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.

woman adding contact


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
4.8
239 Reviews
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- Jun. 27, 2025
Very thorough and trustworthy information given.
- Jun. 26, 2025
Brei and Morgan were so wonderful. They were all so accommodating and Dr.Mattox was absolutely amazi... ng.
- Jun. 26, 2025
Professional, efficient, friendly.
- Jun. 25, 2025
Fixed my glasses during their lunch break! Thanks Rowe
- Jun. 25, 2025
Friendly and professional
- Jun. 10, 2025
Great Service!
- Jun. 08, 2025
Nice people and great service. Appreciated how quickly I was able to get in for an appt.
- Jun. 03, 2025
Dr. Sierra Mattox and the sweet administrator that checked me out after my appointment were not only... amazing but were extremely informative not only answered all my questions but went over and beyond to make sure what I needed for further treatment was taken care of. Thank you ladies for a 10 star appointment:)
- May. 31, 2025
Great service & updated equipment all the staff helpful & Dr Maddox so nice to work with Glad i f... ound Rowe Family eye Care It’s a perfect fit for me Thank you all for the assistance with my eye care , glad I found you in St Augustine
- May. 26, 2025
Dr Mattox at Rowes’s eye care was wonderful. She was friendly and professional and was spot on wi... th my contact prescription.
- May. 23, 2025
I have nothing but great things to say about Rowe Family Eye Care! I was dealing with daily eye stra... in and headaches. After working with Dr. Brown, Patrice, and Kathy, those issues are gone. They were professional, efficient, and actually helped fix the problems. Highly recommend.
- May. 09, 2025
Our experience with the eye therapy specialist for ADHD has been absolutely incredible. The sessions... are engaging, supportive, and tailored perfectly to our child’s unique needs.
- May. 08, 2025
Very professional & always willing to help 😊
- May. 05, 2025
Popped in under very short notice as I had snapped off one of the nose pads on my glasses. Morgan no... t only repaired them in under five minutes but also adjusted the fitment of my frames to better fit my face. Was in and out in just ten minutes, thank you Morgan!
- Apr. 28, 2025
Very nice I would highly recommend
- Apr. 23, 2025
Wonderful staff ! Just would like to se more of a selection of glasses to choose from.
- Apr. 22, 2025
I've been coming here for years, and they are great. They even replaced my scratched lenses for free... even though it was a few days over my insurance period and gave me eye glass cleaner. It was so kind and showed me they care about their patients and are here to support you. It was also easy getting appointments and the office is clean and professional. They also have a great selection of eyeglasses. I got my favorite pair from here. I would definitely recommend coming here!
- Apr. 19, 2025
Rowe has a friendly, familial atmosphere. Efficient front desk staff. Optometry service is outstandi... ng- Nicholas is wonderful.
- Mar. 05, 2025
Ev
- Mar. 04, 2025
Sometimes it’s the simplest thing. Thank you, Nicholas, for silicone nose pads. I got 2 pairs of g... lasses and one was slipping down my nose. I tried sticking nose pads covers which didn’t help. Thanx, again, Nicholas.

View All 239 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

Photograph of Austin Taylor
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

woman in examination

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