If you’ve struggled with traditional contact lenses or glasses because of an irregular cornea shape or persistent dry eye, you know the frustration. With regular contacts, your vision might still feel a bit off, or you might experience discomfort that makes it hard to get through your day. Our team at Pinnacle Eyecare understands how annoying this can be, but we want you to know that there is a special contact lens option that might work for you.
Scleral lenses are a specialized type of contact lens that can provide clear vision and lasting comfort for people with certain eye conditions, such as irregular corneas or severe dry eye.
A Different Kind of Contact Lens
How Scleral Lenses Work
Scleral lenses look a bit different from the contacts you may be used to. They’re a bit larger, which allows them to rest gently on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. This design means that the lens vaults completely over your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye.
By vaulting over the cornea, the lens creates a small space between itself and your eye. This space is filled with a refreshing saline solution, creating a constant liquid cushion. This fluid reservoir helps keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable all day.
Conditions Scleral Lenses Can Help
Scleral lenses are often recommended when other types of vision correction fall short, and can be an effective option for a variety of needs. An eye doctor can help determine if these lenses are a good choice for your specific situation.
These lenses can help if you have:
- Irregularly shaped corneas, such as keratoconus
- Severe or persistent dry eye symptoms that make other contacts uncomfortable
- Vision challenges following certain types of eye surgeries
The Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Experience Clear Vision
When the cornea has an irregular shape, it can bend light incorrectly, which leads to blurry or distorted vision. Scleral lenses create a smooth new front surface for your eye. This smooth dome, combined with the fluid behind it, helps focus light properly so you can experience sharp, clear sight.
Enjoy All-Day Comfort
The constant hydration can bring remarkable relief, helping you manage dry eyes more comfortably. Since the lens rests on the less-sensitive white part of your eye and vaults over the cornea, it can feel better for people with sensitive eyes. This design helps protect the eye from irritation caused by blinking or environmental factors like dust.
What to Expect with Your Scleral Lenses
Daily Wear and Care
With proper care, your scleral lenses can last for 1–2 years. You can comfortably wear your lenses for 10 hours or more each day. Following a routine for proper contact lens care is important, as these lenses require specific cleaning and disinfecting solutions to keep your eyes healthy.
Potential Factors to Consider
Because scleral lenses are larger than typical contacts, learning to insert and remove them can take some practice. The custom-fit nature and specific materials also mean their cost may be higher than that of other lenses. However, you may find the benefits of clear and comfortable vision make them a worthwhile option.
The Importance of a Custom Fit
Your Fitting Appointment
Scleral lenses require a precise, personalized fit to work properly. The scleral lens fitting process is more detailed than an appointment for standard contacts. Your eye doctor may use special technology, such as corneal topography, to map the unique shape and curve of your eye’s surface, helping the lens to fit just right.
During the appointment, you may try on several trial lenses so our team can observe the fit and make adjustments. You’ll also receive hands-on instruction on how to handle, insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
Visit Us for a Specialty Contact Lens Consultation
If you’ve been searching for a more comfortable way to see, scleral lenses might be the answer you need. To find out if these unique lenses could work for you, schedule a consultation with our team at Pinnacle Eyecare today.
We’re proud to provide eye care services to those in Columbus, New Albany, Gahanna, and surrounding area.
