Candidates for Scleral Lenses

Many are familiar with the traditional contact lenses that provide clear vision for people with hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. Contact lenses are an easy and comfortable alternative to eyeglasses. However, some people cannot enjoy contact lenses due to conditions that make them uncomfortable to wear. In some cases, they are impossible to wear.

 

If your eye doctor told you that you cannot wear regular contact lenses because of a condition such as irregular corneas, there is another option. You should consider asking your doctor whether scleral lenses are good for you. Awareness of the potential benefits of these lenses is steadily increasing.

 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

These are gas-permeable, large-diameter contact lenses designed to sit on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Essentially, they vault over the corneal surface. They can change an irregular cornea into a smooth surface, fixing vision issues caused by various forms of corneal ectasia.

 

The space between the back of the scleral lens and the cornea acts as a reservoir for pure saline fluid. This fluid continuously bathes the cornea to provide relief for individuals with severe ocular surface disease. It may also help the surface of the eye to heal. This unique design makes these lenses ideal for healthy eyes, sharp vision, and comfort.

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Scleral Lenses?

People who need this type of lenses usually have refractive errors and other eye conditions. To determine whether you are a candidate for scleral lenses, you need to know the following:

 

For Keratoconus

This eye disease affects about one out of every 2,000 people in the United States. This progressive eye condition involves a bulging and thinning of the cornea. Furthermore, it can make it impossible to use traditional contact lenses or eyeglasses to correct vision. This is due to the unusual and changing shape of the cornea.

 

People with this eye condition find they are more comfortable with scleral lenses. Their rigidity and design tend to prevent corneal irritation. Additionally, the space between the lens and the cornea’s surface has a lubricating fluid, which provides additional comfort. Vision correction and comfort mean a win-win situation.

 

Corneal Irregularities

If you have corneal irregularities due to eye surgery or trauma, scleral lenses are a good option for you. If previous attempts to correct your vision did not produce the desired results, scleral lenses could produce them.

 

Dry Eye Syndrome

If you have dry eye syndrome coupled with a refractive error, scleral lenses may be a great option for you. Since they do not lose moisture, they are significantly more comfortable to wear than traditional contact lenses. They hold liquid to keep the surface of your eyes lubricated.

 

GP Burnout

Corneal GP lenses may sharpen your vision. However, you may be experiencing lens decentration and expulsion, which is a common problem among athletes. You may also have some trapped debris under the lenses, which can cause eye irritation.

 

To prevent discomfort, you should switch to scleral lenses. They are more stable since they rest on the sclera and do not change position every time you blink. Their semi-sealed feature also prevents foreign bodies from getting underneath them.


 

To learn more about scleral lenses, visit Eyes on You at our office in Portland, Oregon. You can also call (971) 252-7500 today to schedule an appointment.