Awareness of the potential benefits of scleral lenses is increasing. Yet, it still lags among contact lens wearers. Patients suffering from certain eye disorders may find them more comfortable. These lenses can benefit any patient with an irregular corneal surface. Each custom scleral contact lens patient receives a custom fit to ensure comfort.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses have an extra-wide diameter and are rigid gas-permeable lenses. Unlike standard contacts, they vault over the entire cornea. That leaves a space between the corneal surface and the lens. This one-of-a-kind design propels them to the top of the charts for maximum wearing comfort, clear vision, and healthy eyes.

Comfort

These lenses have a larger diameter than standard contacts and do not rest directly on the cornea. That makes them more comfortable for people with sensitive eyes or corneal conditions that traditional lenses may irritate. The materials used to make them are more breathable, helping reduce the risk of irritation and dryness.

Improved Vision

Scleral lenses can help treat several vision issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They can help improve vision in people with irregularly shaped corneas or other corneal conditions like keratoconus or postsurgical corneal scars. 

They work by forming a smooth, regular surface on the front of the eye, aiding in the proper focus of light on the retina. That can lead to better vision and decreased need for corrective eyewear.

Improved Oxygen Flow

Since they cover a larger surface area and do not rest directly on the cornea, they allow more oxygen to reach the eye than traditional lenses. This helps people with corneal irregularities that require a high level of oxygen to heal or maintain healthy tissue.

Increased Stability

Scleral lenses rest on the white portion of the eye rather than the cornea. So, they are more stable than traditional contacts. That is especially beneficial for people with keratoconus or those with difficulty keeping standard lenses in place. Their increased stability can help reduce lens displacement or awareness risk.

Increased Eye Protection

These lenses protect the eye from external irritants and debris by covering the entire cornea and a portion of the sclera. This is beneficial for people who suffer from dry eyes or other corneal conditions that make their corneas more prone to irritation. The fluid layer that protects the lens from the cornea can also help reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Durability

These rigid gas-permeable contacts, typically made from high-quality materials, are long-lasting. So, while their initial cost may be higher than standard contacts, wearers will receive the best value for their money.

They Are Easy to Use and Safe

If you have problems with manual dexterity or poor eyesight, these lenses are much easier to insert and remove from your eye. That is due to their hard material and large size. These features reduce the possibility of inadvertently injuring your cornea while handling your lenses.

Scleral lenses may not be suitable for everyone. So, it is best to speak with an eye care professional to determine whether they are the right choice for you.

For more on scleral lenses, visit Eye Carumba Optometry at our San Francisco, California office. Call 415-360-6900 to schedule an appointment today.