Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a new way to correct vision for those with hard-to-fit eyes. They work for people with irregular corneas or eye health issues. These lenses offer clear, comfortable vision when regular contacts or glasses can’t.

Do you have keratoconus, severe dry eye, or eye surgery complications? Scleral lenses might be what you need. They sit on the sclera, the white part of your eye, providing stable vision correction.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes scleral lenses special. We’ll see how they can help you get the clear vision you want. Get ready for a life-changing approach to vision correction and eye health.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a special kind of rigid gas permeable lenses. They help people with irregular corneas or severe eye problems. These lenses cover the whole cornea and sit on the sclera, the eye’s white part.

Definition and Characteristics of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are custom-fit lenses made for great comfort and clear vision. They use advanced materials that let oxygen reach the cornea, keeping the eye healthy. The main features of scleral lenses are:

Differences Between Scleral Lenses and Traditional Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are different from regular contact lenses in several ways:

• Larger diameter for better stability and comfort
• Customized fit for irregular corneas
• Liquid reservoir for hydration
• Better vision correction for complex eye conditions

Unlike soft contact lenses, scleral lenses offer a stable surface for vision correction. They are perfect for those who can’t find comfortable and effective lenses elsewhere.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are great for people with eye problems like corneal irregularities and ocular surface disease. They can make vision better, feel more comfortable, and protect the eye’s surface.

Improved Vision for Irregular Corneas

People with irregular corneas, like those with keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia, see much better with scleral lenses. These lenses sit on the sclera, covering the cornea. This makes vision clear and stable for those who had trouble seeing before.

Enhanced Comfort and Stability

Scleral lenses are bigger than regular contact lenses, making them more comfortable and stable. They sit on the sclera, not the cornea, which is sensitive. This is good for people with dry eye or ocular surface disease because it keeps the eye moist and safe.

Protection for the Ocular Surface

Scleral lenses also protect the eye’s surface. They create a fluid reservoir that acts as a shield. This is great for people with dry eye or corneal erosions because it keeps the cornea safe from harm.

The table below summarizes the key benefits of scleral lenses for various eye conditions:

Scleral lenses meet the special needs of people with corneal irregularities and ocular surface disease. They offer a great way to improve life quality for these patients.

Conditions Treated with Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a special solution for many eye problems. They can improve vision and comfort for people with irregular corneas or severe eye surface diseases.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus makes the cornea thin and bulge, causing blurry vision. Scleral lenses cover the irregular cornea, making vision clearer. They are also more stable than other lenses for keratoconus.

Post-LASIK Ectasia

Post-LASIK ectasia is a rare complication after eye surgery. It makes the cornea weak and bulge. Scleral lenses help manage this condition, improving vision and quality of life.

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Pellucid marginal degeneration causes irregular astigmatism and poor vision. Scleral lenses fit over the affected area, providing a smooth surface for better vision and comfort.

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Severe dry eye can cause discomfort and damage to the cornea. Scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir, providing constant moisture and protection. This helps manage dry eye symptoms and promotes healing.

Scleral lenses are a promising treatment for many eye conditions, including keratoconus and severe dry eye management. Eye care professionals can customize these lenses for better vision and comfort.

The Fitting Process for Scleral Lenses

Getting the perfect fit with custom-fit lenses like scleral lenses is a detailed process. It starts with a thorough eye exam. This is because scleral lenses are specialty contact lenses that need precise measurements and customization.

The eye exam includes corneal topography to map your eye’s shape. This helps your eye care professional design lenses that fit you perfectly.

The customization process for scleral lenses involves several key parameters:

After your custom-fit lenses are designed, you’ll have a dispensing appointment. Here, you’ll try on the lenses and check how they fit, look, and feel. Any needed adjustments will be made to ensure the best fit with your specialty contact lenses.

It’s important to work closely with an experienced eye care professional during the fitting process. They will help you from the first consultation to follow-up care. This ensures long-term success with your scleral lens wear.

Caring for Your Scleral Lenses

It’s important to take good care of your scleral lenses. This keeps your eyes healthy and your lenses working well. Your eye doctor will give you the right steps to follow. This way, you can keep your lenses clean and in top shape for clear vision.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Lenses

To clean and disinfect your scleral lenses, follow these steps:

Proper Storage and Replacement Schedule

Always store your scleral lenses in a clean, dry case with fresh disinfecting solution. Don’t use tap water or saliva, as they can harm your eyes. Change your lens case every three months or as your eye doctor advises to avoid bacteria.

Scleral lenses usually last 6 to 12 months. This depends on the material, how often you wear them, and your tear chemistry. Follow your eye doctor’s advice on when to replace them. Regular check-ups are key to keeping your lenses and eyes healthy.

Potential Complications and Side Effects

Scleral lenses are great for vision correction, but they can have some issues. These problems are usually minor. They can be fixed with good lens care and talking to your eye doctor.

Lens Fogging and Midday Bubbles

One common problem is lens fogging or seeing small bubbles under the lens. This can happen for a few reasons:

Lens Awareness and Adaptation Period

When you start wearing scleral lenses, you might feel a bit of discomfort. This is because your eyes are getting used to something new. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to get used to it.

• Slight pressure or sensation of the lens on your eye
• Increased lens awareness when blinking
• Mild redness or irritation that subsides with wear

To ease into it, start by wearing them for shorter times. As you get more comfortable, you can wear them longer. It’s important to see your eye doctor regularly to make sure everything fits right.

Even though problems with scleral lenses are rare, tell your eye doctor if you have any lasting discomfort or vision changes. With the right care, most people can enjoy the benefits of scleral lenses for their vision correction needs.

Scleral Lenses vs. Other Specialty Contact Lenses

Patients with irregular corneas or eye conditions have many options. Scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and piggyback lens systems are available. Each has its own benefits and characteristics.

Hybrid lenses mix a rigid gas permeable (RGP) center with a soft skirt. They offer clear vision and comfort. But, they might not fit well for those with severe corneal issues or dry eyes.

Piggyback lenses have a soft lens under an RGP one. The soft lens adds comfort, while the RGP corrects vision. This is good for those who need RGP benefits but find them uncomfortable. Yet, managing two lenses can be harder than one scleral lens.

Scleral lenses are larger and fit over the cornea. They provide great stability and comfort. They’re perfect for severe corneal issues or ocular surface disease. The fluid reservoir keeps the eye moist and healthy.

Choosing between scleral lenses and others depends on the patient’s needs and eye health. Eye doctors help pick the best custom-fit lens based on several factors. These include the severity of corneal irregularity, eye health, and lifestyle.

Cost and Insurance Coverage for Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a custom-made vision correction option. Their cost reflects the special materials, expertise, and time needed. The total cost includes the lens material, customization for your eye’s shape, and fitting fees.

Though scleral lenses cost more than regular contact lenses, many find them worth it. They offer better vision, comfort, and quality of life. Some insurance plans cover scleral lenses if they’re medically necessary.

If you’re thinking about scleral lenses, check your insurance for coverage. Your eye care professional can guide you through the insurance process. They can also help find financing options to make scleral lenses more affordable.