Scleral Lenses for Nighttime Vision: How They Can Improve Night Driving

Scleral lenses, with their unique design and extensive coverage of the eye’s surface, have emerged as a versatile solution in the realm of vision correction. While initially developed to address complex corneal conditions, these gas-permeable lenses have garnered attention for their potential benefits beyond the traditional scope of corrective measures. One intriguing aspect of scleral lenses is their ability to contribute to enhanced nighttime vision. By providing a stable and smooth optical surface, these lenses may address issues such as irregular astigmatism and optical aberrations, which can be particularly challenging in low-light conditions. As individuals seek solutions to improve their vision when the sun sets, scleral lenses present a promising option, offering comfort, stability, and potential visual clarity during nighttime activities.

What are Eye Conditions That Can Impact Nighttime Vision That Can Be Treated With Scleral Lenses?

Several eye conditions can impact nighttime vision, making it more challenging for individuals to see clearly in low-light conditions. Here are some eye conditions that can affect nighttime vision:

1. Keratoconus: This is a condition in which the cornea gradually thins and takes on a more conical shape, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface, improving vision for individuals with keratoconus, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Irregular Astigmatism: Irregular astigmatism can cause visual distortions, particularly at night. Scleral lenses can provide a more regular optical surface, reducing astigmatic distortions and improving overall vision.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses can create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, which can be helpful for individuals with dry eyes. Dry eyes often worsen in the evening, and scleral lenses can alleviate discomfort and improve vision.
4. Globally Irregular Corneas: Conditions such as pellucid marginal degeneration or post-surgical irregularities can result in uneven corneal surfaces. Scleral lenses, by vaulting over the cornea, can provide a more regular optical surface, improving vision in various lighting conditions.
5. Severe Refractive Errors: For individuals with high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, traditional contact lenses may not provide adequate correction. Scleral lenses can offer better correction for these more challenging prescriptions.
6. Corneal Transplants: People who have undergone corneal transplant surgery may have irregularities in their corneal shape. Scleral lenses can help provide more stable and comfortable vision correction option in such cases.

It’s important to remember that the only way to properly diagnose any of these conditions is to speak with an experienced eye care practitioner. When you come to our office, we will ensure that you receive the correct diagnosis and are provided with a thorough treatment plan to address these issues.

Can Scleral Lenses Help Improve Nighttime Vision?

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that cover a larger portion of the eye, landing on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vaulting over the cornea. While these lenses are primarily designed to address certain eye conditions and provide better vision overall, they may offer some benefits for nighttime vision in specific cases. Here are a few ways in which scleral lenses might contribute to improved nighttime vision:

1. Reduced Aberrations: Scleral lenses can provide a more uniform and stable refractive surface for the eye compared to traditional contact lenses. This can reduce optical aberrations and improve overall visual quality, which may be especially noticeable in low-light conditions.
2. Correction of Irregular Astigmatism: Irregular astigmatism can cause distorted and blurred vision, particularly at night. Scleral lenses, by providing a smooth and even surface, can help correct irregular astigmatism and improve vision in low-light situations.
3. Improved Comfort and Moisture: Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, leaving a space filled with tears between the lens and the cornea. This design can be more comfortable for individuals with dry eyes, and increased moisture on the ocular surface can contribute to better vision in general, including at night.
4. Enhanced Stability: Scleral lenses tend to be more stable on the eye compared to smaller contact lenses. This stability can be beneficial in minimizing lens movement during eye movements, potentially reducing glare and fluctuations in vision that can be more pronounced at night.

While scleral lenses may offer advantages for certain individuals, their effectiveness in improving nighttime vision can vary based on the specific vision issues and eye conditions a person has. It’s important to note that if someone is experiencing difficulties with nighttime vision, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination. The underlying cause of vision problems, whether related to refractive errors, corneal irregularities, or other eye conditions, should be properly diagnosed to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may or may not involve the use of scleral lenses.

Are you struggling with nighttime vision? There is a possibility that you may be struggling with an underlying eye condition which can be treated using scleral lenses. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment at our office.