Who Is a Candidate for Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lens use has become a common solution for treating different vision problems or ocular disorders. These specially designed contacts sit on the white of the eye, called the sclera, and vault over your cornea. Their design eliminates the need to match your cornea shape by fitting the lens. You may be wondering, who is suitable for using scleral lenses? Read on to learn if you are a candidate.


 

Keratoconus



Studies show that 1 out of every 2,000 individuals in the United States has keratoconus. The eye condition is progressive and involves the thinning and bulging of the cornea. As a result, using traditional contact lenses or glasses for vision correction becomes impossible. This is because of the changing and unusual corneal shape.

 

Most people with keratoconus are often more comfortable using scleral lenses versus regular contact lenses. The design and rigidity help prevent the cornea from getting irritated. The lubricating fluid between the cornea and lens provides comfort. Thus, the patient experiences vision correction and comfort at the same time.

 

Ocular Surface Disorders (OSD)


 

Eye structures such as the lacrimal glands, conjunctiva, eyelids, and cornea make up the ocular surface. Disorders that affect any of the mentioned parts are OSD. Scleral lenses effectively manage conditions that affect your ocular surface. It also improves visual acuity while effectively protecting your ocular surface structures.

 

Irregular Corneal Surface


 

Scleral lenses are ideal for individuals with corneal irregularities like astigmatism or scarring. Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs due to the irregular cornea shape. It results in headaches, eye irritation, and eyestrain. Corneal scarring also obstructs vision or warps the light entering the eye.


 

Hard-to-Fit Eyes



Scleral lenses are ideal for individuals who find wearing regular contact lenses uncomfortable. They also help people whose doctors have advised against wearing traditional contacts. 

 

Some people have eye shapes that make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. One or both eyes may cause the contacts to pop out or dislodge easily. Hence, scleral lenses are always the best solution for such cases. They provide a better fit and stability for the eyes.

 

Individuals With Dry Eyes


 

Most patients who cannot produce adequate tears to lubricate their eye surface or yield a poor-quality tear film have dry eyes. The condition can also result when your tear film drains quickly. The lack of lubrication makes the eye uncomfortable. Wearing traditional contact lenses also becomes unbearable. 

 

You may have dry eyes if you experience burning, scratchy, gritty, or irritated sensations in your eyes. You may feel like you have something foreign in your eyes. The irritation can also cause them to water excessively. You may also experience blurry vision.

 

Scleral lenses vault over the cornea to create a gap between your eye surface and the lens. The space left serves as a reservoir for your tears to reduce dry eye effects and make you feel comfortable while wearing contact lenses.


 

Eyelid Abnormalities



Scleral lenses help improve vision for people with abnormal eyelids. They work better than traditional contact lenses.


 

Chemical Burns


 

Scleral lenses can help people who get chemical burns in their eyes. However, your eye doctor will assess the nature of the burn to recommend if you will need the scleral lenses.



 

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

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