take a personalized approach to managing keratoconus. Each patient’s eyes are unique, and so is their treatment plan. We begin with a comprehensive eye exam and corneal imaging to assess the severity and progression of the condition. From there, we recommend the most appropriate specialty contact lenses or other treatment options tailored specifically to your needs. Our goal is to provide you with clear, comfortable vision while preserving your eye health for the long term.
 

Find the Right Solution for Your Vision Needs

Keratoconus is a condition that requires careful monitoring and proactive treatment. With the right specialty contact lenses and expert guidance, many patients are able to enjoy clear and comfortable vision for years to come. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in preventing more severe outcomes.
 

Schedule an eye exam with Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates to learn more about your keratoconus treatment options and find the right solution for your vision needs. Visit our office in Lynnwood (425) 712-8443, Kirkland (425) 602-6153, or Seattle (206) 364-2273 to book an appointment today.