Vision Therapy in Myrtle Beach

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(843) 903-6262

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
4.5
383 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jan. 29, 2026
We have recently moved to the area and hated the fact that we had to start all over again with healt... h care providers. This was an excellent choice.
- Jan. 25, 2026
The staff is great. I would highly recommend this eyecare place.
- Jan. 24, 2026
Their Optician quickly helped me narrow down my selections to choose a pair of glasses that I was ve... ry happy to buy with a lens option that I didn’t know I could get.
- Jan. 24, 2026
Always a great experience.
- Jan. 22, 2026
What a pleasant experience. The staff was so nice and welcoming.
- Jan. 15, 2026
If you want the latest technology to detect ocular disorders, this is the place ! Make an appointmen... t today!
- Jan. 15, 2026
I came to Carolina Forest Family Eyecare after a really negative experience at LensCrafters and hone... stly didn’t have very high expectations—but I was pleasantly surprised from start to finish. The facility itself is beautiful and feels very high-end. The waiting area is comfortable, the bathrooms are accessible, and I didn’t have to wait long at all for my appointment. Every member of the support staff was friendly and welcoming. Dr. Alavi is an absolute hoot—animated, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. She took the time to answer all of my questions without ever making me feel rushed. She also explained why I had such a difficult time getting contact lenses elsewhere: after having LASIK years ago, I’m not a great candidate for contacts—something no one had ever bothered to clearly communicate to me before. They have a fantastic selection of frames, ranging from under $200 to well over $700 (yes, the Tom Fords were tempting!). Picking up my glasses and getting them fitted was quick and easy. When I realized I still wasn’t reading as well as I should, I went back and they re-measured where the progressives started and ordered new lenses. I was able to keep my glasses while waiting for the new lenses, and they simply popped the replacements in when they arrived. I even asked to keep the original lenses as a backup—and they let me. To top it all off, when I returned to pick up the new lenses during the week of Christmas, Dr. Alavi was there in a full-on elf suit. She is my people. Highly recommend Carolina Forest Family Eyecare—professional, thorough, kind, and genuinely fun to work with.
- Jan. 15, 2026
Good experience.
- Jan. 15, 2026
I have finally found my forever eyecare professionals at this location! This is the third provider I... 've seen since I moved to this area and as someone who has been seeing eye doctors for 69+ years I can say without a doubt that this place is top-notch. The latest equipment for important testing, friendly staff, great atmosphere, good frame selectioon and Dr A is outstanding. She is very thorough and I learned a lot from her.
- Jan. 07, 2026
Friendly, professional and compassionate staff. They can provide easy to understand explanations fo... r subject matter that can be complex at times.
- Dec. 21, 2025
Wonderful office. From the time I walked in to when I left, I felt complete. All the staff was great... . The Dr was wonderful. She explained everything to me about my eyes. I didn't feel rushed. Found my new office.
- Dec. 21, 2025
Exam was thorough. Questions were answered fully. Staff was friendly and on time. No waiting beyond ... appointmenmt time. Would definitely recommend this practice to frinds and relatives.
- Dec. 10, 2025
Dr Weshefsky was excellent, took his time with me explaining the scans, what we were looking at and ... specific treatments. Very thorough!
- Nov. 26, 2025
Excellent service from start to finish
- Nov. 20, 2025
Great, Friendly, Thorough, Knowledgeable,
- Nov. 04, 2025
Office is conveniently located. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Wait times are never very long... .
- Nov. 02, 2025
Great atmosphere. Fast friendly service
- Oct. 21, 2025
Professional, friendly staff; great service
- Oct. 09, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable staff that value your input and time.
- Sep. 18, 2025
Would highly recommend Dr Alavi

View All 383 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Myrtle Beach

Our optometry practice in Myrtle Beach

Photograph of Thomas Weshefsky
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

chart

Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Carolina Forest Family Eyecare

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 Carolina Forest Family Eyecare today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(843) 903-6262