Scleral contact lenses are specialty contact lenses that can provide sharp vision and comfort for people with various eye conditions. They are larger in diameter than traditional contact lenses and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. These lenses are, therefore, ideal for people with irregular corneas, dry eye syndrome, and other eye conditions that make traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or ineffective.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses Used For?
Scleral contact lenses can treat a variety of eye conditions, including:
- Keratoconus: A condition in which the cornea thins and bulges
- Corneal ectasia: A condition in which the cornea thins and weakens after surgery
- Post-surgical astigmatism: Astigmatism that occurs after eye surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery
- Dry eye syndrome: A condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist
Irregular corneas: Corneas that are not smooth or round due to injury, disease, or other factors
Benefits of Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses offer several benefits over other types of contact lenses, including:
- Comfort: Scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional gas permeable (GP) lenses, especially for people with dry eye syndrome.
- Sharp vision: Scleral lenses can provide sharp vision, even for people with complex eye conditions.
- Stability: Scleral lenses are more stable than traditional GP lenses, making them less likely to move out of place during sports or eye rubbing.
- Improved ocular surface health: Scleral lenses can help to improve the health of the ocular surface by creating a reservoir of fluid that helps to keep the eyes moist.
What to Expect From a Scleral Lens Exam
If you are considering scleral lenses, you must have a scleral exam with a qualified eye doctor. This exam will involve:
- A comprehensive eye exam to assess your overall vision health and to determine if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses.
- Corneal topography to measure the shape and curvature of your corneas.
- A scleral lens fitting to determine the appropriate size and shape of scleral lenses for your eyes.
What Makes Scleral Lenses Different From RGPs and Other Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses differ from other types of contact lenses in several ways:
- Size: Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than traditional GP lenses and other contact lenses, allowing them to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera.
- Shape: Scleral lenses have a unique shape that allows them to fit comfortably on the sclera.
- Material: Scleral lenses typically use a different material than other types of contact lenses, such as gas permeable (GP) material or silicone hydrogel material, which makes them more comfortable for long-term wear.
Advice for Using Scleral Lenses
Here are some tips for using scleral lenses:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your scleral lenses.
- Use a sterile saline solution to rinse your scleral lenses before inserting them.
- Use a special contact lens care solution to clean and disinfect your scleral lenses at the end of each day.
- Store your scleral lenses in a clean, dry case overnight.
Tips for Troubleshooting Scleral Contact Lens Problems
If you are having problems with your scleral lenses, here are a few tips:
- If your scleral lenses are uncomfortable, use a different contact lens solution or lubricating drops.
- If your scleral lenses are moving out of place, try adjusting the fit of your lenses or using a different type of lens.
- If your scleral lenses are causing eye irritation, try removing your lenses for a few hours or days. If the irritation persists, see your eye doctor.
If you want to learn more about scleral lenses and whether they suit you, schedule an appointment with us.
Call us at Riverside Family Eyecare in Fort Myers at 239-500-2020 to schedule an appointment today.