What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are a unique kind of lens designed to help patients with sensitive eyes or corneal irregularities experience drastic improvements in their visual acuity.
These lenses rest on the sclera and vault over the cornea. This results in the creation of a new optical surface and also prevents discomfort by lowering irritation to the corneal surface. The unique design makes scleral lenses ideal for ensuring a sharp vision and comfort.
Scleral lenses have a large diameter and are special as they are designed to vault over the entire sclera and corneal surface. These lenses replace the irregularities in the cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface.
This helps in correcting vision problems that are caused by corneal irregularities and keratoconus. Scleral lenses for keratoconus are ideal for hard-to-fit eyes those with astigmatism or keratoconus or for people suffering from medium-high astigmatism that cannot be corrected comfortably by other contacts.
Pros of scleral lenses
§ They stay in their position
§ Comfortable to wear and no eyelid sensation experienced
§ Dust cannot go beyond the lenses
§ Are not fragile in comparison to normal lenses which makes them easy to maintain them
§ The liquid layer provides optical correction to the cornea if someone has an irregular corneal surface
§ Easy to mend any corneal irregularity
§ Improves breathability by allowing a lot of air to reach the cornea thereby making them comfortable to wear for longer periods
§ Scleral lenses do not hold water as there is less risk of bacterial infection and buildup on the lens
§ The custom-fitted lens provides maximum vision correction
Cons of scleral lenses
§ There have been some complaints about the old designs and fitting methods of the lenses which have been solved by the introduction of gas-permeable materials
§ Slight difficulty in applying and removing the lenses with large diameter
§ Costs a lot more in comparison than traditional contacts
§ These lenses require maintenance as there is a risk of fogging and getting debris into the reservoir
How long do scleral lenses last?
Scleral lenses can last as long as there is no change in your corneal shape and also there is no change in your prescription. If you have invested in high-quality lenses, then it would provide you a comfortable and clear vision for a long time. Unless the surface is unscratched, or a change in their ocular condition, then you can rely on these lenses for a long time.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
If you are wondering if you are the right candidate for using scleral contact lenses or not, then read further to learn if you can benefit from using scleral lenses or not.
§ Dry eyes – When traditional treatments have failed to provide you comfort, then scleral lenses can prove to be an amazing option for individuals suffering from severe dry eye. The reservoir of preservative-free sterile saline between your cornea and the lens stays in place all day providing constant lubrication to the eye. In cases such as the Stevens-Johnson syndrome where more than just the cornea is compromised, the lens can be designed to be much larger for protecting the conjunctiva as well. These lenses in combination with excellent dry eye management can provide immense relief to patients who have been suffering from severe dry eye.
§ Keratoconus – This is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges forward. The irregularity in the cornea bends the light rays in such a way that the light does not reach the retina in a straight line thereby making the image distorted and blurry in an individual suffering from the condition. This is the reason why the glasses are ineffective as once the light rays pass through the glasses; they are obscured by the cornea.
Scleral lenses are an incredible option for people for restoring vision to people with Keratoconus. Between the scleral lens and keratoconus cornea, the liquid fills in the irregular surface creating a new corneal surface where light can pass through clearly to the retina. In the advanced stage of keratoconus, other regular contact lenses do not fit perfectly. The scleral lenses allow the cornea to remain untouched.
§ Corneal transplants –Transplantation of the cornea is an incredible way of restoring vision in individuals who have extremely scarred or abnormal corneas. However, the process can result in certain kinds of irregularity to the corneal surface and may result in vision that cannot be corrected to 20/20 with glasses. The liquid fills the irregular surface creating a new corneal surface where light can pass clearly through the retina thereby allowing the eye to see once again.
§ Radial Keratotomy - Scleral lenses can be transformative for individuals who have undergone radial keratotomy surgery. Of all lens options available, scleral lenses are ideal for Radial Keratotomy patients as the liquid layer in between the eye and the lens minimizes daily visual fluctuations that the patients experience. It can also improve the vision immensely by minimizing the irregularities caused due to the incisions on the corneal surface.
Are scleral lenses expensive?
Scleral lenses are custom-made for each wearer. These lenses are to be fitted by an expert who has expertise in the field as they consume more time in fitting in comparison to soft contact lenses. The specialists have computerized maps of the curvature of the entire cornea which helps them while fitting the lens. However, you will have to pay several visits during the fitting process. This is because they need to make those lenses easier for you to wear. It also helps them learn whether or not their eyes can tolerate these lenses.
Scleral lenses make a great choice as they do not move from their place. Invest in good-quality lenses as these will not result in any sensation in your eye.
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