Who Can Benefit from Wearing Scleral Contact Lenses?

Achieving optimal vision and maintaining eye health are essential for many individuals. Traditional contact lenses and glasses may not always provide the level of correction or comfort needed, especially for those with complex refractive errors or corneal irregularities. This is where scleral contact lenses come into play, offering a specialized solution that can transform the visual experience for a wide range of patients.

What Are Scleral Lenses and How Do They Work?

Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than traditional contact lenses, typically ranging from 14 to 18 millimeters. This increased size allows the lens to span the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a tear-filled vault between the lens and the cornea. This tear-filled space helps to correct refractive errors, minimize discomfort, and protect the cornea from various environmental factors.
 

The unique design of scleral lenses also allows for the customization of the lens shape and curvature to accommodate the individual's eye anatomy. This personalized approach helps to ensure a comfortable and effective fit, which is crucial for individuals with complex visual needs.
 

Conditions that Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are not just for individuals with standard refractive errors. In fact, they can be particularly beneficial for those with the following conditions:
 

• Keratoconus: A progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses can help to reshape the cornea and provide clear, comfortable vision for those with keratoconus.
   

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye, such as irritation, redness, and discomfort.
   

• Irregular Corneas: Conditions like post-refractive surgery complications, corneal scarring, or other corneal irregularities can be effectively managed with scleral lenses, which can mask the underlying irregularities.
   

• High Refractive Errors: Individuals with high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may find that scleral lenses provide superior visual acuity compared to traditional contact lenses or glasses.
   

• Ocular Surface Diseases: Certain eye conditions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular graft-versus-host disease, or chemical burns, can benefit from the protective and therapeutic properties of scleral lenses.
   

How to Get Fitted for Scleral Lenses

Getting fitted for scleral lenses is a more involved process than with traditional lenses, as these lenses are custom-made to fit your individual eye shape and condition. Your eye doctor will first conduct a thorough eye exam to assess your overall eye health, your specific vision needs, and whether scleral lenses are the right choice for you.
 

Precise measurements of your cornea and sclera will be taken using advanced imaging technology. This helps in creating a custom lens that fits perfectly and provides the most comfort and visual clarity.
 

Your doctor will likely provide you with trial lenses to evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments. You’ll be asked to wear the trial lenses for a short period to ensure comfort and good vision. Once the perfect fit is found, a prescription will be made for your custom scleral lenses. You may need to return for follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit and make sure everything is working optimally.
 

Optimizing Your Vision and Eye Health with Nuwave Vision

Scleral contact lenses offer a transformative solution for individuals seeking optimal vision correction and eye health. Whether you're dealing with complex refractive errors, corneal irregularities, or ocular surface diseases, scleral lenses may be the answer you've been searching for.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Nuwave Vision. Contact our office in Westlake, Ohio, by calling (440) 881-0002 to book an appointment and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision today.