Scleral Contact Lenses

Many people who need corrective lenses cannot wear glasses due to their line of work and must wear contacts. Others simply prefer contact lenses over glasses for aesthetic reasons. However, many people have been told by an optometrist that they cannot wear contact lenses due to an irregularly shaped cornea, or for other reasons. If you have been told that you cannot wear contacts, Vision Professionals of Leawood wants you to know there may be another solution, scleral contact lenses.

Scleral Lens | Leawood Optometrist

Scleral Contacts vs. Ordinary Contacts

Scleral contacts have a larger diameter than ordinary contact lenses and they have a gas-permeable surface that allows the eye to get air while they are worn. They feature a vaulted design which causes them to arc over the corneal surface. All of these factors overcome the problem of an irregular cornea. Scleral contacts can also be worn by people whose eyes are too sensitive to wear ordinary contacts without developing irritated eyes. The space between the eye and the center of the lens created by the convex inner surface that forms a pocket of fluid that provides comfort for those who suffer from dry eyes.

Scleral lenses are larger than ordinary contacts. They are large enough to cover even the largest cornea. Because of their specialized contours, scleral lenses effectively replace the natural cornea, creating a perfectly smooth surface. Many people who ordinarily cannot tolerate contact lenses have been able to use scleral lenses without the irritation or poor fit that traditional contacts would cause for these patients.

The Three Types of Scleral Lenses Available at Vision Professionals of Leawood

Corneo-Scleral or Semi-Scleral Lenses: These lenses rest close to the conjunction between the sclera and the cornea. They cover less surface area that other scleral lenses and have a smaller reservoir. These lenses are used for patients with a tear in the meniscus.

Mini-Scleral Lenses: This type of scleral lens vaults over the surface of the cornea and the anterior sclera. Mini-Scleral Lenses are used for those with complications due to Graves’ disease.

Full Scleral Lenses: The largest of the three scleral lenses, Full Scleral Lenses offer the largest amount of clearance over the cornea. This type of lens requires that the reservoir be filled with saline before they are inserted in their place on the eye. This type of lens is commonly prescribed for those with keratoconus.

Optometry Care in Leawood

The optometry experts at the Vision Professionals of Leawood can diagnose problems that prohibit the use of scleral lenses for those who cannot ordinarily wear contacts. To learn more, and schedule your initial consultation with an optometrist, call us today at (913) 239-9446.

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