Keratoconus: Why Your Vision Keeps Getting Worse Despite New Glasses

You just got a new pair of glasses. Everything should look sharper, clearer, and more in focus. But it doesn’t. Your vision still feels off, and things continue to blur, especially at night or when you’re tired. You might be wondering what’s going on. If glasses don’t fix it, could it be something more serious?

One possible cause of ongoing vision problems is a condition called keratoconus. It’s more common than many people realize, especially in younger adults. And if you’ve been changing prescriptions often or still struggling to see clearly, even with the best lenses, this condition could be the reason.

In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating keratoconus, offering patients clear answers and personalized care.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the shape of your cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. In a healthy eye, it’s smooth and round. With keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and starts to bulge outward into a cone shape.

That change in shape causes light to scatter as it enters your eye. The result is blurry, distorted vision that glasses or standard soft contact lenses can’t fully correct. You might see double images, halos around lights, or streaks that make reading and driving difficult. Many people with keratoconus also experience increased sensitivity to light and glare.

Why your glasses may not be helping

Glasses work best when the cornea maintains its normal shape and curvature. Once the cornea starts to bulge, vision correction becomes more complicated. Even the most accurate prescription lenses may not perfectly match the irregular shape of the eye, leading to ongoing visual issues.

You might notice that your prescription changes more often than usual. You could also feel frustrated because the glasses never seem quite right. If Dr. Nadji continues to adjust your lenses — but you’re still not seeing clearly, keratoconus may be the cause.

The condition typically begins in your teens or early twenties and can progress gradually over several years. In the early stages, glasses might help. As it advances, though, they become less effective, and you may need other treatment options.

How keratoconus is diagnosed

Dr. Nadji can diagnose keratoconus through a detailed eye exam and special imaging tests. One common tool is corneal topography, which maps the cornea's surface. The scan can detect even subtle changes in shape that are hard to spot with the naked eye.

The earlier keratoconus is diagnosed, the better the outcome. Once Dr. Nadji confirms the condition, he can monitor the progression and recommend appropriate treatments. Catching it early can also help preserve more of your natural vision.

What treatment options are available

If glasses no longer work, Dr. Nadji may recommend rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. These lenses create a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, significantly improving vision. In addition, hybrid lenses and scleral lenses can offer comfort and clarity for more advanced cases.

To prevent the disease from worsening, many patients now undergo a treatment called corneal cross-linking. The procedure strengthens the corneal tissue and helps prevent further bulging. It’s a minimally invasive option that can slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.

In severe cases where vision becomes very poor, you may need a corneal transplant. It’s typically considered only after other options have been exhausted. Most people with keratoconus manage the condition with less invasive treatments.

Living with keratoconus

Getting a diagnosis like keratoconus can feel overwhelming at first. However, once you understand what you’re dealing with, you can take steps to protect your vision and receive the right care. The key is to stay consistent with your eye exams and speak up if you notice changes in your vision.

If your glasses aren’t helping the way they used to, don’t ignore it. You know your eyes better than anyone. A quick check-in with Dr. Nadji may be the start of getting the clarity you’ve been missing.

With early diagnosis, the right treatment, and regular follow-up, many people with keratoconus can live full, active lives with clear vision. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to receive personalized assistance with your eye care.