What Are Scleral Contact Lenses Used For?

Contact lenses are a convenient option for people who want vision correction without eyeglasses. They make it easy to enjoy good vision and carry out physical duties without worrying about glasses falling off the face. 

Still, some people find it difficult to wear regular contacts. Fortunately, lens technology has evolved to allow specialty lenses for individuals who cannot wear regular contact lenses. 
 

Scleral Contact Lenses 

Regular contact lenses lie on the cornea, the sensitive clear part of the eye. Scleral contact lenses are larger and vault over the cornea to rest on the sclera or white of the eye. They are gas-permeable, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea. 

The smooth optical surface enhances vision and helps maintain eye health. The space between the lens and the cornea acts as a reservoir, helping keep the eye moist. The specialty lenses can be worn longer and are ideal for people with irregular corneas or dry eyes.
 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses 

People who cannot wear conventional contacts can get scleral lenses. The benefits of the lenses include:

• They are larger than regular lenses, making them more comfortable.
• They are ideal for people with ocular surface diseases.
• They are stable, reducing the risk of moving when blinking or falling out. 
• They provide better visual clarity.
• They allow oxygen to get to the eye, making them comfortable.
• The fluid reservoir helps supply moisture, preventing dry eyes.
• Constant lubrication helps prevent injuries such as corneal abrasions.

Besides correcting vision, scleral lenses can help improve eye health, reducing the need for surgery. 
 

Types of Scleral Lenses 

Scleral lenses are classified according to their size. They range in size from 14.5 millimeters to 24 millimeters. It makes them larger than regular lenses that range from 9 mm to 9.5 mm. The large size of the lens ensures that it covers the entire cornea. 

The average cornea is about 11.4 mm, allowing even the smallest scleral lens to cover it. The choice of lens size is based on the complexity of the vision problem, which is determined during a contact lens exam. The types of lenses include full scleral lenses, mini scleral lenses, and corneoscleral lenses.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses Used For?

If you have hard-to-fit eyes, your optometrist may recommend specialty contact lenses. Scleral contact lenses can help patients with various eye conditions, including:

• Corneal irregularities due to keratoconus or eye surgery.
• Individuals with severe refractive errors.
• Patients with ocular surface disease.
• Lack of stability when using traditional lenses.
• Difficulty fitting conventional lenses. 
• People with dry eye conditions.

Taking Care of Specialty Contact Lenses

Taking good care of your scleral lenses will help avoid infections and other eye issues. It is vital to follow instructions from your optometrist. Wash your hands carefully before touching your eyes or handling your contact lenses. Use the right contact lens solution and cleaning technique to clean and disinfect the lenses. Rinse the lenses and store them carefully in the lens case.

If you have had a bad experience with contacts in the past, talk to your doctor about scleral lenses. Having hard-to-fit eyes should not stop you from wearing contact lenses. 
 

For more on scleral lenses, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our ​​​​​​Santa Monica, California office. Call (310) 452-1039 to schedule an appointment today.