Standard contact lenses are a popular vision correction method, and for good reason: for most patients, they are highly effective, comfortable, and discreet. However, they are not suitable for all patients. Some people with specific eye conditions, particularly keratoconus or dry eye disease, would not find standard lenses suitable.
There is an alternative, however: scleral lenses. These lenses are a specialist solution designed with these patients in mind. Read on to find out how scleral lenses may suit your particular eye condition.
How do scleral lenses work?
Scleral lenses have a larger diameter than other types of contact lenses. They are designed to fit over the entire corneal area and much of the sclera (white part of the eye), too. Most other lenses would cover around three-quarters of the cornea only.
This generous size means that they are usually a viable option for those with corneal irregularities, including keratoconus.
Who is most suited to wear scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are most often used by patients with the following conditions:
● Corneal Ectasia
Those with corneal ectasia will have trouble correcting their near or far-sightedness due to the irregular shape of their cornea. Keratoconus is one example of corneal ectasia. With keratoconus, a thinning of the cornea allows it to bulge outwards slightly.
The large diameter of scleral lenses means they bridge over the entire cornea. This means that they can accommodate any irregularity in the shape or steepness of the cornea. They can also be used by patients with damaged corneas since the lenses do not make contact with the cornea itself.
● Ocular Surface (Dry Eye) Disease
Dry eye disease can cause much discomfort to patients. Their eyes are not well-lubricated either because not enough tears are produced or because tears do not contain optimal amounts of natural lubricating agents.
Standard contact lenses would not be suitable for patients with ocular surface disease, However, scleral lenses often are. This is because they allow a reservoir of tears to form behind the lens, keeping it well lubricated. This means both the simultaneous correction of vision and a solution to OSD can be found by using scleral lenses.
Even severe ocular surface disease (i.e., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, neurotrophic keratitis, or exposure keratitis) can be treated using scleral lenses.
Why should I consider scleral lenses?
If you have not previously been able to consider contact lenses, scleral lenses may provide an exciting and interesting new option for you. Here are some of the key reasons you should consider them.
● They are a non-surgical treatment
You may have been offered a surgical option to treat your eye corneal irregularities. However, many patients do not wish to undergo surgery for a variety of reasons, including discomfort and potential recovery time. Scleral lenses can overcome the need for surgery. Fitting is simple, quick, and pain-free.
● They offer a wider field of vision than glasses
Many keratoconus patients choose to wear glasses. However, the frames of glasses do obstruct the field of vision. Scleral lenses offer an unobstructed, wider field of vision than eyeglasses. This can make them more suitable for your career or choice of pastime.
● They are highly discreet
Not all patients like the look of glasses or want it to be known that their vision needs correction. Contact lenses, including scleral lenses, are almost invisible to other people. Their discreetness makes them a popular option.
● They are comfortable
Scleral lenses provide increased comfort to those with ocular surface disorder due to their lubricating benefits. Symptoms should be reduced by using these lenses.
They are also a comfortable option for those with corneal irregularities too. Many people dislike wearing glasses for long periods because they can start to rub or cause pressure sores. Scleral lenses solve this problem.
● They are practical and convenient
Scleral lenses can be worn for any activity, indoors or outdoors. They are particularly suited where glasses are not, including for sports and leisure activities or for using microscopes, telescopes, or camera equipment. They do not steam up or need wiping in the rain. They cannot be left behind, trodden on, or snapped.
Once you have inserted your scleral lenses, you can go about your day and forget they are there.
What are the disadvantages of scleral lenses?
Most people find a few disadvantages to wearing contact lenses in general. Occasionally, the hygiene routines can be troublesome for some patients or allergies to lens solutions can occur. Scleral lenses offer no more practical disadvantages than regular lenses.
Scleral lenses, however, do need to be fitted carefully and by a specialty contact lens fitter. A trained professional can ensure that the lens sits away from the limbus (where the sclera and cornea meet). The limbus is a delicate area and damage to it could cause long-term problems. To date, there’s no clinical evidence of limbus damage to a patient wearing well-fitted scleral lenses.
Overall, scleral contact lenses are a safe, practical option for those patients needing solutions for dry eyes or corneal irregularities.
Founded in 1996, we have grown from operating out of one small room to becoming one of the Internet’s most influential contact lens retailers. Check here: www.contactlenses.co.uk for more info.
Dr. Millicent M. Grim, Specialist Ophthalmologist & LASIK Specialist, is the Medical Director of Gulf Eye Center in Dubai. Since 2002, Gulf Eye Center’s highly qualified ophthalmologists and optometrists/ODs have been successfully treating a wide range of eye conditions using advanced techniques. They also provide comprehensive eye care and vision restoration procedures for people of all ages.
