Scleral lenses offer a revolutionary way to achieve stable, clear vision for those with astigmatism. These specialized lenses create a cushion of tears to ensure comfort and clarity, making them ideal for various eye conditions. Find a top optometrist near you to get started on your journey to better eyesight.
Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye. They create a stable, tear-filled chamber that provides clear vision and comfort for patients with astigmatism, even in complex cases.
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens in the eye. This irregular shape causes blurry or distorted vision at any distance.
Astigmatism happens when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, or the lens inside the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball. This uneven shape causes light to focus improperly on the retina, leading to blurred vision.
People with astigmatism may experience:
During an eye exam, your doctor uses specialized tools like corneal topography to map the shape of your cornea and measure how light bends in your eye. This helps determine the precise correction needed for your vision.
Regular astigmatism has a predictable curve that can often be corrected with glasses or standard contacts. Irregular astigmatism, which can result from eye conditions like keratoconus or corneal scarring, requires a more custom solution like scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest gently on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. They hold a protective layer of tears between the lens and the eye’s surface.
Scleral lenses are larger than standard lenses, usually measuring between 14.5 and 24 millimeters across. This size allows them to form a smooth, tear-filled space over the cornea, providing a new refractive surface for the eye.
Unlike soft lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses float on a cushion of tears. This makes them more stable on the eye, reducing movement and providing steadier vision throughout the day.
Made from high-quality, gas-permeable materials, scleral lenses allow plenty of oxygen to reach the cornea. This is essential for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable during extended wear.
Scleral lenses provide clear vision, enhanced comfort, and protection for the ocular surface, especially for patients whose astigmatism is difficult to correct with other options.
The fluid layer under the lens neutralizes corneal irregularities and masks distortions caused by astigmatism. This results in sharper, more stable vision for daily tasks, whether near or far.
The tear-filled space under the lens continuously hydrates the eye's surface. This helps soothe dry or irritated eyes, providing significant relief to patients who also have dry eye symptoms.
Scleral lenses are designed to stay comfortably in place for 12 hours or more. Their fit on the less sensitive sclera minimizes lens awareness, allowing patients to wear them throughout the day with ease.
Patients with corneal scars, keratoconus, or post-surgical changes benefit from scleral lenses because they are customized to precisely fit unique eye shapes and correct irregular astigmatism more effectively than other lenses.
Getting the right scleral lenses requires careful measurement and several visits to ensure the best possible fit, comfort, and vision.
Your eye doctor performs a detailed eye exam, checking your vision, overall eye health, and tear quality to determine if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses.
Advanced technology, such as a corneal topographer, is used to create a detailed map of your eye’s surface. This map guides the design of your custom-fit lenses.
During your fitting, trial lenses are placed on your eyes. Your doctor will then check the fit, the thickness of the tear layer, and your vision to make sure the lens is performing correctly.
Based on the trial fitting, the lens parameters may be adjusted to improve comfort and vision. The final lenses are then custom-ordered from a specialized lab.
You will receive one-on-one training on how to safely fill, insert, and remove your scleral lenses using the recommended techniques and simple tools.
Proper cleaning, handling, and storage are essential to keep your scleral lenses in good condition and protect your eye health.
Use the cleaning and disinfecting solutions recommended by your doctor to remove deposits. Never use tap water, as it can contain microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.
Lenses should be stored overnight in a clean case filled with fresh, preservative-free saline or a recommended solution. You should replace your lens case at least every three months.
To handle your lenses safely:
Routine follow-up appointments allow your eye doctor to monitor the lens fit and your eye health, ensuring you continue to have optimal comfort and vision.
Ready to enhance your vision with scleral lenses? Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you listed with Specialty Vision. Take the first step towards clear, stable vision today!
While scleral lenses are very safe and effective, some common issues may occur. Understanding these helps you and your doctor address concerns promptly.
Some patients feel the lens initially. If discomfort persists, your doctor can adjust the fit. A gradual break-in schedule often helps improve comfort within a few days.
Air bubbles trapped under the lens or debris in the tear reservoir can cause blurry or foggy vision. Proper filling techniques can reduce bubbles, and your doctor may recommend different solutions to prevent fogging.
If you experience redness, it could be due to overwear, a reaction to a solution, or a fit issue. Using preservative-free saline and following your wear schedule can help. If redness persists, contact your eye doctor.
If astigmatism affects your vision or comfort, talk to your eye care provider to see if scleral lenses are the right choice for you. A personalized fitting can help you achieve the clear, comfortable vision you deserve.
Ready to enhance your vision with scleral lenses? Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you listed with Specialty Vision. Take the first step towards clear, stable vision today!
Scleral lenses provide stable, clear vision for astigmatism patients. Learn how these specialized lenses can enhance your eye health.
