What Are Scleral Contact Lenses and Who Do They Benefit?

Scleral contact lenses are a unique type of large-diameter contact lenses designed to rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, instead of sitting directly on the cornea like traditional lenses. These lenses create a smooth optical surface by vaulting over the irregular or damaged cornea and filling the space between the lens and the cornea with a saline solution. This innovative design offers clear vision and comfort, particularly for individuals with specific eye conditions that make wearing standard contact lenses difficult.

How Scleral Lenses Work

The structure of scleral lenses is what sets them apart from traditional lenses. While standard soft lenses cover the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea entirely, resting on the sclera. The saline-filled space between the lens and cornea acts as a liquid cushion, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.

This design offers several benefits:

•          Stable Fit: Scleral lenses remain more stable on the eye than traditional contacts, which means they’re less likely to move or cause irritation.

•          Moisture Retention: The liquid reservoir created by the lens keeps the cornea hydrated, making them ideal for individuals with severe dry eye.

•          Clear Vision: For those with irregular corneas, scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface that improves vision.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a popular solution for individuals who have conditions that make wearing standard contact lenses challenging or who need more precise vision correction. Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to distorted vision. Traditional contact lenses may not fit well or provide clear vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea. Scleral lenses, with their large size and customized fit, help correct vision by providing a smooth surface over the cornea.

Individuals who have undergone eye surgeries like corneal transplants or LASIK may have irregularities in their corneal shape that standard lenses can't correct. Scleral lenses help provide better visual acuity for these individuals by compensating for those irregularities.

Scleral lenses are often recommended for individuals with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or other forms of chronic dry eye. The liquid-filled chamber beneath the lens helps keep the cornea hydrated, providing much-needed relief for those with dry or sensitive eyes.

Damage or scarring from injury, infection, or other conditions can cause irregularities in the cornea that affect vision. Scleral lenses can vault over these irregularities, allowing for clearer and more comfortable vision correction.

The Importance of Lens Care

Scleral lenses, despite their larger size, can be more comfortable than smaller traditional lenses because they do not touch the sensitive corneal surface. The lenses are custom-made to fit the specific shape of each patient’s eye, ensuring a proper fit and reducing the risk of discomfort or irritation.

However, they do require special care and handling. Proper cleaning and disinfecting are essential to maintaining the health of your eyes and the longevity of your lenses. Most patients receive detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for their scleral lenses, and it's important to follow these guidelines closely.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

If you have been struggling with standard contact lenses or have a condition that affects the cornea, scleral lenses may provide a comfortable and effective solution for improving your vision. At ReEnvision Eye Care, our experienced optometrists are trained in fitting scleral lenses and can help determine if they are the right option for your unique eye care needs.

Schedule a consultation with ReEnvision Eye Care to learn more about how scleral lenses can enhance your vision and comfort. Contact our office in Frisco, Texas, by calling (469) 908-8282 to book an appointment today.