Can Scleral Lenses Correct Keratoconus- Affected Vision?
Living with keratoconus can make simple activities like reading, driving, or computer use difficult and aggravating. Many people feel frustrated when conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses no longer offer good vision solutions. Fortunately, scleral lenses are an excellent option and are meant to meet the special needs of keratoconus sufferers. Where other choices might fall short, scleral lenses provide better clarity, comfort, and stability.
Understanding Keratoconus
The degenerative eye disorder known as keratoconus causes the transparent front surface of the eye—the cornea—to weaken and bow forward into a cone form. This uneven form causes light entering the eye to be distorted or hazy, therefore affecting vision. With glasses or conventional contact lenses, vision can get progressively difficult to correct as the disorder advances.
Keratoconus causes more sensitivity to light, regular prescription changes, ghosting or double vision, and eye strain. Daily life can be incredibly affected by these problems, particularly when the condition progresses and the corneal shape becomes increasingly uneven.
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses intended to rest on the sclera, the white portion of the eye, rather than the sensitive cornea. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea, forming a protective space between the lens and the surface of the eye, unlike ordinary contact lenses, which sit exactly on it.
This unique design has numerous and quite significant uses. It first offers a consistent, smooth optical surface that aids in keratoconus-caused distortion of vision correction. Second, a sterile saline solution serves as a fluid reservoir filling the area between the lens and the cornea which is important, particularly for people with dry eyes or corneal sensitivity since this cushion improves comfort and keeps the eye moist all through the day.
Scleral Lenses for People with Keratoconus
Because they immediately neutralize the distortion resulting from an uneven cornea, scleral lenses are very helpful for keratoconus since they provide clearer and more stable vision than glasses or soft contact lenses. Patients whose corneal shape cannot be addressed with conventional glasses or contact lenses may especially benefit from these.
Comfort is still another main benefit. Unlike corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses avoid aggravating the sensitive corneal surface, therefore avoiding the common side effects.
Scleral Lenses Vs. Other Therapies
Traditional glasses and soft contact lenses usually only help in early or mild stages of keratoconus. These treatments to not provide adequate visual correction as the condition progresses. Originally regarded as the gold standard for keratoconus, corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses can be useful but their smaller size and direct contact with the cornea may cause pain.
In many respects, scleral lenses are superior. Scleral lenses efficiently manage the visual distortions induced by keratoconus and offer stability and comfort due to their larger diameter and unique fit. Many patients who have struggled with other options discover scleral lenses to be revolutionary.
The Fitting Process and Personalization
Fitting scleral lenses calls for a specific strategy outside the scope of a basic eye exam. The appropriate process starts at our office with a thorough assessment of your corneal and scleral shape and eye condition. Precise measurements and a specific lens design are obtained using advanced imaging technologies including scleral mapping and corneal topography, and/or impression techniques of the ocular surface.
These customized methods guarantee that every scleral lens fits the particular shape of your eye, therefore optimizing comfort, visual clarity, and stability. Your eyecare practitioner will walk you through the procedure including diagnostic lens fits and required changes to guarantee the best possible outcome. The aim is to greatly enhance your vision by means of a lens that feels natural for wear.
Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?
If you have keratoconus and find that glasses or soft contacts worsen your vision, you could be an excellent candidate. If you have past experience with corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses but found them uncomfortable, scleral lenses are also a fantastic alternative.
When thinking about scleral lenses, it’s best to go over your all your options with a qualified eyecare practitioner, find out if scleral lenses are adequate for your particular stage of keratoconus and what the appropriate and adjusting process entails. Knowing your choices and what to expect can enable you to decide about your vision care with confidence and knowledge.
Reach Out Today to Schedule Your Appointment
Offering patients clear vision, long-lasting comfort, and more confidence in their daily lives, scleral lenses have changed the way keratoconus is treated. Scleral lenses can be the answer you’ve been waiting for if you find yourself tired of struggling with poor fitting contact lenses or blurry vision.
Our knowledgeable staff focuses on custom-fit scleral lenses designed for keratoconus and other complicated corneal diseases. Get in touch to schedule a consultation and start toward better, more comfortable vision.