What Are Scleral Lenses and What Conditions Do They Treat?

When it comes to managing complex vision issues, scleral lenses offer a unique solution that goes beyond what traditional contact lenses can achieve. Designed to cover a larger portion of the eye, scleral lenses offer a comfortable fit and can help patients with various eye conditions experience clearer vision and relief from symptoms. Let’s explore what makes scleral lenses unique, how they work, and which eye conditions they effectively treat.
 

Understanding Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of directly on the cornea. This design creates a smooth, hydrated surface over the cornea, which can protect it and help patients achieve clearer vision. The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a saline solution, providing continuous moisture to the eye’s surface, which can alleviate symptoms of dryness and irritation for patients with certain conditions.
 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

•        Enhanced Comfort: Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses rest on the sclera, providing a more comfortable experience, especially for those with corneal irregularities.

•        Stable Vision: The larger diameter and secure fit of scleral lenses prevent them from shifting on the eye, offering consistently clear vision.

•        Hydration and Protection: The fluid reservoir in scleral lenses provides continuous hydration, making them ideal for people with dry eyes or other eye surface issues.
 

Conditions Treated with Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a versatile option for managing various eye conditions, especially those that affect the cornea. Here are some of the common conditions that scleral lenses can help treat:
 

1. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. Scleral lenses offer a stable, smooth surface that replaces the irregular shape of the cornea, allowing people with keratoconus to achieve clearer, undistorted vision. Because they sit on the sclera, scleral lenses are often more comfortable for keratoconus patients than standard contacts.
 

2. Dry Eye Syndrome

For patients with severe dry eye syndrome, regular contact lenses can exacerbate dryness and discomfort. Scleral lenses, however, have a reservoir of saline solution that hydrates the eye all day, providing much-needed relief from dryness, irritation, and inflammation. This makes scleral lenses an excellent option for patients with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or other forms of severe dry eye.
 

3. Post-Surgical Complications

After corneal surgeries like LASIK or corneal transplants, some patients may experience irregular corneal surfaces, making it difficult to achieve clear vision with standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses can be fitted over the cornea's new shape, offering both improved vision and comfort for post-surgical patients.
 

4. Corneal Scars and Irregularities

Corneal scarring from injury, infection, or disease can lead to an uneven corneal surface, causing blurred or distorted vision. Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, bypassing the corneal irregularities and providing the wearer with clear vision.
 

5. Severe Astigmatism

Patients with high levels of astigmatism may struggle to find standard contact lenses that provide both comfort and clear vision. Scleral lenses can be customized to correct for significant astigmatism, offering a stable fit and clearer vision than traditional lenses for these patients.
 

How Are Scleral Lenses Fitted?

Fitting scleral lenses is a specialized process that involves detailed measurements of the eye to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. During a scleral lens fitting, your eye doctor will take precise measurements to customize the lens for your eye’s unique shape. Once fitted, they’ll also guide you through the steps of inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
 

Schedule a Consultation with Eye Check Health & Vision Today

Scleral lenses have transformed the lives of countless individuals by providing a comfortable, effective solution for vision correction and relief from dry eye symptoms. If you have a complex eye condition or if traditional contact lenses haven’t been effective, scleral lenses may be the solution you've been searching for.
 

Contact Eye Check Health & Vision to schedule a consultation and find out if scleral lenses could help improve your vision and comfort. Visit our office in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, or call (717) 500-2962 to book an appointment today.