How Scleral Lenses Work

When it comes to vision correction, you've likely heard of traditional contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, there's another type of specialized lens that has gained popularity in recent years: scleral lenses. These unique lenses offer a solution for individuals with complex eye conditions or those who struggle with discomfort from regular contact lenses.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that extend beyond the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface and exceptional comfort.

These lenses are typically made from highly oxygen-permeable materials, ensuring adequate oxygen flow to the cornea and promoting eye health. Scleral lenses come in various sizes, ranging from 14mm to 24mm in diameter, and are custom-designed to fit the unique contours of each individual's eye.
 

How Scleral Lenses Work

The working principle of scleral lenses is based on their unique design and the way they interact with the eye's surface. Here's how they function:
 

•       Tear Reservoir: When a scleral lens is placed on the eye, it creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the back surface of the lens and the cornea. This reservoir is filled with a sterile saline solution or the wearer's own tears, providing a smooth optical surface and cushioning the cornea.
 

•       Corneal Vaulting: Scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea, leaving a space between the lens and the corneal surface. This vaulting prevents direct contact with the cornea, minimizing irritation and discomfort.

•       Oxygen Transmission: The materials used in scleral lenses are highly oxygen-permeable, allowing adequate oxygen to reach the cornea. This is crucial for maintaining corneal health and preventing complications associated with hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
 

•       Optical Correction: Like traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses can correct various refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related vision changes).
 

•       Ocular Surface Protection: The tear reservoir created by scleral lenses can help protect and heal the ocular surface in cases of conditions like dry eye syndrome, corneal irregularities, or ocular surface diseases.
 

Eye Conditions Treated with Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are often prescribed for individuals with certain eye conditions that make wearing traditional contact lenses difficult or impossible. Here are some common eye conditions that can benefit from scleral lens wear:
 

·       Keratoconus: This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, resulting in irregular astigmatism and vision distortion. Scleral lenses can help correct the irregular corneal shape and improve visual acuity.
 

·       Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses can provide relief for individuals with dry eye syndrome by creating a tear reservoir that keeps the ocular surface hydrated and lubricated.
 

·       Corneal Irregularities: Conditions such as corneal scarring, corneal dystrophies, or post-surgical complications can lead to irregular corneal surfaces. Scleral lenses can help mask these irregularities and improve vision.

·       Ocular Surface Diseases: Scleral lenses can protect and promote healing in cases of ocular surface diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, or chemical burns.
 

·       Corneal Transplant: After a corneal transplant procedure, scleral lenses can help protect the healing cornea and provide vision correction during the recovery process.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses offer numerous benefits that make them a desirable option for individuals with various eye conditions or those seeking exceptional comfort and vision correction. Here are some of the key advantages of scleral lenses:
 

•       Improved Vision: By creating a smooth optical surface and correcting corneal irregularities, scleral lenses can significantly improve visual acuity and clarity.

•       Comfort: The tear reservoir created by scleral lenses provides a cushioning effect, reducing friction and discomfort associated with traditional contact lenses.

•       Ocular Surface Protection: The vaulting design of scleral lenses protects the cornea from mechanical trauma and helps maintain a healthy ocular surface.

•       Consistent Vision: Unlike traditional contact lenses, which can move or shift on the eye, scleral lenses maintain a stable position, providing consistent vision throughout the day.

•       Versatility: Scleral lenses can be used to correct various refractive errors, including astigmatism, presbyopia, and higher-order aberrations.

•       Customization: Each scleral lens is custom-designed to fit the unique contours of the individual's eye, ensuring optimal comfort and visual performance.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

Scleral lenses have revolutionized the field of vision correction and ocular surface management. By providing a unique solution for individuals with complex eye conditions or those seeking exceptional comfort, these lenses offer a versatile and effective alternative to traditional contact lenses.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of scleral lenses or have any questions about their suitability for your specific eye condition, schedule a consultation with our experienced optometrists. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you achieve optimal vision and comfort. Visit Dr. Wong & Associates at our office in Danbury, Connecticut, or call (475) 405-1900 to book an appointment today!