How Do Scleral Lenses Differ From Traditional Contact Lens?

Everyone may not be a suitable candidate for traditional contact lenses. They can sometimes be uncomfortable or impossible to wear. As a result, your eye doctor may recommend specialty contacts like scleral lenses. These contacts help address your vision problems due to their versatility. 

 

What Are Scleral Lenses?



Scleral lenses are gas-permeable contacts with a larger diameter compared to conventional ones. They vault over your cornea, the clear part at the front of your eye, and rest over the white of your eye, called the sclera. 

 

What Are Traditional Contact Lenses?


 

Traditional contact lenses are what you may always think of when anyone mentions contact lenses. They are thin, round discs that you wear by resting them on your cornea. They refract the light entering your eye to help correct vision by focusing the light on your retina. They work like prescription eyeglasses. 


 

Irregular Cornea Shapes



You may struggle to wear traditional contact lenses if you have corneas that cannot retain their proper shape. The most common condition that leads to irregularly shaped corneas is keratoconus. Some people struggle to wear traditional contacts without any success. Sometimes, they may even fall out. Scleral lenses are ideal for such issues, as they effortlessly vault over your cornea to correct your vision no matter the cornea shape you have. They also do not move or slip.



Scleral lenses got their name from their large diameter that allows them to fit an entire corneal surface as its edges lie in your sclera. Scleral lenses have various types. They all depend on the sizes, from 14.5 mm to 24 mm. 



They are large compared to traditional contacts. The average cornea for humans is 11.44 mm. Thus, wearing the small scleral contacts can still cover your entire cornea. The scleral lens size you use will also depend on the complexity of the vision issue that needs correction. Your eye specialist will determine the ideal size to use while you get your contact lens exam.


 

Durability



Scleral lenses are more durable than traditional contact lenses. They last long because their material is more suitable for resisting wear and tear. They also do not need to get replaced as often as conventional contact lenses.


 

Improved Vision and Comfort



Comfort is among the best features of wearing scleral contact lenses. Some patients say they feel excellent and sometimes forget they have them on. However, traditional contacts are small and can move a bit whenever you blink. Some patients struggle to wear them for long hours due to discomfort.


 

Moisture Retention



Traditional contact lenses may not be ideal for individuals who suffer from dry eyes. Wearing such lenses can increase the discomfort that dry eye symptoms cause. However, scleral lenses create a dome that vaults over your cornea to create a reservoir for tears. As a result, you experience constant lubrication and hydration on your eye surface. Thus, scleral lenses relieve dry eye and ocular surface disease discomfort.



A saline solution in the scleral lenses creates lubrication. As a result, this eliminates or reduces dry eye symptoms like itchy and burning sensations.

 



For more information on scleral lenses, contact Planet Vision Eyecare at our office in Lake Worth, Florida. Call (561) 556-4600 to book an appointment today and see if you are a candidate for sclerals.

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