Post-refractive surgery issues can be alleviated with scleral lenses, designed to restore vision and comfort for those experiencing irregular corneas or dry eyes. Find a top optometrist who specializes in scleral lens fitting through Specialty Vision to explore your options.
Refractive surgery can improve vision for many patients, but some still experience issues like irregular corneas or dry eye. Scleral lenses are special contact lenses that help restore clear, comfortable vision by addressing unique post-surgery challenges.
Some patients notice changes in comfort or vision after refractive procedures like LASIK or PRK. Scleral lenses help address these specific issues and improve daily life by offering enhanced vision correction and ocular surface protection.
The shape of the cornea may be slightly irregular after procedures like LASIK or PRK. These small bumps or dips can cause blurred or distorted vision. Scleral lenses vault over these irregularities and create a smooth front surface, which helps focus light evenly on the retina and improve vision.
After refractive surgery, tear production can decrease and lead to dry eye symptoms. Scleral lenses hold a liquid reservoir against the eye surface to keep it moist. This constant moisture helps soothe and protect the cornea, reducing irritation and improving overall comfort throughout the day.
Some patients experience glare, halos, or ghost images after surgery. Scleral lenses provide a stable, tear-filled space that smooths the optical zone. This helps reduce unwanted reflections and improves night vision, allowing many users to notice fewer halos and sharper sight in low light.
Corneal irregularities after surgery often lead to complex astigmatism that cannot be effectively corrected with glasses or soft contacts. Scleral lenses, with their rigid design and custom fit, can neutralize these irregularities, providing improved vision clarity where other lens types fall short.
Scleral lenses are designed differently than regular soft contacts. Their unique shape and fit help correct vision and improve comfort for post-surgery eyes by creating a protective and hydrating environment.
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses, covering both the cornea and part of the white of the eye. They vault over the cornea, avoiding direct contact with sensitive tissue. This design reduces friction and allows the lens to sit comfortably and securely on the eye.
A key feature of scleral lenses is the fluid reservoir of saline between the lens and the cornea that keeps the eye surface continuously hydrated. This reservoir cushions the cornea, promotes healing after surgery, and helps smooth out irregularities for better visual quality.
Resting on the white part of the eye (the sclera) makes these lenses very stable. This reduces lens movement with each blink and maintains consistent vision. Because they do not move as much, the risk of irritation is lower, and many patients appreciate the secure feel.
Modern scleral lenses are made from high oxygen-permeable materials that allow adequate oxygen to reach the cornea despite their size. This is essential to maintain corneal health, prevent hypoxia, and promote long-term safe lens use, especially in post-surgical eyes.
Getting scleral lenses involves a detailed fitting process with multiple appointments. Each step ensures lenses fit well and provide the best vision and comfort for individual eye conditions post-surgery.
Advanced instruments measure the shape of the cornea and sclera to create a precise lens design. This mapping helps identify irregular areas that need to be cleared and ensures the lens vaults correctly without touching the cornea, leading to better vision and fewer fitting issues.
Trial lenses are placed on the eye to assess fit, comfort, and vision. Our eye doctors observe the lens position and fluid reservoir, making adjustments to the lens curvature or diameter as needed. This step may take one or more visits to achieve the optimal fit.
After the initial fitting, follow-up visits are scheduled to check eye health and lens performance. Our eye doctors examine the cornea for any signs of pressure or redness, and further lens tweaks may be made based on patient feedback to ensure long-term success.
Minor adjustments to the lens shape or edge design may improve comfort and clearance. Lens parameters can be fine-tuned to address high-pressure areas or fluid distribution, balancing the vault height with adequate tear exchange for clear, comfortable vision all day.
Patients receive hands-on training for insertion, removal, and care of scleral lenses during fitting appointments. This guidance empowers patients to manage lenses confidently and safely at home, reducing complications and improving adherence.
Proper care of scleral lenses is essential for comfort, vision, and eye health. A consistent routine helps prevent complications and ensures lens longevity.
Use only recommended, preservative-free cleaning solutions for daily care. Lenses should be rubbed gently with solution to remove deposits, then rinsed and disinfected overnight in fresh solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Insert lenses using a clean lens cup or plunger filled with sterile saline, positioning the lens gently to avoid trapping air bubbles. Removal is done with a plunger or fingers, following instructions from our eye doctors to reduce the risk of eye injury.
Store lenses in a clean case filled with fresh, sterile solution each night, and never reuse or top off old solution. Replace the storage case every three months to avoid contamination and maintain lens integrity.
Most scleral lenses last 1–2 years before needing replacement, though timing can vary. Older lenses may develop scratches or deposits that reduce oxygen transmission, so our eye doctors will advise when it is time for new lenses.
Following best practices is crucial for safe lens wear.
Scleral lenses offer significant benefits but also require commitment to care and follow-up. Understanding both helps patients make informed choices about their vision correction after surgery.
Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface that corrects irregular corneas, allowing many patients to achieve 20/20 vision or better. The consistent tear layer and lens stability reduce optical aberrations, resulting in sharper vision for daily and night-time activities.
The fluid reservoir cushions the eye and reduces friction with eyelids, leading to less irritation than with regular contacts. The stable fit promotes comfort even in windy or dry environments and can help reduce eye redness and soreness.
The fluid layer safeguards healing or compromised corneal tissue after surgery by distributing nutrients to the eye surface. By avoiding direct contact, the lens reduces the risk of additional corneal damage, a valuable benefit during the healing process.
The fitting process involves multiple visits and specialized measurements. Lens costs and care supplies may be higher than for standard contacts. Insurance coverage varies, and medical benefits may apply, so patients should consider these factors.
Patients should be aware of potential challenges before committing to scleral lenses.
If you’ve had refractive surgery and are facing vision challenges, consider scheduling an evaluation for scleral lenses. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through Specialty Vision to explore the best options for your eye care.
If you experience vision or comfort issues after refractive surgery, a scleral lens evaluation may be beneficial. Contact us to schedule your measurements and fitting consultation to determine if this is the best solution for your long-term eye health and vision.
If you’ve had refractive surgery and are facing vision challenges, consider scheduling an evaluation for scleral lenses. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through Specialty Vision to explore the best options for your eye care.
Scleral lenses can help restore vision and comfort after refractive surgery. Find an eye care expert near you for personalized scleral lens fitting.
