What Conditions Do Scleral Lenses Help Treat?

Scleral lenses are special contact lenses made to fit over the sclera, or the white part of the eye. This is the less sensitive part of the eye conjunctiva. The lenses are as comfortable as soft contacts, with a rigid surface that helps correct vision problems. The lenses are designed to help people with different corneal disorders as well as correct astigmatism.

 

Conditions Treated With Scleral Lenses

Traditionally, scleral lenses have been used to treat different eye disorders affecting the cornea. They are helpful for people with corneal diseases like keratoconus and those with trauma to the cornea. The lenses are also useful for post-refractive surgery like LASIK, post-R-K surgery, penetrating keratoplasty, and post-corneal transplant.

 

Scleral lenses are used for the treatment of vision issues that are difficult to resolve using regular contacts. The lenses are proving to be very beneficial for people with dry eyes, high astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism.

 

Burn and Chemical Injuries

Scleral lenses are successful for treating more than eye diseases. The lenses can help patients with eye injuries such as those caused by burns or chemicals. The heat or chemicals can cause scarring and result in irregular astigmatism.

 

Patients who have suffered ocular injuries often experience discomfort and visual distortions. They are usually unable to wear regular contacts that sit on the surface of the cornea. Scleral lenses can resolve this problem. The lenses also help promote healing and keep the ocular surface safe from eyelid friction.

 

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the body. This severe disorder can be life-threatening, usually a result of a negative reaction to a medication.

 

SJS often affects the eyes and eyelids, causing inflammation, scarring, and even tissue damage. Scleral lenses can help hydrate, restore, and protect the ocular surface that is usually very sensitive from SJS. The lenses form a buffer between the eye surface and the eyelid.

 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are very beneficial as they help provide great vision. They are safe for use with different corneal issues. They offer comfort by vaulting safely over the cornea without touching the surface.

 

They are the most reliable way for correcting astigmatism, even helping correct irregular astigmatism. The lenses are beneficial for people with dry eyes, as artificial tears can be placed in the lenses to keep the eyes lubricated. Patients who find it uncomfortable to wear regular contacts can benefit from these special lenses.

 

Using Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are inserted just like regular contacts. But before the contacts are worn, they are filled with an artificial tear solution. The non-preserved, gentle solution helps make the contacts comfortable for people with dry eyes.

 

Patients can wear the lenses all day without drying out. Scleral lenses are relatively rigid, making them easier to handle than regular soft lenses. The lenses need to be cleaned carefully each night. A pair of lenses can last one year.

 

Scleral lenses are designed to fit each cornea of the individual patient. They are a great solution for patients who are unable to wear regular contact lenses.

For more on the conditions that scleral lenses treat, contact Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our office in Libertyville Office or Lake Zurich, Illinois. You can call 847-994-4500 or 847-438-7700 today to schedule an appointment.