Vision care benefits and outcomes of treatment of keratoconus.

Coverage for basic vision care services is offered by a number of national and regional vision care networks. When eyewear is covered, cosmetic contact lenses are usually provided in lieu of glasses. There are a few disorders for which contact lenses are prescribed for a "medically necessary" condition; keratoconus is an example. Some plans provide full benefits for noncosmetic contact lenses for the treatment of keratoconus, and outcomes measures have demonstrated that visual improvement has been excellent. Evidence of the vision benefit offered to those with keratoconus is found in patient-satisfaction surveys, which provide self-reports of improvements in near and distance vision.