Keratoconus care
Keratoconus Care in Chicago
When your cornea is an irregular shape, you need a lens designed for your eye and a doctor who takes the time to fit it. Caring for Chicagoland eyes since 1996.
What keratoconus means for your vision
Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally round cornea becomes thinner and irregularly shaped, bulging forward into more of a cone.
An irregular, cone-like cornea
The clear front surface of the eye loses its regular round shape over time.
Vision glasses can’t fully correct
Because the cornea does much of the eye’s focusing, the change can blur or distort vision.
Regular care matters
It changes over time, so being seen regularly by someone who knows your eyes matters most.
You need a custom lens
A standard contact lens is designed for a regularly shaped cornea. When the shape is irregular, you need a custom lens designed for your eye.
Getting it right takes careful measurement, trying more than one lens, and more than one visit. Every follow-up visit needed for a successful fit is part of the process.
What a visit involves
Dr. Pelini will ask about your history: when keratoconus was first identified, what you’ve worn before, and what has and hasn’t been comfortable. She’ll examine the surface of your eye and take the measurements a fitting depends on.
From there you’ll talk through the options together, and you’ll leave understanding what she found and what the plan is.
Working with a cornea specialist
If keratoconus is suspected for the first time, Dr. Pelini refers you to a cornea specialist to confirm the diagnosis and talk about corneal cross-linking. Then she fits your custom lens and stays involved in your care.
What patients ask
“I’ve been told I’m hard to fit.”
Often worth trying again. Fitting methods and lens materials have changed considerably, and complex fittings are one of Dr. Pelini’s areas of focus. Read about contact lens fittings.
“Will it take more than one visit?”
Yes, and that’s the point. She would rather spend the extra appointments than send you home with something that almost works.
Common questions about keratoconus
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No. You can book directly with us.
What is corneal cross-linking?
A procedure performed by a cornea specialist that aims to strengthen the cornea. Ask Dr. Pelini whether it’s worth discussing with a specialist.
How long does a fitting take?
Longer than a standard exam, and it includes all follow-up visits necessary to achieve a successful fit.
Let’s take the time to get it right
Or text or call (312) 427-6720. New patients welcome.
Results may vary. For advice about your own eyes, see Dr. Pelini.
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