The Next Big Thing

I have been an optometrist for over 23 years. In that time, I have seen my fair share of irregular corneas. The most common form of irregular cornea is keratoconus, which is Latin for “cone-shaped cornea”.

Keratoconus is a genetically inherited corneal dystrophy in which the cornea is cone-shaped, usually below the papillary area. This type of eye generally requires a custom RGP contact lens (rigid gas permeable) to achieve good vision.

I personally have severe keratoconus in my left eye and moderate keratoconus in my right eye. I have struggled for the last 10 years to achieve good vision in my left eye due to the severity of the disease. Recently I was fit with a new sclera gas permeable contact lens called the Jupiter Lens. My vision is dramatically improved now in both eyes.

The Jupiter Lens has a very large diameter – 15.5 to 20.0 millimeters. It rests on the sclera (white part) of the eye, thereby vaulting the corneal irregularities. It has been a bit challenging for me to learn insertion of these large diameter contact lenses (my lenses are 18.2mm in diameter), but after one week, I am now an expert at getting them in. Removal of the lens is easy with a large suction removal device.

If you are a keratoconus sufferer and are struggling to achieve the best vision possible, discuss the Jupiter Lens with your optometrist at your next eye exam – it truly is the Next Big Thing!

Steven Lutz, OD
Serving Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Pinckney, Milan, Dexter, Chelsea, Brighton, Howell, Whitmore Lake and surrounding areas since 1988.