What are scleral lenses?
EYESIGHT is proud to offer our patients who have severe corneal issues an opportunity to finally have better vision and comfort than they have ever had with glasses or traditional contact lenses. We understand that you are likely excited about obtaining scleral lenses and you also have many questions about the process and investment that may be associated. We hope that this pamphlet will help you better understand the tremendous benefit of scleral lenses and answer many of your questions.
Scleral lenses are designed to treat a variety of eye conditions which do not respond to other forms of treatment. They are durable lenses about the size of a nickel, made of a gas permeable material that allows oxygen to reach the surface of your eye. The lens rests on the sclera – the white part of your eye – and vaults over the cornea to create a smooth surface over the distorted or damaged cornea. They provide comfort because they rest on the sclera rather than the cornea and the sclera is much less sensitive than the cornea. They are filled with preservative-free solution each day and because the lens holds fluid it keeps the cornea hydrated all day long which makes even dry eyes comfortable.
Scleral lenses are custom designed precisely and computer lathed for each individual patient. These medical devices require complex evaluation and are prescribed by a licensed and specially trained and skilled eye doctor. Dr Rand was residency trained in specialty lenses and has 20+ years of clinical experience, so we can speak from experience; almost all the time, vision and comfort are improved dramatically.
Why do I need scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses provide clear comfortable vision for individuals who have rare corneal disorders which cause distorted, irregular vision. This includes: Keratoconus, post Corneal Transplant, post-LASIK complications, Corneal Scarring, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, Irregular Astigmatism, Graft vs. Host Disease, Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Steven Johnson Syndrome, Neurotrophic Keratopathy, and Trauma.
When these disorders make it so glasses or conventional contact lenses can not make the vision clear, scleral lenses are necessary. Many of our patients have never had clear vision and are often “brought to tears” once they experience the incredible vision and comfort a scleral lens can offer.
How long can I wear scleral lenses during the day?
Scleral lenses are considered comfortable enough to wear them all waking hours. Most patients will say that their vision is best only when they are wearing their lenses! With minimal care, scleral lenses can last for years. Maintenance includes daily cleaning and adding fresh preservative free solution periodically.
Will scleral lenses completely correct my vision so that I don’t need glasses when I’m wearing them?
Scleral lenses will mask irregularities on the surface of the eye, and almost always will give you better vision than other forms of correction. If you’re over the age of 40 and are now using reading glasses for near tasks, you will still require reading glasses with your scleral lenses, and some prefer progressive lenses for multitasking.
