Understanding Scleral Lenses

The Different Types of Contact Lenses

In the world of eye care, there are numerous options for contact lenses. To better understand how scleral lenses are a unique form of specialized contact lens, it’s best to compare them to other types of lenses commonly prescribed. The two most commonly prescribed types of lenses are soft contacts and Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses. 

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contacts are the most common choice due to their flexibility and comfort, molding well to the cornea's shape. They are typically more affordable and available in disposable formats in daily, weekly, and monthly sets. However, they may not offer the best breathability, leading to dry eyes for some users. 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses, composed of stiffer silicone, provide sharper vision and better oxygen flow to the cornea than soft lenses, which can help prevent dry eye symptoms. They are durable and long-lasting (upwards of over a year if proper contact maintenance is followed) but can dislodge more easily due to their less conforming fit. They also tend to cost a bit more than soft contacts. 

How Scleral Lenses Enhance Vision

Scleral lenses fall under the RGP category but are distinct in their design and function. Larger than typical contacts, they vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the eye's white part, bypassing corneal irregularities that can interfere with vision correction. 

Each scleral lens is custom-fitted to the wearer's eye shape, offering precise vision correction and long-term usability. This means every set of scleral lenses is one of a kind. 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

The primary advantage of scleral lenses is their ability to provide excellent vision to those who might not be able to use other contacts. They distribute pressure across the sclera, a thicker part of the eye that is less sensitive, offering exceptional comfort. Additionally, they maintain eye moisture through a saline solution reservoir. This feature is particularly beneficial following corneal surgeries, aiding in recovery. 

Scleral lenses are tailored for individual vision needs, similar to the precision in crafting prescription glasses, making them highly effective for various corneal conditions and astigmatism. 

The Drawbacks Scleral Lenses 

Despite their many benefits, scleral lenses have a few considerations to keep in mind. They’re more costly than other lenses because they require detailed measurements and are made custom for your unique eyes. Additionally, they require diligent maintenance. They may need to be removed and cleaned a few times a day to prevent vision obstruction from accumulated debris inside the saline reservoir. Their size might also require a period of adjustment for new users. 

Eligibility for Scleral Lenses

Not everyone will get the majority of benefits from scleral lenses. But those who will see the most advantages to switching to scleral lenses are patients with conditions that affect the cornea's surface, such as astigmatism, keratoconus, and dry eye disease. They are also advantageous for post-surgical recovery and managing conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Sjogren’s Syndrome. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for scleral lenses, talk to your eye doctor.