Scleral Lenses | Modesto | Valley Optometric Group

Scleral Lenses Modernize Classic Technology

When most people imagine contact lenses, they probably think of soft or hard contact lenses placed over the cornea. The small but effective shape can help many patients see better. But scleral contacts lenses were first designed in 1887. Unfortunately, those contacts were made of glass. But today, we have flexible, softer materials for more comfortable contacts.

Traditional lenses can benefit many contact lens wearers, and scleral lenses can accommodate some hard-to-fit eyes, like those with irregular corneas.

Book an appointment for a contact lens exam and ask us about our options!

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Scleral Lenses: How Do They Work?

Scleral contact lenses are uniquely shaped compared to most contact lenses. Most contact lenses rest on the cornea, as it’s the area targeted for vision correction. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea, resting their weight on the sclera (the white part of the eye).

Every part of your eye, from the outside to the inside, supports your vision and eye health. The sclera wraps around most of the eye, from the cornea in the front to the optic nerve in the back. It maintains shape and protects the inner layers from injury.

The cornea is a transparent section covering the pupil and iris. It refracts light, bending it to reach the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea shape is irregular, it changes how our eyes receive light and affects our vision. Typically, atypical cornea shape causes refractive errors, resulting in blurry vision.

However, damage to the cornea, such as corneal abrasion, can also affect vision. Anything that contacts your eyes, from stray eyelashes to contact lenses, can wear down or scratch your cornea.Scleral contact lenses never touch the cornea. The pressure is on the sclera, the part of your eye built to protect it. Scleral lenses are gas permeable, allowing more oxygen to reach your eye. Additionally, the scleral lenses improve moisture over the cornea, decreasing the risk of dry eye.

Scleral Lenses for Vision Correction

Scleral lenses are effective for resolving vision-related issues secondary to irregular corneas, refractive errors, and many other conditions, including keratoconus. The lenses are custom-made for your unique eye shape, allowing a more precise fit for better comfort and vision.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a type of corneal dystrophy which worsens over time. The disorder causes the normally round cornea to thin, resulting in a cone shape. Keratoconus causes vision problems, including:

Blurry vision
Distorted vision
Light sensitivity
Redness or swelling

Traditional treatments for keratoconus included corneal transplant, corneal cross-linking, and intacs (surgical eye implants). Scleral lenses can also be an effective treatment for keratoconus. As they are custom-fit, they’re more comfortable and better suited for the irregular cornea shape. The high-oxygen permeability and improved moisture also promote healing of the ocular surface.

Ask About Our Scleral Lenses

We want our patients to experience comfortable vision. When you visit us, we’ll help you find contact lenses that meet your unique eye care and vision needs.

Book an appointment with Valley Optometric Group to ask us about scleral lenses!