Scleral lenses are often recommended when standard glasses or contact lenses no longer provide clear or comfortable vision. For patients dealing with complex eye conditions, these lenses can make a significant difference in both clarity and daily comfort.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses are specialised contact lenses that are used to treat a variety of severe eye conditions. They are larger in diameter than traditional contact lenses and have a unique shape that allows them to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). This design provides several benefits for people with certain eye conditions.
6 Severe Eye Conditions that can be Treated with Scleral Lenses
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea (the clear front part of the eye) becomes thin and cone-shaped. This irregular shape can cause vision distortion and blurriness. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and typically develops in people in their teenage years or early 20s. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Scleral lenses are an effective treatment option for people with keratoconus. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger in diameter and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each individual’s eye and provide a smooth, uniform surface for light to pass through, resulting in clearer vision.
Scleral lenses are also beneficial for people with keratoconus because they provide a protective barrier for the cornea, which can help prevent further damage to the eye. They can also help reduce the discomfort and irritation that often occurs with traditional contact lenses in people with keratoconus.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause symptoms such as dryness, burning, itching, and redness of the eyes. Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, certain medications, and certain medical conditions.
Scleral lenses can be an effective treatment option for people with dry eye syndrome. The lenses create a moisture chamber over the eye, which helps to keep the eye hydrated and comfortable. They also help to reduce tear evaporation, which can further improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal scarring occurs when the cornea becomes damaged, usually due to injury or infection. Scarring on the cornea can cause vision distortion and blurriness, as well as discomfort and sensitivity to light.
Scleral lenses can be an effective treatment option for people with corneal scarring because they provide a smooth, uniform surface for light to pass through, resulting in clearer vision. They also provide a protective barrier for the cornea, which can help to reduce discomfort and sensitivity to light.
Corneal Ectasia
Corneal ectasia is a rare condition in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward, resulting in vision distortion and blurriness. It can occur after certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK, or it can be a complication of keratoconus.
Scleral lenses can be an effective treatment option for people with corneal ectasia because they provide a smooth, uniform surface for light to pass through, resulting in clearer vision. They also provide a protective barrier for the cornea, which can help to prevent further damage to the eye.
Irregular Corneal Shapes
Irregular corneal shapes can occur for a variety of reasons, such as corneal scarring, corneal ectasia, or keratoconus. These irregular shapes can cause vision distortion and blurriness.
Scleral lenses are an effective treatment option for people with irregular corneal shapes because they provide a smooth, uniform surface for light to pass through, resulting in clearer vision. They are also custom-made to fit the unique shape of each individual’s eye.
Post-LASIK ectasia
LASIK is a surgical procedure that is used to correct vision. However, in some cases, the cornea may become thin and weakened after the procedure, leading to a condition called post-LASIK ectasia. Scleral lenses can help to correct vision in people with post-LASIK ectasia by providing a smooth, even surface for light to pass through and improving the overall shape of the cornea.
Post-RK Surgery
Radial Keratotomy is another surgical procedure used to correct nearsightedness by making radial incisions in the cornea to flatten its shape and reduce its refractive power. However, this procedure can often cause irregular astigmatism, which leads to distorted and blurry vision.
Here are some specific ways in which scleral lenses help with post-RK surgery:
1. Correcting irregular astigmatism: Scleral lenses can neutralize the irregular corneal shape caused by RK surgery. By vaulting over the cornea and providing a smooth, evenly refracting surface, they can improve vision by minimizing or eliminating the distortions caused by astigmatism.
2. Improving visual acuity: Scleral lenses can significantly improve visual acuity by providing a custom-fit lens that corrects the specific refractive errors of the individual’s eyes. The precise design of scleral lenses can correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, helping patients achieve better visual clarity.
3. Enhancing comfort and reducing dryness: After RK surgery, the cornea can become dry and more sensitive due to reduced tear production. Scleral lenses, with their large size and tear reservoir, act as a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and reduce dryness. This can greatly increase comfort for post RK patients who may experience dry eye symptoms.
4. Shielding the cornea: The larger size of scleral lenses can provide physical protection to the cornea, especially in cases where the cornea is thin or weakened due to RK surgery. This protection helps prevent further damage to the cornea and allows it to heal properly.
It is important to note that every individual’s vision needs are unique, and the success of scleral lenses in post-RK surgery cases may vary. Consulting an eye care professional experienced in fitting scleral lenses is crucial to determine if they are the right solution for a specific patient.
How Scleral Lenses Enhance Your Eye Health
Clearer Vision
Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface, improving vision clarity by correcting irregularities in the cornea and giving you sharper, more precise sight.
Better Comfort
Unlike traditional contacts, scleral lenses create a cushion of moisture between the lens and your eye, reducing dryness and irritation, so you can enjoy all-day comfort.
Stable Vision Throughout the Day
Scleral lenses are designed to stay in place and maintain consistent vision, even during physical activities or long workdays, giving you the reliability you need.
Enhanced Eye Health
By forming a protective barrier over the cornea, scleral lenses can help reduce strain on your eyes and minimize irritation caused by environmental factors, ensuring healthier eyes over time.
Reduced Eye Fatigue
The stable fit of scleral lenses helps alleviate eye strain and fatigue, providing you with clear and comfortable vision for longer periods without discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are scleral lenses and how do they work?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that vault over the cornea, creating a smooth surface and providing hydration to the eye. They are designed to treat complex eye conditions by improving vision and comfort.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are ideal for people with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or post-surgical complications. They are also a great option for people who can’t wear traditional contacts due to discomfort or poor vision correction.
Can scleral lenses help with dry eyes?
Yes! Scleral lenses help by trapping moisture between the lens and the cornea, creating a fluid-filled reservoir that provides relief from dry eye symptoms throughout the day.
Are scleral lenses more comfortable than regular contact lenses?
For many people, scleral lenses are far more comfortable. Unlike regular contact lenses, they do not touch the sensitive surface of the eye. Instead, they sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye), offering a more comfortable fit, especially for those with dry or irregular eyes.
How long can I wear scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses can be worn for long hours, and some people can comfortably wear them all day. The lenses maintain hydration, which reduces dryness and discomfort. However, it’s important to follow your eye care provider’s recommendations for wear time.
Can I wear scleral lenses if I have had LASIK surgery?
Yes, scleral lenses can help people who have had LASIK surgery and are experiencing complications like post-LASIK ectasia or visual instability. They provide stable vision and comfort, which may not be achieved with regular contact lenses after surgery.
How do I take care of scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses require proper cleaning and storage. After each use, clean them with the recommended solution, store them in a clean case, and avoid using harsh chemicals. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are also essential to maintain eye health.
Can scleral lenses be used for keratoconus?
Yes, scleral lenses are highly effective for people with keratoconus. They help correct vision by providing a smooth, stable surface over the irregularly shaped cornea, which significantly improves visual clarity.
How do I know if scleral lenses are right for me?
If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or post-surgical vision issues, scleral lenses might be a suitable option. Consult with an eye care professional who specializes in custom contact lenses to determine if they are the right fit for you.
