Discovering the Power of Scleral Lenses for Challenging Corneal Conditions
Living with corneal conditions can be daunting, affecting both vision and quality of life. Fortunately, advances in eye care have introduced scleral contact lenses, a remarkable solution for a wide range of corneal conditions.
In this blog, let’s explore the many benefits of scleral lenses in managing conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and severe dry eye. We will also discuss the advanced fitting techniques involved, and address some common concerns and misconceptions.
Understanding Challenging Corneal Conditions
Conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and severe dry eye can significantly impair vision and cause discomfort. Keratoconus is the thinning and bulging of the cornea, leading to distorted vision. Corneal ectasia occurs when the cornea becomes weak and develops an irregular shape. Severe dry eye, on the other hand, causes eye redness, irritation, and blurred vision.
These conditions often need specialized treatment to restore vision and ocular comfort. That’s where sclerals come into play.
How Scleral Lenses Can Help
Scleral lenses have emerged as an effective and comfortable solution for managing challenging corneal conditions. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This design offers several benefits, making them an ideal choice for patients with complex corneal conditions.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses:
- Improved Vision: By creating a smooth and regular optical surface, scleral lenses correct problems caused by irregular corneal shapes, improving clarity and reducing distortion.
- Enhanced Comfort: Scleral lenses are designed to maintain a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This provides constant lubrication, reducing dryness and discomfort associated with corneal conditions like dry eye.
- Long-Lasting Moisture: Scleral lenses help retain moisture on the surface of the eye, making them a great option for individuals suffering from severe dry eye. The tear reservoir also protects the cornea from external irritants like dust, and provides an environment for optimal healing.
- Stability and Safety: The large size of scleral lenses makes it easy to keep them stable on the eye, reducing lens movement and decreasing the risk of lenses dislodging or falling out.
- UV Protection: Scleral lenses provide an additional layer of protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, shielding the delicate cornea from potential damage.
Advanced Fitting Techniques
Fitting scleral lenses requires specialized techniques to make sure they’re comfortable and work properly. Optometrists use advanced tools and technologies to achieve the best fit possible. These include:
- Scleral Topography: By mapping the shape of the sclera, scleral topography helps determine the best lens size and curvature, ensuring a comfortable fit.
- Anterior Segment Imaging: High-resolution photography captures detailed information about the surface of the cornea, enabling precise customization of scleral lenses.
- Digital Design Technologies: State-of-the-art software helps to design customized scleral lenses, taking into account the unique properties of each person’s eyes.
Concerns and Misconceptions
Scleral lenses often raise questions about comfort, maintenance, and insertion and removal techniques. However, with proper guidance and practice, these concerns can be easily addressed. Your optometrist will tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your scleral lenses and will show you how to apply and remove them. Modern materials and designs have significantly improved comfort, and most people are happy with their scleral lenses once they have gotten used to them.
Scleral lenses have revolutionized the management of challenging corneal conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and severe dry eye. Their advanced fitting techniques, coupled with the many benefits they offer, have provided patients with renewed vision.
Scleral Lenses in Laguna Beach
If you are interested in learning how scleral lenses may help you, book an appointment at i2iOptometry to learn more!