7 Treatment Options for Thin Corneas [Keratoconus]

Baptist Eye Surgeons • March 11, 2022

Thin corneas can cause poor night vision, increased light sensitivity, and even loss of vision. It can develop for a number of reasons including genetics, inflammation, and age. Talk to our eye surgeons about your thinning cornea to get the treatment you need and protect your vision.

Treatment options for thin corneas include:

  • Glasses and contact lenses
  • Gas-permeable contact lenses
  • Scleral contact lenses
  • Hybrid contact lenses
  • Intacs
  • Collagen crosslinking
  • Cornea transplant and penetrating keratoplasty

Treatment Options for Thin Corneas [Keratoconus]

There are a variety of treatments available if you suffer from thin corneas, also known as keratoconus . They can range from corneal transplants for severe cases or special contact lenses for mild-to-moderate cases. Talk with your surgeon at Baptist Eye to learn more about your options and which will work best for you.

1. Glasses and Contact Lenses

A pair of contact lenses in a white container on a blue surface.

Keratoconus can be treated with standard prescription glasses and soft contact lenses during its initial stages. As Dr. Janis Holt explains, “The contacts can become more specialized if the cornea becomes more irregular.” At Baptist Eye Surgeons, our eye Knoxville ophthalmologists will be with you every step of the way to make sure your case is manageable.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Janis Holt!

2. Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

As it progresses, regular prescription eyeglasses and soft contacts don’t usually provide keratoconus sufferers with the same clear vision as specialized contact lenses. That’s why gas-permeable contact lenses are a preferred treatment option. These lenses are designed like a vaulted ceiling to provide a consistent refracting surface so you can see clearly.

It can take multiple visits to fit specialized contact lenses for your keratoconic eyes. This is because the process is complex and requires more time, especially if your case is getting worse over time. Remain patient through the process and work with your ophthalmologist as they fine-tune your new lenses.

To learn about different types of cornea diseases, click here !

3. Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral and semi-scleral contact lenses have larger diameters than other contacts to cover more of the sclera , or the white part, of your eye. Scleral lenses cover more of your eye while semi-scleral lenses cover a smaller portion. 

Like gas-permeable lenses, they are vaulted to help compensate for a misshapen cornea. What sets them apart is covering a wider area of the eye. This makes them more stable than regular gas-permeable contacts so they stay in place better when you blink.

4. Hybrid Contact Lenses

Specifically designed for keratoconic eyes, hybrid contact lenses provide a highly oxygen-permeable center with a soft peripheral “skirt.” Thanks to their gas-permeable center, hybrid lenses provide clear vision for wearers. Combined with soft lenses, they also give you a level of comfort that’s unmatched by some other options. They are available in a wide variety of sizes to fit the shape of your eye.

5. Intacs

A close up of a woman 's eye with a circle around it.

Sometimes contacts won’t fit an eye due to irregularly shaped corneas. In this case, a procedure known as Intacs can be performed to improve your vision. During this procedure, a pair of tiny implants are placed into the cornea to help give it a more regular shape. This allows can allow you to continue wearing contact lenses and maintain clear vision.

6. Collagen Crosslinking

If keratoconus continues to progress then your eye doctor may recommend collagen crosslinking . In this procedure, the cornea is made more rigid to prevent further irregularities by applying vitamin riboflavin and UV light. When performed, this procedure causes the collagen fibrils to shorten and thicken, making your cornea stronger than before.

7. Corneal Transplant & Penetrating Keratoplasty

A corneal transplant is ideal if you don’t get positive results from contact lenses or other therapies. In these cases, a transplant is the best option in order to restore your vision. Also known as penetrating keratoplasty (PK or PKP for short), you may still require glasses or contacts to see clearly after your surgery.

Do you need treatment for your thinning cornea? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Thinning corneas can lead to serious vision complications and even vision loss. Fortunately, you have plenty of treatments available to preserve your sight. While severe cases may require a corneal transplant, many can be treated with special contact lenses just for keratoconic eyes. 

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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