What Are Scleral Lenses and What Conditions Do They Treat?

What Are Scleral Lenses and What Conditions Do They Treat?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that offer a unique solution for individuals with specific eye conditions or those who have difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses. These advanced lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea, creating a tear-filled space that can promote healing, improve comfort, and enhance vision.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Unlike traditional soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses are larger and more specialized. Their size ranges between 14 to 24 millimeters in diameter, compared to the 9 to 10 millimeters of regular contact lenses. This larger design allows them to rest on the less sensitive sclera rather than the cornea. The vaulted shape of the lens creates a space between the lens and the cornea, which fills with tears, offering superior hydration and comfort for people with certain eye conditions.

Scleral lenses are made from high-quality, gas-permeable materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye, making them safe and comfortable for long-term wear.

What Conditions Do Scleral Lenses Treat?

Scleral lenses are beneficial for a wide range of conditions, particularly those affecting the cornea or causing severe dryness. Some of the most common conditions treated with scleral lenses include:

1. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. Traditional contact lenses often cannot provide adequate comfort or vision correction for people with keratoconus. Scleral lenses offer a smooth surface that corrects the irregular shape of the cornea, providing clearer vision and enhanced comfort.

2. Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

For individuals suffering from severe dry eye syndrome, traditional lenses can exacerbate symptoms. Scleral lenses help by creating a tear-filled reservoir that keeps the eye hydrated, reducing discomfort and improving the overall health of the eye. This makes them an ideal option for patients with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or those who have had LASIK surgery and now experience chronic dryness.

3. Corneal Ectasia

Corneal ectasia is a condition characterized by thinning and bulging of the cornea, often occurring as a complication of LASIK or other refractive surgeries. Scleral lenses provide stability to the eye by creating a smooth refractive surface, which improves vision and reduces further corneal damage.

4. Irregular Corneas

Patients with irregularly shaped corneas due to trauma, surgery, or congenital conditions often find it difficult to wear traditional lenses. Scleral lenses can correct the visual disturbances caused by these irregularities by covering the cornea entirely and providing a uniform optical surface.

5. Post-Surgical Complications

Individuals who have undergone corneal transplants or other ocular surgeries may experience irregular corneal surfaces or scarring that interferes with vision. Scleral lenses help by vaulting over these imperfections, offering clearer vision and added protection for the healing cornea.

6. Ocular Surface Disease

Ocular surface diseases, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Graft-versus-Host disease, can cause severe dryness and irritation. The tear reservoir created by scleral lenses provides continuous moisture and protection, making them an effective treatment option for these challenging conditions.

The Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Aside from treating a range of eye conditions, scleral lenses offer several advantages, including:

•          Superior Comfort: Because they rest on the sclera rather than the cornea, scleral lenses avoid irritating the sensitive corneal nerves, making them more comfortable for long periods of wear.

•          Improved Vision: Scleral lenses correct complex vision issues caused by irregular corneas, keratoconus, and other conditions, often providing clearer vision than traditional contact lenses or glasses.

•          Protection and Healing: The constant moisture provided by scleral lenses helps protect and heal damaged corneas, offering relief for patients with severe dry eye or ocular surface disease.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

If you struggle with traditional contact lenses or have been diagnosed with an eye condition like keratoconus, dry eye, or corneal irregularities, scleral lenses could be the ideal solution for your vision needs. At Lauren Alexander Vision Source, our experienced team specializes in fitting and prescribing scleral lenses for patients with a wide variety of eye conditions.

To learn more about scleral lenses and whether they’re the right option for you, schedule a consultation at Lauren Alexander Vision Source. Our optometrists will perform a thorough eye exam, assess your individual needs, and recommend the best treatment plan to improve your vision and comfort. Visit our Shaven Park or Potranco office, located in San Antonio, Texas. Please call (210) 239-2020 or (210) 317-2020 book an appointment today.