SCLERAL CONTACT LENSES

Scleral lenses are custom made, large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses designed to vault over the entire cornea and rest lightly on the white of the eye, called the conjunctiva and sclera, below.  These specialty lenses hold a tear reservoir, which continuously “bathes” the surface of the eye. This tear reservoir helps to heal the surface of the eye in conditions where the ocular surface is damaged due to moderate to severe dryness.  They are also used in cases of irregular or scarred corneas, such as found in keratoconus, corneal transplants or previously injured eyes.

Scleral lenses are an excellent alternative to soft or conventional, cornea-fitted gas permeable lenses (RGPs).  Soft lenses may dry out over the course of a day, causing discomfort and fluctuating vision.  RGP lenses offer better vision than soft contact lenses but are sometimes less tolerable from a comfort standpoint. Scleral lenses provide crystal clear, stable visual performance, with enhanced comfort. 

Some cases present challenges with certain prescriptions or corneas, but scleral lenses work great with a wide range of prescriptions and can provide vision for distance, near and everything in between.

Benefits of wearing scleral lenses:
  • Optimum oxygen delivery to the corneal tissue
  • Crisp, stable vision
  • Improved comfort and hydration

Scleral lenses are a great option for just about anyone!
  • Those who experience dryness or discomfort with or without conventional contact lenses
  • Athletes or active individuals
  • For patients with eye pain or light sensitivity
  • All corneal types – normal to highly irregular astigmatism
  • Those with high prescriptions, keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, aniridia, neurotrophic keratitis, post-corneal transplant, chemical or burn affected eyes, and those with less than optimum results from LASIK and Post-RK who experience shadowing or ghost images