What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are a specialized type of contact lens that have been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. This unique design offers a range of benefits and can be an excellent solution for individuals with various eye conditions.
 

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens that are larger in diameter than traditional contact lenses. These lenses are designed to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, the white, outer layer of the eye. This unique design sets scleral lenses apart from other contact lens types, offering a range of advantages.
 

Unlike standard contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a small space or "reservoir" between the lens and the eye's surface. This reservoir is filled with a sterile saline solution, which helps to maintain hydration and provide a smooth, comfortable surface for the eye.
 

How Do Scleral Contact Lenses Work?

Scleral contact lenses work by creating a protective, fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye's surface. This design offers several key benefits:
 

• Corneal Vault: The large diameter of scleral lenses allows them to vault over the entire cornea, providing a cushion of fluid that helps to protect the delicate corneal tissue.
• Tear Reservoir: The space between the lens and the eye is filled with a sterile saline solution, which helps to keep the eye hydrated and comfortable.
• Optical Correction: Scleral lenses can be customized to correct a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Irregular Cornea Support: For individuals with irregular corneal shapes, such as those caused by keratoconus or corneal scarring, scleral lenses can provide a stable, comfortable, and vision-correcting solution.

Conditions That Can Be Treated with Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are versatile and can be used to address a variety of eye conditions, including:
 

• Keratoconus: This progressive eye condition causes the cornea to thin and develop an irregular, cone-like shape. Scleral lenses can help to improve vision and slow the progression of keratoconus.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: The fluid-filled reservoir created by scleral lenses can help to alleviate symptoms of dry eye, such as irritation, redness, and discomfort.
• Post-Surgical Corneas: Individuals who have undergone corneal surgery, such as LASIK or corneal transplants, may benefit from scleral lenses, which can provide a stable, protective surface for the eye.
• Irregular Corneal Shapes: Conditions like corneal scarring, post-refractive surgery complications, and certain eye injuries can result in irregularly shaped corneas. Scleral lenses can help to correct these irregularities and improve visual acuity.
• Severe Ocular Surface Disease: Scleral lenses can be a valuable treatment option for individuals with severe ocular surface diseases, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ocular graft-versus-host disease, by providing a protective, moisture-rich environment for the eye.

The Benefits of Wearing Scleral Contact Lenses

Wearing scleral contact lenses offers numerous benefits, especially for individuals with irregular corneas or severe dry eye syndrome. Their design ensures a more comfortable fit and improved vision correction for conditions such as keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, and other corneal irregularities. Additionally, scleral lenses create a reservoir of tears between the lens and the cornea, providing continuous hydration and relief for dry eyes. This protective barrier not only enhances comfort but also promotes corneal healing and reduces the risk of further damage.
 

Additionally, scleral lenses offer superior optics and stability, minimizing the risk of lens dislocation during physical activities. Overall, scleral contact lenses provide a viable and often superior alternative for those seeking enhanced comfort, vision clarity, and eye health management.
 

Are Scleral Contact Lenses Right for You?

Scleral contact lenses are a remarkable solution for individuals with a wide range of eye conditions. By vaulting over the cornea and resting on the sclera, these specialized lenses offer unparalleled comfort, improved vision, and enhanced eye health.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of scleral contact lenses, schedule a consultation with TMS Eyecare. We can assess your unique eye health needs and determine if scleral lenses are the right choice for you. Visit any our offices in Wichita or Arkansas City, Kansas. Please call (316) 669-4760, (316) 686-7212, or (620) 442-2577 to book an appointment today.