Who Can Benefit from Wearing Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a specialized type of contact lens that have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide relief for a variety of eye conditions. These lenses are designed to sit on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea, which is the case with traditional contact lenses. This unique design offers numerous benefits, making scleral lenses a viable option for individuals who have struggled with traditional contact lenses or who are experiencing specific eye-related issues.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are designed to cover the entire cornea and extend onto the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. These lenses are made of highly oxygen-permeable materials, ensuring that your eyes receive adequate oxygen supply while wearing them.
 

Unlike traditional soft contact lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a small space or "vault" between the lens and the cornea. This space is filled with a sterile saline solution, which provides a protective and therapeutic environment for the cornea. This unique design helps to alleviate various eye conditions and provide a comfortable, stable vision experience for the wearer.
 

How Do Scleral Lenses Work?

Scleral lenses work by creating a protective barrier between the eye and the external environment. The lens rests on the sclera, the white part of the eye, and the space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a sterile saline solution. This design offers several key benefits:

• Corneal Protection: The saline-filled space between the lens and the cornea helps to protect the delicate corneal surface from external factors, such as wind, dust, and irritants.
• Improved Vision: Scleral lenses can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, by providing a smooth, uniform surface for light to refract through.
• Comfort: The saline solution helps to keep the cornea hydrated and comfortable, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation that can occur with traditional contact lenses.
• Stability: The large diameter of scleral lenses provides a stable and secure fit, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with irregular corneal shapes or conditions that affect the cornea's surface.

Who Can Benefit from Wearing Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those with the following conditions or characteristics:

• Irregular Corneas: Individuals with corneal irregularities, such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or post-refractive surgery complications, can often find relief and improved visual acuity with scleral lenses.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses can provide a protective, moisture-rich environment for the cornea, making them an excellent choice for individuals suffering from chronic dry eye.
• Ocular Surface Diseases: Patients with ocular surface diseases, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, or chemical burns, may find that scleral lenses can help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
• Post-Surgical Patients: Individuals who have undergone corneal surgeries, such as LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants, may experience improved visual outcomes and comfort with scleral lens wear.
• Athletes and Active Individuals: Scleral lenses can offer a stable and secure fit, making them a popular choice for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles who require clear, uninterrupted vision.
• Sensitive Eyes: Individuals with sensitive eyes or who have difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses may find scleral lenses to be a more comfortable and tolerable option.

Regardless of your specific eye condition or vision needs, it's essential to consult with an eye doctor to determine if scleral lenses are the right solution for you.
 

The Process of Getting Fitted for Scleral Lenses

Obtaining scleral lenses typically involves a multi-step process that requires the expertise of an optometrist. During your initial appointment, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include specialized tests to assess the shape and curvature of your cornea, as well as the overall health of your eyes.
 

Your optometrist will take precise measurements of your eyes, including the diameter and curvature of your cornea and sclera. This information is then used to select the appropriate size and shape of the scleral lens. Once the scleral lenses have been selected, you will receive hands-on training on how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses. This process may take several visits to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with the handling of your scleral lenses.
 

After the initial fitting, you will need to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the scleral lenses are providing the desired visual and comfort outcomes. Your doctor may need to make adjustments to the lens parameters to optimize the fit and performance.
 

Get Started with Silver Lake Eye Care Center Today

Scleral lenses have emerged as a game-changing solution for individuals dealing with a variety of eye conditions and vision challenges. From irregular corneas and dry eye syndrome to post-surgical complications and ocular surface diseases, scleral lenses can offer a comfortable, stable, and effective way to improve visual acuity and overall eye health.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Silver Lake Eye Care Center. We are dedicated to providing personalized, innovative solutions to meet your unique vision needs. Visit our office in Everett, Washington, or call (425) 338-5400 to book an appointment today.