What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are very large diameter gas-permeable lenses ranging from 14mm to 20mm that completely vault the cornea, "land" and rest on the white part of the eye called the sclera, and create a reservoir of tears.
They are called "scleral" lenses because, these lenses cover the "white" of the eye (the sclera). Because of this type of fit, they are less likely to accidentally dislodge from the eye compared to conventional GP lenses.
Because of their size and this tear reservoir, they are typically extremely comfortable and at times may provide better vision correction than other standard contact lenses, glasses, and even surgery.
Scleral lenses incorporate a unique design that eliminates irregularities of the shape on the front surface of the eye to correct your vision.
The lenses are made of materials that let oxygen pass through the lens and provide a thin cushion of fluid that stays between the lens and eye that makes them very comfortable, reduces redness and creates a healthy environment for the eye.
The lens is appropriate for most prescriptions and is available for patients who need help reading (multifocal / bifocal) and those with astigmatism (torics).
Insertion, removal and care of scleral lenses
Who is a candidate for Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses may be the best strategy for providing patients with optimal visual correction, particularly in patients who have the following conditions such as:
• Keratoconus
• Pellucid marginal degeneration
• Post-penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant surgery)
• Post-radial keratectomy
• Post-LASIK ectasia
• Salzmann nodular degeneration and other corneal degenerations
• Recalcitrant dry eye, GVHD, Sjogren's KCS, Steven's Johnson syndrome|
• Congenital Nytagmus
• Normal corneas - athletes and active individuals, patients requiring bifocal correction too!
We have successfully fit all of the above
conditions with great success and the practice
truly feels this lens modality can significantly
improve one’s quality of life.