Candidates For Scleral Lenses
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The American Optometric Association recognizes how indispensable scleral lenses are in correcting various ocular problems. These specialty lenses sit on our sclera and then go over your cornea. Scleral lenses have a chamber of saline and tears between the cornea and the lens. That is why it is useful for cases of corneal imperfections. If you want to find out what makes a good candidate for scleral lenses, here’s what you should know.
Patients with Refractive Errors
Scleral lenses are an option for patients who have refractive errors. Below are the patients who need scleral lenses under this category:
- Astigmatism patients. Scleral lenses can help patients suffering from moderate to severe astigmatism. These patients may have a history of poor visual performance with corneal GP and traditional soft lenses. Some patients may find soft lenses unstable. These lenses tend to cause visual fluctuations. The effect is frustrating for eye doctors and patients.
Astigmatism patients who are uncomfortable with their soft lenses usually opt for corneal GP lenses. Even with this change, the corneal GP lenses slide from side to side, which is still unstable. The liquid storage under a scleral GP lens can mask corneal astigmatism. It also provides a stable fit because the lens hugs the sclera well.
- GP burnout patients. Patients who do not have a good experience with corneal GP lenses can enjoy the comfort and sharp vision of scleral lenses. Corneal GP lens users often complain about lens expulsion, lens instability, and debris accumulation. When they switch to scleral lenses, they feel more comfortable. The lenses do not wobble at all when they move around or blink. The semi-sealed fit of scleral lenses blocks out foreign bodies from entering the contact lens.
- Dry eye patients. Scleral lenses can also help patients who suffer from dry eyes. Patients with dry eye syndrome need moisture. The saline and tear reservoir provides continuous lubrication for the surface of the eye. If you have dry eyes and you have difficulty wearing contact lenses, scleral lenses are for you.
Patients Who Have Eye Disorders
Those who suffer from structural eye disorders can also gain more comfort with scleral lenses. Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Graft-versus-host disease can use these lenses. Patients with irregular cornea usually manage their condition with GP lenses. Yet, eye doctors have difficulty fitting GP lenses on patients with moderate to severe corneal irregularity. The liquid cushion in scleral lenses provides a liquid bandage that lubricates the anterior surface of the eyes. It is also a barrier that protects the front surface of the eye from exposure.
Oftentimes, people with refractive errors and eye disorders resort to soft lenses or GP lenses for vision correction and comfort. They only end up searching for another solution in the form of scleral lenses. Of course, scleral contact lenses do not disappoint. At Horizon Eye Care & Optical, we aim to provide our patients optimal eye care. Please visit our clinic in Sugar Land, Texas, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at (281) 313-2020 for appointment scheduling or inquiries about our scleral lens packages.
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