Scleral lenses
What are Scleral Lenses?
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than directly on the cornea, unlike traditional contact lenses. These lenses vault over the cornea, creating a space between the lens and the cornea, which fills with tears. This design provides several benefits, particularly for individuals with irregular corneas, dry eyes, or other eye conditions that make conventional contact lenses unsuitable or uncomfortable.
Key Features of Scleral Lenses
Large Diameter: Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses, typically ranging from 14 to 24 millimeters in diameter. This larger size provides greater stability and comfort, as the lenses rest on the less sensitive sclera.
Vault Over the Cornea: Scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive corneal surface but instead create a tear-filled space that offers comfort and hydration, particularly beneficial for individuals with corneal irregularities or dry eyes.
Gas Permeable Material: These lenses allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, which is essential for maintaining corneal health and preventing complications like hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the cornea).
Custom Fit: Scleral lenses are typically custom-made to fit the unique shape and size of the wearer’s eyes, providing optimal comfort and vision correction.
Conditions Treated with Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are often used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including:
Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses help by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, improving vision.
Irregular Corneas: People with corneal irregularities due to surgery (e.g., post-LASIK complications), trauma, or conditions like corneal ectasia benefit from the smooth surface and vision correction provided by scleral lenses.
Severe Dry Eyes: Scleral lenses trap a reservoir of tears between the lens and the cornea, keeping the eyes hydrated throughout the day. This makes them ideal for people with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or chronic dry eye disease.
Corneal Transplants: After a corneal transplant, the cornea may become irregular. Scleral lenses help by covering the cornea with a fluid-filled layer, improving comfort and vision.
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration: A condition that causes the lower part of the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to poor vision. Scleral lenses provide stability and improve vision by vaulting over the irregular area.
Severe Astigmatism: For those with significant astigmatism, traditional contact lenses may not provide clear vision. Scleral lenses can correct this by providing a uniform optical surface.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Improved Comfort: By resting on the sclera, which is less sensitive than the cornea, scleral lenses are more comfortable for people with corneal irregularities.
Sharp, Clear Vision: Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, significantly improving vision for people with corneal distortions or irregularities.
Hydration for Dry Eyes: The fluid-filled space between the cornea and the lens keeps the eyes moist, offering relief for those with dry eyes or conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
Stable Fit: The large diameter and custom fit of scleral lenses make them less likely to move or dislodge during blinking or eye movement, providing more stable and reliable vision correction.
Long Wear Time: Scleral lenses can often be worn comfortably for extended periods, making them ideal for people who need vision correction throughout the day.
Fitting Process for Scleral Lenses
Comprehensive Eye Exam: The process begins with a detailed eye examination, including corneal topography to map the shape of the eye.
Custom Lens Design: Based on the eye’s measurements, scleral lenses are custom-made to ensure the best fit and comfort.
Fitting and Adjustment: During the fitting, the eye care professional ensures that the lenses fit properly, providing the correct vault over the cornea and optimal comfort.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups may be required to fine-tune the lens fit or prescription and ensure eye health.
Care and Maintenance of Scleral Lenses
Proper care is essential for maintaining scleral lenses and eye health:
- Daily Cleaning: Scleral lenses must be cleaned and disinfected daily using recommended solutions to prevent infection and deposits.
- Filling with Saline: Before wearing, the lenses should be filled with preservative-free saline to create the fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea.
- Regular Check-Ups: Routine eye examinations are necessary to monitor the health of the eyes and the condition of the lenses.
Conclusion
Scleral lenses are a highly effective solution for individuals with corneal irregularities, dry eyes, or other complex vision needs. They provide superior comfort, hydration, and vision correction, particularly for those who cannot achieve clear vision with traditional contact lenses or glasses. If you experience corneal issues or chronic dry eyes, scleral lenses may offer a transformative improvement in both comfort and vision quality. Consulting an eye care specialist can help determine if scleral lenses are right for you.
