Unsuccessful with any other type of lens wear, you may be successful with scleral lenses.
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are very different from other types of contact lenses. It is a rigid gas permeable lens that is large enough to make contact ONLY with the sclera (white portion of the eye) and completely vaults over the cornea (the clear dome-shaped portion of the center of the eye). The scleral lens can be further subdivided into mini-scleral and full-scleral. Larger diameter scleral lens designs are handled and cared for differently than regular (corneal) gas permeable lenses or soft lenses.
A scleral lens prescription is determined from a comprehensive examination and lens fitting. Lenses are first using a set of diagnostic lenses placed on the eye to obtain an accurate assessment and fit. Scleral lenses may also be designed with special measuring instruments, such as topographers or even by obtaining a custom mold of the eye.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
Anyone who wants to wear contact lenses and has been unsuccessful with any other type of lens wear may be successful with scleral lenses. In particular, patients with a history of eye diseases such as Keratoconus or infection, trauma, surgery or dry eyes are good candidates for scleral lens wear.
Some forms of scleral lenses can be designed in a multifocal design and they may have advantages over other types of multifocal lenses.
Scleral lenses are a fantastic option for the management of corneal irregularities on the front surface of the eye. They may also work well for various types of dry eye conditions where the surface of the corneal will not wet properly.
How can scleral lenses help dry eye patients?
Scleral lenses, when properly fit, vault over the cornea and maintain a fluid chamber between the lens and the eye. This fluid chamber can provide a moist, comfortable environment for dry eye patients. The scleral lens prevents contact between the eyelid and the surface of the eye and protects the cornea from the outside environment.
How can scleral lenses help the irregular corneal surface?
Diseases such as Keratoconus, Post LASIK / PRK surgery, corneal transplants or other irregular-shaped surfaces may benefit from the wearing of a scleral lens. The large lens maintains a saline reservoir which effectively smooths or evens out the surface irregularities and allows the front surface of the lens to perform like a normal cornea.
Contact our office if you think you would like to investigate the option of scleral lenses.
