Rose-K and RGP Lenses: Specialized Solutions for Keratoconus

For many Keratoconus patients, soft contact lenses and glasses may provide correction in the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, patients often need to switch to a different lens type for accurate vision correction. Treating Keratoconus can be daunting without specialized lens types like Rose-K RGP lenses, especially as the patient’s vision worsens.

The invention of Rose-K lenses has provided a new avenue for eyecare practitioners to treat their patients with Keratoconus. These lenses can provide clear, consistent vision to allow patients to live their lives freely without the fear often caused by impaired vision. Read on to find out more about the incredible Rose-K lenses and how they can help Keratoconus patients.

 

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an ocular condition that can have a profound impact on a patient’s lifestyle due to extreme vision impairment and discomfort. Keratoconus is the distortion of the cornea as it thins and eventually bulges outward. The conical shape of the cornea can cause increased light sensitivity as well as severely distorted vision.

There is no clear answer as to what exactly causes this condition, but what we do know is that it is often identified in children and teenagers. The condition then progresses as the patients age, slowly worsening vision. Regular soft contacts often don’t provide enough vision correction to be helpful as a soft lens will conform to the corneal abnormalities.

 

What are Rose-K RGP Lenses?

RGP lenses are Rigid Gas Permeable lenses made from a hard polymer. They can be custom shaped to fit most eye shapes and the plastic retains its shape to prevent vision changes throughout the day. Rose-K lenses are a type of RGP lens specially designed by Paul Rose to treat Keratoconus.

In the years since the release of these lenses, Rose-K lenses have become one of the standards for treating patients with corneal abnormalities.

 

What Makes Rose-K Lenses so Special?

Rose-K lenses are easy to use and don’t take long to get used to, especially if you have worn contact lenses before. The care and maintenance steps for Rose-K lenses are similar to the steps for regular lenses, so there is very little you’ll need to learn. Many patients find that Rose-K lenses feel no different than regular soft lenses once the adjustment period is over.

One of the main benefits of Rose-K lenses is their highly customizable design. They can be created for individual eyes to match the exact irregularities of the patient’s corneas. Rose-K lenses are ideal for correcting the astigmatism and refractive error often caused by Keratoconus.

As Rose-K lenses are a type of RGP lens, they allow oxygen to pass through the lenses, which keeps your eyes healthy. Eyes that don’t receive enough oxygen can become extremely red, itchy, and irritated so RGP lenses are ideal for long wear.

 

What is the Process for Getting Rose-K Lenses?

1. Visit your eyecare practitioner so they can perform a thorough eye examination which assesses your eye health and eye number. You will then have a retinal evaluation and a corneal typography mapping so we can decide on the type of Rose-K lens you need.
2. You will then attend a fitting appointment that regularly lasts for up to an hour. During this appointment you will be fitted with a trial Rose-K lens which will help your practitioner take measurements required to make your own lenses.
3. Your next appointment will take place once your lenses have been made which can take a few days. You will be fitted with your new, custom lenses to ensure that they sit properly on the eye and provide adequate vision correction.
4. Your eyecare practitioner will then teach you the correct method for applying and removing your new Rose-K lenses. They will also give you a comprehensive breakdown of how to care for and maintain your lenses properly.
5. Follow up visits are an essential part of the transition to Rose-K lenses. These visits will take place after one week, two weeks, and a month of full-time wear. Some patients experience discomfort and may need adjustments made to their lenses to achieve the ideal fit.
6. You will then need to attend further follow-ups every six months to ensure that your lenses are functioning correctly and to check the health of your eyes. These follow-ups are essential as complications must be dealt with quickly to prevent damage.

 

Live Your Life to the Fullest with Rose-K Lenses

Rose-K lenses are an innovation that has completely changed the way that eyecare practitioners treat and manage Keratoconus..