What are Scleral Lenses and Who Can Benefit from Them?
Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that are larger in size compared to traditional contact lenses. Unlike traditional contacts, scleral lenses are designed to cover the entire cornea and part of the white part of the eye (sclera), providing a more secure and comfortable fit. They are often recommended for individuals with certain eye conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scars, and irregular corneas, as well as for people who have had corneal transplant surgery.
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that are designed to vault over the entire cornea, extending onto the white part of the eye (sclera). They are designed to provide a more secure and stable fit compared to traditional contact lenses, making them a popular option for individuals with corneal irregularities and other eye conditions. Scleral lenses are also significantly larger in size than traditional contact lenses, which helps to reduce lens movement and decrease the risk of lens dislodgement.
Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses provide a number of benefits for individuals with corneal irregularities and other eye conditions. Some of the key advantages of scleral lenses include:
Comfort: Scleral lenses are designed to provide a more comfortable fit compared to traditional contact lenses. They are designed to vault over the entire cornea, reducing the risk of corneal irritation and discomfort. Their fluid filled chamber also provides lubrication to the eye while the lens is on, helping prevent the feeling of dryness with the lenses on.
Improved Visual Acuity: Scleral lenses provide an improved visual experience for individuals with irregular corneas and other eye conditions. They correct vision by creating a new visual surface for the eye without altering the cornea which masks any impurities of the eye and improves the visual acuity.
Stability: Scleral lenses are larger in size and are designed to cover the entire cornea and part of the sclera, which helps to reduce lens movement and decrease the risk of lens dislodgement. This makes scleral lenses a popular option for individuals with active lifestyles who require stable and secure contact lenses.
Durability: Scleral lenses are made from high-quality, gas-permeable materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear. This makes them a more durable option compared to traditional contact lenses, which can become damaged or torn with regular use.
Who can Benefit from Wearing Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are designed for individuals with corneal irregularities and other eye conditions that make it difficult to wear traditional contact lenses. Some of the conditions that can benefit from scleral lenses include:
Keratoconus: This is a condition in which the cornea becomes irregular in shape, leading to vision problems. Scleral lenses can be used to correct vision for individuals with keratoconus.
Corneal Scars: Individuals with corneal scars from injury or disease may experience difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses. Scleral lenses can provide a more secure and comfortable fit, helping to improve visual acuity.
Irregular Corneas: Irregular corneas can result from conditions such as corneal scars, keratoconus, or previous corneal transplant surgery. Scleral lenses are designed to cover the entire cornea, providing a more secure and stable fit for individuals with irregular corneas.
Post-Corneal Transplant Surgery: Individuals who have had corneal transplant surgery may experience difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses. Scleral lenses can provide a more comfortable and secure fit, helping to improve visual acuity.
Dry eyes: people who have a chronic lack of tears can benefit from scleral lenses as they provide a layer of tears between the lens and the eye, which can help to improve comfort
Painful or sensitive eyes: people who experience discomfort or pain with traditional contact lenses may find relief with scleral lenses due to the space between the lens and the eye
If you or someone you know could benefit from scleral lenses, we encourage you to speak to your nearest Optometrist who specializes in Custom Scleral Lens fitting. One of the best sources for finding a verified scleral lens specialist near you is the Scleral Lens Education Society's directory.
About the Author: Ojos Del Mar is a world class eye care clinic and eyewear gallery in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. They specialize in comprehensive eye care, dry eye and keratoconus treatment, prescription eyewear, in-house lens finishing, contacts, and custom or hard to fit contacts. To schedule an appointment or learn aout the clinic and their 1:1 eye exam donation program, click here.
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