Contact lenses make it easier for people with poor vision to perform daily tasks. Regular soft contacts lie on the cornea, however many patients have corneal irregularities or astigmatism that make soft lenses unsuccessful. Ask your eye doctor about scleral contact lenses if you have a problem with regular contacts. Scleral lenses are gas-permeable lenses that allow oxygen to reach the cornea unlike those in the past. These lenses are ideal for those with dry eyes or who have had eye surgery for many reasons.

Here is what you need to know about scleral lenses and how they can help you.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are hard, large-diameter rigid-permeable lenses that vault over the sensitive cornea. Unlike regular contacts, they rest on the sclera, covering the irregular corneal surface with a round optical surface.

The lens design helps provide comfort while achieving clear vision. The shape of the lenses creates a gap that fills with fluid, keeping the eyes lubricated. It makes the lenses ideal for patients with severe dry eye syndrome.

Ideal Candidates for Scleral Lenses

Individuals with corneal irregularities due to surgery and those with eye conditions that create an irregular eye surface are ideal candidates. Others who can benefit from the lenses are patients with conditions affecting the tear film like dry eyes.

Patients with refractive conditions who find it uncomfortable to wear regular contacts may also benefit from these lenses. These lenses are ideal for patients with deformed eyes, eye surface trauma, and chemical burns. Scleral lenses can even offer high definition vision for certain patients that are good candidates. An eye exam can determine whether you are an excellent lens candidate.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

There are several reasons to choose scleral lenses for your eye condition.
 

• They provide better comfort than lenses that rest on the corneal surface.

• They provide clear vision.

• People who have had refractive surgery can find relief from the lenses.

• Patients with dry eye benefit from the fluid reservoir.

• Those who suffer from complications from corneal graft or transplant can get the lenses.

• They are ideal for people with keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration.

How Safe Are Scleral Lenses?

Modern contact lenses are made using advanced technology and are designed using precise technology from new materials, increasing safety and comfort. Modern scleral lenses are highly oxygen-permeable, reducing the risk of eye complications.

The lenses are durable and easy to care for and handle. It may take a while to get used to wearing the hard lenses. Patients can enjoy clear vision while protecting the sensitive corneal surface.

Fitting for Scleral Lenses

Be aware. Scleral lenses are a specialty and must be fit by those trained in fitting lenses. These are not lenses that are available to order online or can be fit by any eye care provider.

During lens fittings, Dr. Bhagat will use advanced corneal topography to map the cornea. The equipment generates a detailed image of the cornea, helping create customized scleral lenses. The new technology ensures that the lenses fit perfectly for the best results.

You will also learn how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses. Always use contact lens-specific solutions for care and storage that has been recommended and prescribed by Dr. Bhagat.

Scleral lenses can help you by providing sharp and comfortable vision. The lenses are ideal for patients with a lens prescription exceeding the standard parameters for regular contacts. If you have corneal scarring, rigid contacts that hold their shape will help you. If traditional lenses are causing you discomfort, talk to your eye doctor about scleral lenses.

For more on scleral lenses and how they can help you, visit Eyediology Vision at our Providence, Rhode Island office. Call (401) 903-4100 to schedule an appointment today.