Scleral Lenses: Are They For You?

                                                      

 

Dr. Rosinski recently attended a specialty contact lens symposium in Las Vegas featuring the latest in lens technology. A large portion of this conference was dedicated to the successful management of ocular conditions using specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses.

What are scleral lenses? They are large gas permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white of the eye) instead of on the cornea (the dome of tissue that covers the colored part of your eye). They are used to treat a variety of eye conditions, many of which do not respond to other forms of treatment. These conditions range from eye disorders like Dry Eye Syndrome to irregular corneas to complications post-LASIK. As you can see from the photo, scleral lenses are much larger than traditional hard contacts and slightly larger than traditional soft lenses. They completely vault the cornea so they are much more comfortable than traditional hard lenses. The space between the cornea and lens is filled with artificial tears creating the tear reservoir. This liquid conforms to the irregularities of the distorted cornea and allows vision to be restored comfortably. Each set is custom-made for a patient’s particular eye needs.

Because of their larger size, they are more stable on the eye and very comfortable because they don’t rest on the cornea which is very sensitive. If in the past you have not been able to wear contact lenses because of an eye condition or discomfort, scleral lenses might work for you.

Call our office at 434-823-4441 to make an appointment with Dr. Rosinski to find out more.