Over the past few decades, the field of optometry has grown exponentially. Optometry has come a long way from the days of monocles and rudimentary glasses frames. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the development and perfection of scleral lenses. But what are they, and how can they benefit you?


 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

As a specialized type of gas-permeable contact lens, scleral lenses are larger and have a special design that allows them to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the "sclera," which is the white part of the eye. This design feature is what gives these lenses their name.

Scleral lenses are different from regular contact lenses, which are smaller and only cover the cornea. Their unique design allows for a variety of benefits that can make them an ideal choice for many people, especially those with specific eye conditions.


 

Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are often recommended to patients who have irregular corneas, severe dry eyes, or hard-to-fit eyes. These lenses can also be beneficial for those who have conditions like keratoconus, post corneal graft, and severe ocular surface disease (OSD).
 

However, even if you don't have one of these conditions, you might still benefit from scleral lenses. They can be an excellent option for anyone who wants a more comfortable and stable vision correction solution, especially if you've had trouble with regular contact lenses in the past.


 

Top 5 Benefits of Scleral Lenses

These lenses offer numerous advantages that can greatly improve the quality of life for those who wear them.


 

1. Enhanced Vision Comfort

The first major benefit of scleral lenses is enhanced vision comfort. Because these lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, they don't touch the sensitive corneal tissue. This design provides a smooth optical surface that corrects vision issues caused by irregular corneas and reduces lens awareness, making them much more comfortable to wear than conventional contact lenses.

 

2. Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye is a common ailment in our modern world, and it can be especially bothersome for contact lens wearers. Fortunately, scleral lenses can help. Because they vault over the cornea and contain a layer of saline solution, they can help keep the eye moist and reduce dry eye symptoms.

 

3. Improved Stability

Another significant advantage of scleral lenses is their improved stability on the eye. Because of their larger size and unique design, these lenses are less likely to move around on the eye, making them more secure and less likely to fall out than regular contact lenses. This stability can be particularly beneficial for people who lead active lifestyles or participate in sports.

 

4. Greater Durability

Scleral lenses also offer greater durability than conventional contact lenses. These lenses are made from a highly oxygen-permeable material that's more resistant to damage and wear, which means they can last longer and provide more value for your money in the long run.

5. Versatile Corrective Prescription

Finally, scleral lenses can carry a wide range of corrective prescriptions, making them a versatile solution for a variety of vision problems. These lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, so they can provide clear, sharp vision for people with these common vision issues.


 

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

Scleral lenses offer a host of benefits that can greatly improve the quality of life for those who wear them. They offer enhanced comfort, reduced dry eye symptoms, improved stability, greater durability, and a versatile corrective prescription. So, whether you're an ideal candidate with a specific eye condition or a contact lens wearer looking for a more comfortable and stable option, scleral lenses are worth considering.

To learn more on the benefits of scleral lenses or to determine if they are right for you, consult our professionals at Clarity Eyecare in Birmingham, Waterford, Sylvan Lake, South Lyon, Walled Lake, and Commerce Twp., Michigan. Call (248) 369-3300, (248) 698-2000, (248) 682-6448, (248) 437-3351, (248) 624-1707, or (248) 366-8600 to schedule your appointment today.