What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses have become increasing popular to use by eye care professionals.

Figure 1: Example scleral contact lens being filled with preservative-free saline.

Scleral contact lenses are used for a variety of purposes, primarily to improve vision and comfort for individuals with specific eye conditions. Here are the main uses:

  1. Keratoconus: In this condition, the cornea becomes thin and bulges into a cone shape, leading to blurred vision. Scleral lenses create a smooth, even surface over the cornea, improving vision and reducing distortion.

  2. Pellucid Marginal Degeneration: In this condition, it is characterized by thinning and a weakening of the cornea, specifically at the bottom (or peripheral) edge, which causes the cornea to bulge forward in a shape that is typically more irregular than the normal round shape.

  3. Severe Dry Eye: Scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, helping to keep the eye moist and reduce discomfort for people with chronic dry eye or conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.

  4. Irregular Corneas: After eye surgery (such as a corneal transplant) or due to scarring, the cornea may become irregular. Scleral lenses can help correct vision by providing a stable surface for light to focus on.

  5. Corneal Ectasia: This includes conditions like post-LASIK ectasia, where the cornea becomes weak and bulges. Scleral lenses help stabilize the cornea, improving vision.

  6. Post-Surgical Vision Correction: Scleral lenses are often used after eye surgeries, such as corneal transplants or LASIK, to improve vision or protect the cornea.

  7. High Astigmatism: For people with significant astigmatism, traditional contact lenses or glasses might not provide clear enough vision. Scleral lenses can help create a uniform surface, improving the clarity of vision.

  8. Other Corneal Disorders: Scleral lenses can also be used for people with conditions like corneal dystrophies, severe allergic reactions, or other rare corneal abnormalities.

Overall, scleral lenses are a versatile option for people with complex or difficult-to-manage eye conditions that affect vision or comfort.

Next
Next

How does low-dose atropine help with myopia?