What Conditions Do Scleral Lenses Treat?

Scleral contact lenses are customized rigid gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera – the white part of the eye. They are larger than conventional lenses that usually rest on the cornea.

They hold their shape over the eye surface and can help to treat corneal and other eye surface conditions. They correct various refractive errors and can reduce the need for surgery. Find out what conditions scleral lenses treat.

Understanding Scleral Lenses

Unlike most common contact lenses that are soft and rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are wider and harder. They cover more of the eye surface, making them more comfortable for people with various eye conditions.

They are rigid but allow oxygen to pass through to reach the cornea. The middle part of the lens vaults over the cornea, creating a small gap that can hold saline solution. The lens edges sit underneath the eyelids, reducing the risk of the lens falling out.

What Conditions Can Scleral Lenses Treat

Eye doctors prescribe scleral lenses to treat several ocular conditions. They can help in the treatment of:

·      Corneal conditions such as keratoconus (irregularly-shaped cornea) and pellucid marginal degeneration.

·      Eye surface conditions due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft vs. host disease, and various types of keratitis.

·      Severe dry eye syndrome. The gap between the lens and the eye surface can hold a solution to keep the eyes moist.

·      Severe refractive errors such as high astigmatism or ametropia. Scleral lenses can often correct refractive errors better than conventional contact lenses.

·      Corneal damage or scarring. The lenses can help with post-surgery recovery.

·      Eyelid disorders or conditions affecting the area surrounding the eye (orbit).

·      Post-corneal transplant. They can help to maintain graft health and integrity.

Doctors can prescribe scleral lenses to treat eye conditions that require the application of medication to the eye surface.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

By resting over the less sensitive cornea, scleral lenses can help to prevent the discomfort associated with conventional contact lenses. The lenses can do things that regular contact lenses cannot do. Benefits of scleral lenses include:

·      They provide better vision correction capabilities or clearer and sharper vision.

·      They are stable and remain securely in place. They are less likely to move in the eye.

·      They offer better eye surface coverage.

·      Their design helps to keep the eye surface moist by holding saline or medicated solutions.

·      The lenses can help to treat conditions that might otherwise require surgery, such as severe keratoconus.

Drawbacks of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses have many benefits, but they may not be for everyone. Most people find them difficult to get used to. The lenses tend to be more costly than regular contact lenses as they require specialized manufacturing and fitting.

The fitting process often takes multiple steps to get the right fit. Debris and other particles can get stuck in the gap between the cornea and the lens. It means the lenses require more upkeep, including taking out the lenses for cleaning in the middle of the day.

How Long Scleral Lenses Last?

The lenses can last one or two years, depending on the material and brand. Your eye specialist will tell you how long you can wear your lenses based on your condition. You should stop wearing scleral lenses if you experience pain or notice recurring discomfort.

For more on the conditions scleral lenses treat, visit Vista Family Eye Care. Our office is in Liberty Hill, Texas. Call (737) 707-2155 to book an appointment today.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/scleral-lenses

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/scleral-lenses-for-dry-eye