Customized scleral rigid gas permeable daily wear contact lenses are an option to obtain best correctable vision for patients where conventional spectacles and soft contact lenses are not successful. They are called "scleral" lenses because instead of covering only a portion of the cornea (like conventional GP lenses), these large GP lenses vault over the entire corneal surface, are filled with sterile saline solution and rest on the "white" of the eye (the sclera) to become the new ocular surface. Because of their size, scleral lenses are more stable on the eye than conventional GP lenses — so they are less likely to accidentally dislodge from the eye. This stability also can make them more comfortable than conventional GP lenses; scleral lenses provide initial comfort similar to soft lenses, especially for sensitive eyes or irregularly shaped corneas. All modern scleral lenses are made with highly breathable, rigid gas permeable lens materials. So though scleral lenses cover the entire cornea, plenty of oxygen reaches the front surface of the eye to keep it healthy and comfortable.
Are You a Good Candidate? |
Generally, anyone interested in achieving the best vision possible with contact lenses can be a candidate for scleral lenses. But scleral GP lenses are particularly helpful for the following conditions:
Irregular corneas. Vision problems caused by an irregularly shaped cornea — whether naturally occurring, due to an eye condition such as keratoconus, or resulting from eye surgery — typically cannot be fully corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. Scleral lenses typically will provide sharper vision for these eyes. Hard-to-fit eyes. If your eyes cannot be comfortably fitted with conventional GP lenses or the shape of your eye causes the lenses to dislodge too easily from your eyes (during sports, for example), scleral lenses can provide a more comfortable and secure fit. Dry eyes. If your eyes are too dry for conventional contact lenses, scleral lenses can help. In particular, the generous space between the back surface of full scleral lenses and the cornea acts as a tear reservoir to keep the front of your eye more moist and comfortable. Cost of Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are custom-made to the exact specifications prescribed by your eye doctor to provide the best possible vision, eye health and comfort. Also, special automated measuring tools and imaging devices often are used to fit scleral lenses, and these instruments typically are not required for fitting soft lenses. For these reasons, professional fees associated with fitting scleral lenses and lens replacement costs are higher for scleral lenses than other contact lenses. Your eye care provider can advise you of specific costs for your individual needs. In some cases, vision insurance may cover a portion of the costs associated with scleral lenses. Scleral Contact Lens Insertion, Removal, Troubleshooting & Lens Care - Patient information about proper application, removal and care of Scleral contact lens. Click here for video. http://www.sclerallens.org/patient FAQs http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/scleral-lenses.htm Patient Testimonial: Read two success stories. SPECIALTY CONTACT LENS CONSENT FORM |