Nowadays, various types of contact lenses can be prescribed for patients with keratoconus. However, we are avid fans of scleral lenses! Scleral lenses are rigid gas permeable lenses with an extra-wide diameter that vaults over your whole cornea. In contrast to other contact lenses, they rest on the whites of your eyes (sclera) and do not make contact with the corneal surface. When it comes to providing sharp visual acuity, comfortable wearing, and healthy eyes, scleral lenses rank at the top of the charts.
Unique Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Ultimate wearing comfort
Scleral lenses create a pocket under the contact lens that fills with tears and lubricates your eyes. (For this reason, scleral lenses are often a great option for people who suffer from dry eyes.) Not only does this cushion of moisture lead to a comfortable wearing experience, but it also promotes healthy eyes throughout the whole day.
Because scleral lenses do not make contact with your corneal surface, you also benefit from a decreased risk of corneal abrasions.
Stable vision
Regular contact lenses generally have a 9mm diameter, and scleral lenses range from 14 – 20 mm. Even if you have advanced keratoconus and an extremely irregular corneal surface, the larger size ensures that scleral lenses remain stable and centered. As a result, you’ll have more consistent, crisper vision.
The large diameter also makes it almost impossible for scleral lenses to dislodge during normal wear, even for people with keratoconus and an active California lifestyle. We hear great reviews about scleral lenses from our physically active Lombard patients!
Made to last
Scleral lenses, which are rigid gas permeable contact lenses, are typically long-lasting, as they are constructed from durable, quality materials. Therefore, while the initial cost of fitting scleral lenses may be higher than regular contact lenses, you’ll receive maximum value from these specialty lenses!
User friendly
Some people find conventional lenses difficult to handle, especially if they have poor vision or problems with manual dexterity. Scleral lenses are much larger than regular contact lenses, which can make insertion and removal easier – and it reduces the risk of you accidentally causing damage to your cornea. In general, your chances of complications from scleral lenses are significantly less.
More visual coverage
Due to their size and extra-wide optic zones, scleral lenses enable precise peripheral vision, and they reduce your sensitivity to glare and light. They are suitable for a broad range of vision prescriptions, including astigmatism, as long as they are fit by a qualified and experienced eye doctor.
For best results, you need a knowledgeable and experienced eye care professional to fit you with scleral lenses and provide follow-up eye exams. Fortunately, our eye doctor is a pro! He will will examine your eyes and measure your cornea to fit your scleral lenses precisely in our office.
Scleral lenses must be customized to meet the unique corneal irregularities of every keratoconus patient, and we’ll provide you with the personalized service and attention you need. We welcome everyone from Lombard and all nearby communities to schedule a consultation today!