Scleral Contact Lenses in Everett, WA
If you have dry eyes, keratoconus, or other corneal conditions and your traditional lenses aren’t cutting it, find wearing conventional contact lenses uncomfortable due to poor fit, or you’re ready for long-term value and an upgrade of comfort, it might be time to try scleral lenses. Here’s everything you need to know about scleral lenses.
What are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses are unlike any other contact lens on the market – they’re an advanced type of rigid gas-permeable contact lens with an extra-wide diameter (usually 14.5mm– 24mm). These lenses provide a smooth optical surface to correct several eye conditions since they are designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye).
Between the scleral lens and the cornea, a fluid-filled reservoir helps keep the eye well-lubricated and hydrated. They provide a customized fit to deliver maximum clarity that can’t be achieved with eyeglasses or other contact lenses. But correcting your vision isn’t the only thing scleral lenses can do – they can also promote healthier eyesight. They may also help reduce surgical interventions in patients with serious ocular surface diseases.
Who is a Good Candidate for Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses correct a wide range of eye conditions, including:
- Corneal irregularities due to keratoconus, corneal transplant, dry eye or other forms of corneal disease, LASIK, RK, PRK, or trauma
- Ocular surface disease
- Severe refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), nearsightedness (hyperopia), distorted vision (astigmatism), and difficulty with near vision with age (presbyopia).
- Inability to easily fit conventional lenses or lack of stability with traditional contacts
Are Scleral Lenses More Comfortable?
While scleral lenses are considerably larger, they’re more comfortable than standard soft lenses. That’s because these lenses are custom designed for the patient to ensure they fit the shape of the individual eye and land gently on the sclera without causing any compression or stress to the underlying tissue. They also bathe the cornea in fluid, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
How Do You Get Scleral Lenses?
To get your scleral lenses, you need to be assessed by a specialist, as there are tens of thousands of combinations of diameter, curvature, material—and more—that can affect how a lens fits on your eye. During your contact lens exam, Dr. Lenning will evaluate your eye’s physiology and visual demands to determine the scleral lens type and size for your specific needs.
How Long Does a Pair of Scleral Lenses Last?
When properly cared for, scleral contacts can last up to 3 years but should be checked by your doctor annually. Keep your fingernails short, always wash your hands before handling your lenses, clean your lenses after each wear, and use the products recommended by your doctor.
Are Scleral Lenses Good for Dry Eyes?
Scleral contact lenses are an effective method for treating dry eyes. The lenses cover your entire corneal surface, protecting your eyes from irritants like smoke, wind, dust, and other debris. They don’t touch the corneal surface at all, thereby minimizing irritation.
Also, the sterile saline-filled reservoir built into the scleral lens keeps the eyes hydrated the entire time they are worn, so the cornea stays moist and makes your eye more comfortable. So, if you struggle with dry eye syndrome and have been looking for a more effective treatment method than just eye drops and artificial tears, you should contact Dr. Lenning about scleral lenses.
Schedule Your Eye Appointment for Scleral Lenses Today!
Keratoconus and other eye conditions that result in irregularities in the corneal surface should not mean a life sentence of uncomfortable, ineffectual contact lenses or cumbersome eyeglasses. At Novel Eyes, we provide scleral contact lenses to help you achieve optimal vision correction, improved eye health, and better comfort. If you’re looking for an optometrist in Everett, WA, who can tell you more about whether scleral contacts are right for you, schedule an appointment today!
