Your Go-To Guide for Scleral Lenses

When looking for the best way to correct your vision, you might find that traditional glasses and contacts do not work as well as you had hoped. Sometimes, a “one size fits all” approach needs some personalized tuning, especially when it comes to your eye health. Your vision could use a special type of contacts: scleral lenses.

What are scleral lenses?

Scleral lenses are rigid contact lenses that are customized for each individual patient. The name is derived from the location they rest on the eye, the white protective outer layer. This is different from traditional contacts that lie on the cornea.

What makes scleral lenses unique?

The rigid structure of scleral lenses keeps them from touching the cornea and rest on the sclera, which has fewer nerve endings. This leads to a more comfortable experience, especially for those who suffer from severe dry eyes and corneal damage. These lenses are also designed for each patient’s eye size and specifications for maximum results.

Who would benefit from scleral contacts?

As previously mentioned, these contacts are suitable for patients with chronic dry eyes. They are also beneficial for those who have an irregular corneal surface, keratoconus, and those with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism prescriptions. Scleral lenses for these patients offer better visual acuity and comfort without the need for surgery.

What should you know before a scleral lens consultation?

During the prescribing process, you will undergo an ocular health examination to see if these lenses are suitable for your specific eye needs. Your eye doctor will measure your eye’s surface and provide trial contacts in the office in order to customize the lenses for you. If you are wearing scleral lenses for the first time, it does take time to adjust to the lenses. It is generally recommended to start building up your wear time slowly.

You have so many options to correct your vision, but sometimes you need guidance to know which one fits your specific needs. Schedule your next eye exam with a CEENTA eye specialist today to get started.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.