Scleral contact lenses are larger lenses that offer crisp vision of a gas permeable or “hard” lens with a comfort of a soft lens.
Why are they comfortable?
All scleral lenses are made of gas permeable (GP) lens material which allows for each lens to be customized individually to match visual needs of each patient. GP lenses allow 2-4 times more oxygen to the eyes than soft contact lenses for a healthier wearing experience. They are more durable and lenses can last up to 1-2 years.
Scleral contact lenses are made of gas permeable material and are rigid or hard in nature. One may think that rigid lenses would be uncomfortable. However, scleral contact lenses are much larger than traditional contact lenses and they sit on the white portion (sclera) of the eye. Since the lenses are much larger than regular contact lenses, they do not move as much. Scleral lenses remain tucked underneath the eyelids making them very comfortable to wear.
Why are Scleral Lenses better than other contact lenses?
The most common reason for dropping out of contact lenses is due to discomfort. Scleral lenses provide extra moisture to the eyes and work well with people with dry eyes. The lenses have a space that acts as a fluid reservoir which provides moisture and increasing comfort. Many patients also drop out of contact lenses due to poor vision from astigmatism. Astigmatism means the front surface of the eye (cornea) is shaped like football rather than perfectly round. Astigmatism is usually present at birth and due to the irregular shape, light is not focused to the back of the eye properly resulting in blurred vision.
Most contact lenses are pre-made and cannot be customized to a person’s scleral shape. Scleral lenses are ideal for astigmatism because they create a smooth surface over the irregular cornea allowing light to be properly focus on the back of the eye. In addition, scleral lenses are also available for multifocal and bifocal wearers. Multifocal scleral lenses provide superior optics to help with far, computer, and reading vision for those people who have failed with soft bifocal or multifocal contact lenses.
How can Scleral Lenses help me?
If you have any of the following irregular corneal conditions, scleral lenses can help improve your vision and quality of life.
- Keratoconus
- Corneal transplant
- Dry Eye
- Post-LASIK, RK, or PRK
- Trauma-damaged corneas (i.e. corneal scar due to old infection)
Please contact our office today to schedule a scleral lens consultation. 925-743-1222
