Understanding How Scleral Lenses Work to Enhance Your Vision

Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that can greatly enhance your vision and provide relief for certain eye conditions. We will delve into what scleral lenses are, the common eye conditions they can address, how they work to enhance your vision, and the benefits of wearing them.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that cover not only the cornea but also the sclera, the white part of your eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera. This unique design provides a cushion of fluid between the lens and the cornea, resulting in improved comfort and visual acuity.

Scleral lenses are custom-made to fit each individual's eyes, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance. They are typically larger in diameter than conventional contact lenses, ranging from 14 to 20 millimeters. The larger size allows for better stability on the eye and reduces the risk of dislodgement or movement during blinking.

Common Eye Conditions Addressed by Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with certain eye conditions that can significantly impact their vision and overall eye health. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses provide a smooth and regular optical surface, correcting the irregular shape of the cornea and improving visual acuity.

Irregular astigmatism can occur due to corneal scarring, trauma, or previous eye surgeries. Scleral lenses help to mask the irregularities of the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina and improving visual clarity.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. Scleral lenses create a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, providing constant lubrication and hydration to the ocular surface, relieving the symptoms of dryness and discomfort.

How Do Scleral Lenses Work to Enhance Vision?

Scleral lenses work their magic by creating a tear-filled vault over the cornea. This vault acts as a protective barrier, preventing the cornea from coming into direct contact with the lens. Instead, the lens sits on the sclera, the white part of your eye, ensuring optimal comfort and vision.

By filling the space between the lens and the cornea with a saline solution, scleral lenses create a smooth and regular optical surface. This surface compensates for any irregularities in the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. As a result, vision becomes clearer and sharper, often surpassing the visual acuity achievable with glasses or traditional contact lenses.

Scleral lenses also help to stabilize the tear film, which is essential for maintaining a healthy ocular surface. The constant presence of the saline solution beneath the lens provides continuous hydration and lubrication, alleviating dryness and reducing the risk of corneal abrasions.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

Scleral lenses provide a comfortable and effective solution for individuals with various eye conditions, addressing visual impairments that may not be adequately corrected with traditional eyewear. By understanding how scleral lenses work, you can make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for you. Consult your eye care professional today to explore the possibility of transforming your visual experience.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of scleral lenses? Schedule an eye exam with our optometrist and take the first step towards clearer, sharper vision, visit Refined Eyecare Optometry at our office in Torrance, California. Please call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.