Vision Therapy in Pine City

The Power of Scleral Lenses and Corneal Crosslinking

(320) 629-7262

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.


Scleral Lenses in Pine City

Our optometry practice in Pine City

Photograph of Cody  Benedict
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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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117 Reviews
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- May. 05, 2024
Dr Garofalo is one the best opthamologists! Great office, friendly staff who care.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Very happy with service provided and friendly, efficient staff!
- Apr. 10, 2024
A friendly place.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Staff are always professional, pleasant and helpful.
- Apr. 07, 2024
The Dr. and staff have a very professional yet joyful attitude when talking with patients.
- Mar. 26, 2024
I felt welcomed and comfortable. Dr. Benedict was very thorough and checked me completely.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Been going here since I was 6 years old. Staff and doctors are great! I'll continue to go out of the... way to make sure I go see them. Always trusted them 100% to take care of my eyes.
- Mar. 20, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Took time to explain tests and results.
- Mar. 18, 2024
I am so grateful for the team at Pine Eye. I went in for a routine checkup knowing that my eyes had ... changed since the last visit. Dr. T. was honest with her genuine concern over the significant changes that had taken place and validated the feelings I had about my much my vision had been affected. I’ve got my new glasses and can see quite nicely.
- Mar. 14, 2024
Thanks! Great experience!
- Mar. 01, 2024
Dr. Garafalo is very talented, very thorough, and totally engaged in a great outcome or solution for... his patients. We are so glad we were referred to him by a friend. We highly recommend him as well.
- Feb. 17, 2024
Very thorough and were able to allay my fears
- Feb. 15, 2024
I’ve been to numerous optometrists in the past 4-5 years & always left with a new rx but still not... being able to see clearly. I always felt like I was crazy and just expecting to see “perfect” and that it was no longer an option after age 35 🤣. Dr Benedict took the time to figure out why I was having so much trouble with my overall vision for YEARS. He did some extra testing in my exam and found the problem. It literally changed my life! I also no longer feel like a hypochondriac 🤣
- Jan. 14, 2024
I take a 45 minute drive to Pine Eye instead of going to the local doctor in town. I'm a very indeci... sive person and I was struggling with frame's. The more the looked the more uncomfortable I started to feel. After staff noticing they helped narrow down choices and boosted my confidence on the best frame's for me. It was wonderful! Plus I'm very forgetful and always running late.. I get multiple reminders through emails and phone calls, which is greatly appreciated!
- Jan. 04, 2024
Hands down the best eye Dr I've been to! Dr. Toler is amazing, warm, and friendly. She explained eve... rything so I understood them and I left with a full understanding of what went on!! I'll continue to see Dr.Toler and will recommend this eye clinic to everybody I know!!
- Jan. 03, 2024
Dr. Iverson and staff are very helpful and friendly. Dr. Iverson does a great job answering question... s. Eye exam was very thorough. Requested prescription for computer use. Eyeglasses are excellent. I can see clearly now! Thank you.
- Nov. 12, 2023
Excellent care and kind staff. Helpful with finding frames, and transparent about insurance deductib... les and extra costs.
- Nov. 02, 2023
Fast and quick service
- Oct. 13, 2023
Highly recommend to all my friends and family. Best eye doctor and I am always highly satisfied with... the whole experience at pine eye. They were the first ones that got my prescription right… I couldn’t see for 30 years… and then I went to pine eye.
- Sep. 17, 2023
Excellent doctors and staff! Very personal service! I would highly recommend Pine Eye Associates!

View All 117 Reviews


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 Pine Eye Associates 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.

(320) 629-7262