Discover our non-invasive solution for Keratoconus:
Scleral Lenses! Say goodbye to surgical procedures and hello to clear vision.
Scleral Contact Lenses
What are Scleral Lenses?
What is a Scleral Lens
A scleral lens is a little larger than a traditional soft contact lens. Scleral lenses rest on the sclera, distributing their weight over a larger area. A Scleral lens vaults over the entire cornea. A scleral lens will usually extend only a couple of millimeters beyond the colored part of the eye.
The History of Scleral Lenses
Scleral contact lenses have been around since the late 1800s when they were made of glass. Early sclerals were often referred to as scleral shells. In the early 1900s polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a type of plastic made the manufacturing process easier; however, it was still a cumbersome, hard to reproduce process. In the 1940s scleral lenses fell out of favor with the advent of “hard lenses”, using PMMA, a type of plastic allowed newer manufacturing techniques to be used. This new technology brought better comfort and longer wearing times.
Benefits of Wearing Scleral Lens
With scleral lenses, you’ll experience superior vision and comfort, even if you have an irregular cornea. Below are some of the benefits of wearing sclerals:
Scleral Lenses: See Better, Feel Better
Scleral lenses offer unparalleled comfort. Our patients consistently report that the lenses feel great, with many saying they can’t feel them at all! This exceptional comfort is combined with sharper vision. Scleral lenses’ customized design and minimal movement provide superior vision correction for those with keratoconus and irregular corneas. The result? An enhanced quality of life. Scleral lenses can significantly improve your vision, allowing you to drive, pursue new opportunities, and experience life to the fullest.
Guess Who Else Has Keratoconus?
NBA All-Star point guard Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors has been open about his battle with keratoconus. This condition, which causes distorted vision, significantly impacted his performance. Recently, Curry tackled a shooting slump by starting to wear contact lenses, leading to a profound experience of enhanced clarity and focus. Remarkably, despite the visual challenges posed by keratoconus, he managed to sustain an exceptional level of play for an extended period.
Why Do Scleral Contact Lenses Provide Better Vision Than Glasses or Traditional Contact Lenses?
A layer of tears sits between the scleral lens and the cornea. This layer of tears fills in the corneal irregularities making a smoother optical surface. By smoothing the optical surface we reduce irregular astigmatism and other optical aberrations, providing better visual acuity.
Why are Scleral Contact Lenses a Better Option for Treating Keratoconus?
From an eye physiology standpoint, both rigid gas permeable lenses and scleral lenses allow the eye to receive sufficient oxygen. In almost all cases; however, scleral contact lenses provide improved comfort and better more stable vision than traditional gas permeable lenses. Scleral contact lenses also provide better visual acuity, durability, and comfort than hybrid lenses such as the Synergeyes lenses. Keratoconus experts now agree scleral contact lenses are the treatment of choice for patients with keratoconus and irregular corneas.
With scleral lenses, you’ll experience consistently clear vision—even if you have an irregular cornea. Here are some of the benefits provided by scleral lenses:
- Their super-size diameter ensures that they stay centered and stable on your eye, which also prevents them from popping out easily, even if you play sports or lead an active lifestyle.
- They are made up from high quality, durable materials to last for the long haul.
- The large size of the lens protects your eyes from debris, dust, and allergens, providing a perfect solution if you suffer from eye allergies.
- They are composed of highly breathable gas permeable material, which ensures that ample oxygen reaches the eye, leading to healthy eyes and comfortable lens wear.
- These lenses have a pocket that fills with moisturizing tears. This wet, lubricating cushion leads to a very comfortable wearing experience, as well as healthier eyes.
Ready to say goodbye to all those contact lenses that felt uncomfortable and didn’t give you sharp vision?
INTRODUCING ESP – EYE SURFACE PROFILER!
Giving your patients the perfect contact lens fit.
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The ESP – Eaglet Eye – Eye Surface Profiler
Who Wears Scleral Lenses?
Some wear them for increased comfort, while others choose sclerals because specific eye problems prevent them from wearing regular contact lenses or glasses.
Scleral lenses are extremely helpful in managing the following conditions:
Dry Eyes: For people with gritty, itchy and dry eyes, wearing traditional contact lenses are an added irritation. In contrast, the tear reservoir between the back of the scleral lens and the cornea, the front surface of the eye, allows your eyes to remain moist and comfortable all day long. This makes scleral lenses ideal for those with dry eye syndrome.
Hard-to-Fit Eyes: Those with irregularly shaped cornea, whether due to natural causes, an eye condition (i.e. keratoconus), or complications following surgery (such as LASIK), can at times develop vision problems that cannot be corrected using glasses or soft contact lenses. In such cases, scleral lenses provide a more comfortable, secure fit, and sharper vision.
Scleral lenses are particularly useful for managing these eye conditions:
- Keratoconus
- Astigmatism
- Dry Eyes
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
- Post-refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, PRK)
- Presbyopia
Whatever your case, we welcome you to call Rajeev K. Raghu, OD, FAAO, Diplomate, ABO to discuss your needs and assess whether scleral lenses are a suitable and effective solution for your unique case.
Application, Removal, and Care of Scleral Lenses
Would you like to say goodbye to those uncomfortable contact lenses and say hello to crystal clear, comfortable vision?
Book your Appointment now!
Learn More about Scleral Lenses | FAQ
It is our strong belief that one’s quality of life is profoundly associated with one’s vision. Vision problems, whether due to keratoconus, LASIK, ocular trauma corneal irregularities, or dry eye syndrome, affect all aspects of a patient’s life.
Relieve your discomfort by scheduling a consultation with Rajeev K. Raghu, OD, FAAO, Diplomate, ABO and we’ll help you find the best solution for your condition and lifestyle.
