Can Scleral Lenses Prevent Further Corneal Damage?
Scleral lenses have undergone countless modifications and upgrades since they were first manufactured in 1887. Modern scleral lenses offer clear vision to patients who are uncomfortable with other contact lens modalities and prefer not to wear eyeglasses. Many of our patients with ocular irregularities like keratoconus have experienced incredible benefits with our custom-made scleral lenses.
Patients with ocular surface damage regularly ask, “Can scleral lenses prevent further corneal damage?” In short, scleral lenses have some protective benefits. They may prevent further damage when cared for correctly with the support of your eye doctor. Today’s blog reviews the benefits of scleral lenses, their protective capabilities, and how they may avoid continued eye damage.
How Do Scleral Lenses Differ From Other Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses are designed so that the outer edge of the lens rests on the sclera (the white) of your eye. This design makes scleral lenses unique because they offer an alternative solution for patients with irregular corneas or ocular surface damage. Most of our scleral lens patients have struggled with other types of lenses.
Scleral lenses are typically between 14mm and 24mm in diameter, significantly larger than other types of lenses. Due to their smaller diameter, corneal rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid lenses and soft contact lenses rest directly on the cornea, which can cause discomfort for patients with irregular corneas or ocular surface disease. In advanced cases, soft contact lenses are ineffective for correcting vision in these patients.
The cornea is responsible for light refraction, focusing incoming light that allows us to see objects clearly. An irregularly shaped cornea prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. Scleral lenses have a liquid reservoir that creates a smooth optical surface over the eye. This surface allows light to focus on the retina correctly for clear vision.
How Do Scleral Lenses Prevent Corneal Damage?
Protection: Scleral lenses are made from a rigid polymer that forms a barrier between the eye and the outside world. Irritants like dust, smoke, and debris can exacerbate corneal surface damage and worsen vision loss. Scleral lenses provide a barrier, protecting the cornea from abrasive debris and irritation.
Friction: Many patients with corneal irregularities experience painful friction between the eyelid and ocular surface, especially if they have corneal bulging, commonly caused by keratoconus. Repetitive friction can cause continual damage, increasing the severity of the disease. Scleral lenses eliminate friction, prevent further damage, and increase comfort.
Healing: The added protection of scleral lenses can speed up healing and minimize complications, often improving the outcome of ocular surgeries. Smaller diameter lenses can cause irritation, particularly when the cornea is fragile, for those with corneal damage or disease. Because scleral lenses don’t touch the cornea and provide constant hydration to the ocular surface, they can support healing and protect vulnerable eyes.
What Are The Benefits of Scleral Lenses?
One of the best-known benefits of scleral lenses is their comfort. Most contact lenses touch the cornea, which consists of sensitive, soft tissue. However, the sclera is more resilient and considerably less sensitive, making it easier for patients to wear scleral lenses all day.
In addition, the liquid reservoir continually bathes the cornea, eliminating dry eye and aiding in recovery after trauma or surgery. Due to their size, scleral lenses have the added benefit of stability, preventing ocular scarring, discomfort and further damage. While other lenses can shift throughout the day, scleral lenses remain centered, providing stable clear and comfortable vision all day.
Who Can Benefit From Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses offer profound benefits for the roughly 45 million people in the US who wear them. Many scleral lens wearers have irregular corneas that affect their vision, but using these advanced lenses proved to be the remedy.
Patients with corneal diseases can also enjoy continued comfort and clear vision provided by scleral lenses. These lenses are particularly beneficial for patients with keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, severe astigmatism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and post-surgical complications.
After ocular surgeries like LASIK and corneal transplants, eyes can be very sensitive, prone to dryness, and uncomfortable. Scleral lenses provide additional protection and moisture during healing to reduce the risk of complications.
Revolutionary Corneal Protection
Scleral lenses provide an unparalleled alternative to traditional lenses. They are comfortable, protective, and offer clear vision. Although they may not reverse damage, scleral lenses protect the patient’s eyes and enable those with corneal irregularities to enjoy life fully without sacrificing comfort or clarity. If you want to find out if you may be a candidate for scleral lenses, contact Weston Contact Lens Institute to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss how our interventions can best prevent ongoing damage.
Our practice is dedicated and vastly experienced in helping patients with challenging conditions. Using advanced technology, we have helped countless patients who experience vision loss to enjoy visual clarity with custom contact lenses and hands-on support.