Vision Therapy in St. Augustine

The Power of Scleral Lenses and Corneal Crosslinking

(904) 824-0212

Advanced Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can significantly impact your vision over time. If you've been diagnosed with this condition, you may have concerns about the future of your eyesight. Fortunately, a groundbreaking treatment combination can help — corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses.

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close-up of contact in eye

Understanding Keratoconus: Symptoms and Causes

Keratoconus is a unique and challenging eye disorder. It's characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, the eye's clear front surface. This corneal distortion causes vision problems, including blurry and distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing soft contact lenses or glasses. Over time, the progression of keratoconus can lead to severe vision impairment.


The Power of Corneal Crosslinking and Scleral Lenses

Corneal crosslinking is a minimally invasive procedure that can strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus. Riboflavin eye drops are carefully applied to the cornea's surface, followed by controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination of riboflavin and UV light strengthens the bonds between collagen fibers , which add strength and stability to the cornea.

In combination with corneal crosslinking, scleral lenses play a crucial role in improving vision for keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses are larger, specialized contact lenses that vault over the cornea, creating a smooth, moist reservoir of tears between the lens and the eye's surface. This provides clear vision and enhances comfort, making them an excellent option for individuals with keratoconus.

Corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses offer several advantages. Among others, this combination:

  • Improves Vision

    Many patients experience improved vision after undergoing corneal crosslinking and using scleral lenses. The strengthening of the cornea combined with the customized fit of scleral lenses can lead to clearer and more stable eyesight. As a result, you may rely less on glasses or traditional contact lenses.

  • Is Minimally Invasive

    The procedure itself is minimally invasive, typically performed in an outpatient setting. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the process, and the recovery time is relatively short, allowing you to return to your daily activities promptly.

  • Shows Long-Lasting Results

    The strengthening effect on the cornea can provide long-term benefits. By preserving your corneal integrity and utilizing scleral lenses, this combination can help maintain your vision for years, reducing the risk of further vision loss.

Patient Reviews
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310 Reviews
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- Mar. 09, 2026
Doctors and staff are friendly and professional!
- Mar. 07, 2026
I am always extremely impressed with Dr Brown’s knowledge and professionalism
- Feb. 26, 2026
These folks are great! Always welcoming and happy.
- Feb. 25, 2026
Super helpful and kind staff! Allll of them!
- Feb. 24, 2026
Thank you very much to Dr. Sierra Mattox for her approach to treatment, for helping us choose the ri... ght treatment, a very attentive specialist who pays attention to everything
- Feb. 15, 2026
Very friendly and helpful
- Feb. 13, 2026
Very professional and thorough
- Feb. 04, 2026
You can rest assured your eyesight will be given the best care possible to achieve results you can t... rust. Time & attention is taken to you & your eyesight to give you that assurance.
- Feb. 04, 2026
Dr. Brown is so patient and kind and knows how to talk to kids! She always makes my kids feel heard ... and gives them opportunities to explore while answering all their questions. I cannot say enough about our experience with her!
- Jan. 30, 2026
Best service great staff and they are so friendly and professional, always a pleasure to be there.
- Jan. 14, 2026
Excellent provider! Professional, efficient, organized and personable staff; nice selection of frame... s; love Dr Mattox!
- Dec. 30, 2025
Love Dr. Maddox & Staff at Rowe Family Eyecare! Very organized and professional group. My new glasse... s were made quickly and they are perfect! Thank you!
- Dec. 19, 2025
Excellent practice, Aewsome staff, Excellent doctors!!
- Nov. 28, 2025
The front desk staff at Rowe Family EyeCare is kind and welcoming. The optician is friendly and thor... ough. Dr. Sierra Mattox takes her time during exams and thoroughly answers any questions you have. Please keep your business model and training of staff the same; it is greatly appreciated by your patients.
- Nov. 10, 2025
Dr. Linda Kindsvatter, Nick and Jennifer were incredibly supportive and very professional. I highly ... recommend this practice and their services. Special thanks to Jennifer for exceeding my expectations with unparalleled service.
- Nov. 07, 2025
very thorough and professional experience
- Oct. 16, 2025
Dr. Maddox is the best eye Doctor I have visited. She helped me greatly with my issue. I was nervous... and she made me feel at peace. Front desk personnel was professional and helpful.
- Sep. 30, 2025
This is THE place for eye care. The staff are warm and exceptionally knowledgeable. One even found ... an insurance benefits I did not know I had! As a FAA certified pilot, accuracy takes on a much importance for me. Prescriptions are always accurate. Their processes are quick without feeling rushed. As I worked through the exam, the tech and doctor seemed to enjoy my questions about my eyes and the processes. Have been telling my friends for years about this wonderful local service.
- Sep. 15, 2025
I travel two hours for my daughter to be seen here, and it is worth it. I cannot recommend this offi... ce more. Dr. Brown is an excellent doctor & great with kids. She picked up on my 6-year-olds vision problems that were dismissed by her optometrist at UF. Vision therapy here with Ms. Kathy has been simply life-changing for my girl. She sees better, reads better and is improving coordination. I tell everyone to give this place a try if they or their children have vision difficulties.
- Sep. 09, 2025
Great staff and service! Very clean and friendly environment.

View All 310 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

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Who Can Benefit from Corneal Crosslinking and Scleral Lenses?

Corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses are recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with keratoconus and have shown proven progression of their condition. We understand the unique challenges of keratoconus and are dedicated to helping you preserve your eye health and vision.

If you've been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect you may have it, our team at Rowe Family EyeCare specializes in this innovative treatment combination and is committed to providing you with the best possible care. We understand the unique challenges of keratoconus and are dedicated to helping you preserve your eye health and vision.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how the combination of corneal crosslinking and scleral lenses can strengthen your vision, halt the progression of keratoconus, and preserve your eye health for years.

(904) 824-0212