Treating Patients with Scleral Lenses

You may have heard that scleral lenses could help with an eye condition you have. Perhaps your eye doctor has recommended them. Scleral lenses are specially-designed lenses that help with a variety of conditions, such as lenses for dry eyes and lenses for keratoconus. Let’s take a look at some common questions about scleral lenses to help you determine if they might be right for you.

How long can you keep in scleral lenses?

How long you can wear your lenses without removing them depends on several factors. Some patients can wear their lenses comfortably for 12 to 14 hours at a stretch. Others find that they need to remove and clean them and reapply them with fresh saline periodically during the day to stay comfortable and keep their vision sharp. Either way, be sure to remove them at night before you go to sleep to lower your risk of infection or damage.

You can also wear specialty contact lenses while you sleep at night. These specialty lenses are called Ortho-K lenses.

Can I use eye drops with scleral lenses?

What products you use with your scleral lenses matters. Your filling solution should be free of preservatives. Preservatives can be toxic to your eyes and bad for your vision. The same goes for eye drops. It would help if you avoided eye drops that contain preservatives, such as the kind that claim to reduce redness. You should also avoid your lenses coming into contact with tap water. Consult your optometrist for advice on which eye drops are right for your eyes and your lenses.

How do you take care of scleral lenses?

When you receive scleral lenses, you will also receive comprehensive instructions on how to care for them. However, some general guidelines include:

• Keeping your hands clean and fingernails short when you handle your lenses
• Following instructions carefully for lens application and removal
• Clean your lenses every time you wear them, using the products your doctor recommends
• Store lenses in the recommended case, ensuring that it is clean and dry

How to Insert and Remove Scleral Lens?

 

How much do scleral lenses cost?

Scleral lenses can cost more than traditional lenses for several reasons. Scleral lenses are custom-made and fitted for each patient, which means that they require considerable expertise and more time than regular lenses. Also, your lenses may require several adjustments, requiring multiple visits to your eye care practitioner. The cost of scleral lenses can vary; your eye doctor can determine what the exact cost of yours will be.

Why do my scleral lenses fog up?

When you wear scleral lenses, you might occasionally notice that they are “fogged up,” clouding your vision. There are different types of fogging that can occur, such as fogging on the outer surface of the lens (anterior surface fogging) and fogging in the tear reservoir between the lens and the eye (post-lens tear reservoir fogging). You can prevent or minimize fogging by cleaning your lenses properly, washing your hands before handling your lenses, and avoiding oil-based cosmetics near the eyes.

Are scleral lenses hard or soft?

There are different sizes of scleral contact lenses, depending on your individual needs. However, all modern scleral lenses are made to be highly breathable, rigid gas permeable lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses allow oxygen to pass through to reach the eye. They are also easy to care for and handle and can last much longer than soft contact lenses. Although the material is rigid, it is lightweight and very comfortable to wear.

Can I nap with contacts?

Sleeping in contact lenses overnight is never a great idea. However, what about during short naps? Unfortunately, the answer is the same. Even napping in your contact lenses can increase your risk of infection. When your eyes are closed with a lens on, oxygen can’t reach the cornea which can put it under stress. Some of the risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses include hypoxia of the eye, corneal ulcers, and keratitis.

Patient with Scleral lenses Testimonial

At Weston Contact Lens Institute, we offer scleral lenses to treat patients with a range of eye conditions as well as a variety of other services to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Contact us for an appointment.