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Eye Conditions Treated With Scleral Contact Lenses

Edmonton Eye Doctors

22-08-2024

Scleral contact lenses have become a valuable solution in eye care, particularly for individuals with complex corneal issues. These lenses, which vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, offer unique benefits that make them suitable for various eye conditions. Here are the top ocular issues and eye conditions that scleral contact lenses effectively address:

1. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Traditional soft contact lenses often cannot provide the stability and clarity required for patients with keratoconus.

Treating Keratoconus with Scleral Lenses.

Scleral lenses are ideal for keratoconus patients because they create a smooth, new optical surface over the irregular cornea. This helps in providing clearer vision by neutralizing the corneal distortion. The lenses' stable fit reduces movement and offers comfort that standard contact lenses cannot match, significantly improving vision and quality of life.

2. Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Individuals with severe dry eye syndrome often struggle with constant eye irritation, discomfort, and blurred vision. This condition can be due to various factors, including Sjögren's syndrome, chronic blepharitis, or post-LASIK surgery complications.

Treating Dry Eye with Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are filled with a saline solution before insertion, which creates a fluid reservoir that continuously bathes the eye's surface. This feature provides substantial relief from dryness and discomfort by maintaining hydration throughout the day, making them a go-to option for severe dry eye sufferers.

3. Irregular Corneas

Irregular corneas can result from conditions like pellucid marginal degeneration, post-surgical corneal ectasia, or trauma. These conditions lead to an uneven corneal surface, causing significant vision distortion that standard glasses or soft lenses cannot correct.

Treating Irregular Corneas with Scleral Lenses

Due to their large diameter, scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, providing a stable lens fit that corrects the refractive error caused by the irregular corneal shape. This ensures a smoother visual experience and reduces symptoms like ghosting and double vision.

4. Post-Surgical Corneal Complications

Post-surgical complications, such as those following corneal transplants or refractive surgeries (like LASIK or PRK), can result in a cornea with an altered shape that may not be adequately corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

Treating Post-Surgical Corneal Complications with Scleral Lenses

For patients with post-surgical complications, scleral lenses offer a customized fit that accommodates the altered corneal shape, providing better vision correction and comfort than traditional lenses. They also protect the cornea by minimizing contact with the lens itself, reducing the risk of further irritation or damage.

5. Corneal Scarring

Corneal scarring from infections, injuries, or surgery can lead to an uneven corneal surface, causing visual disturbances such as glare, halos, and blurred vision.

Treating Corneal Scarring with Scleral Lenses:

Scleral lenses vault over the scarred cornea, creating a smooth optical surface that compensates for the irregularities caused by scarring. This results in improved visual acuity and reduced glare, enhancing overall vision quality for those affected by corneal scars.

6. Ocular Surface Diseases

Conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, and severe allergic eye disease can damage the ocular surface, leading to persistent discomfort, redness, and vision problems.

Treating Ocular Surface Diseases with Scleral Lenses:

The protective design of scleral lenses shields the ocular surface from external irritants and helps maintain a moist environment, which promotes healing and reduces symptoms of discomfort and inflammation. This makes them particularly beneficial for managing severe ocular surface diseases.

7. Chronic Eye Pain and Photophobia

Chronic eye pain and sensitivity to light (photophobia) can result from various conditions, including corneal dystrophies, recurrent corneal erosions, or neuropathic pain syndromes. These symptoms can severely impact daily activities and quality of life.

Treating Chronic Eye Pain and Photophobia with Scleral Lenses:

Scleral lenses help reduce chronic eye pain and photophobia by providing a barrier that protects the cornea and minimizes friction with the eyelids. The fluid-filled reservoir also offers a cushioning effect, which can alleviate discomfort and reduce sensitivity to light.

Scleral Lens Solutions

Scleral contact lenses are a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of ocular conditions, especially those involving irregular corneas and severe dry eyes. Their ability to create a smooth optical surface, maintain hydration, and provide comfort makes them a preferred choice for both patients and eye care professionals. Whether managing keratoconus, post-surgical complications, or chronic eye conditions, scleral lenses offer a tailored approach to improving vision and enhancing eye health. If you live in the Edmonton area and are considering scleral contact lenses, contact our Edmonton optometrists for a consult and custom fitting today!

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