Exploring the Benefits and Innovation of Scleral Contact Lenses

Hey there! Let's chat about something very cool in the world of eye care: scleral contact lenses. You might have heard about them, but what exactly are they, and why are they becoming so popular? Well, Let's dive in and find out together?

What Exactly Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

So, picture this: regular contact lenses sit right on the cornea, that clear front part of your eye. But scleral lenses are a bit different. They are these larger, gas permeable lenses that cover not just the cornea, but also extend onto the white part of your eye, called the sclera. And get this - instead of sitting directly on the cornea, they create this little reservoir of fluid between the lens and your eye. It's like a mini boat protecting your cornea!

Why Are They So Great?

Okay, now that we know what they are, let's talk about why they are awesome:

• Super Comfortable: Because they do not touch your cornea, they tend to be way more comfortable than regular contacts. That fluid reservoir keeps your eye nice and hydrated, which means less irritation and dryness.
• Perfect for Wonky Corneas: If you have got work corneas, possibly from conditions such as keratoconus, RK surgery, and/or corneal scarring - scleral lenses can be a game-changer. They smooth out those irregularities, giving you clearer, more comfortable vision.
• No Movement: Ever had your contact lenses move around on your eye? It is annoying, right? Well, with scleral lenses, that's way less likely to happen. Their larger size means they stay stable, giving you consistent vision all day long.
• Protective and Healing: Scleral lenses act like little bodyguards for your cornea, shielding it from the elements of the environment and helping it heal if it's been injured or damaged. Plus, the fluid reservoir helps deliver oxygen to your cornea, keeping it healthy.
• Custom Made for You: These lenses are not one-size fits all mechanism. They are custom made just for you, based on the exact shape of your eye and what you need them for. That means they fit perfectly and give you the best vision possible.

What's New in Scleral Lens Tech?

Scleral lenses are always getting better thanks to some cool new tech. Eye doctors can now use fancy imaging techniques to map out your eye's surface super precisely. That means your lenses are even more tailored to you

• Better Materials: New materials mean better oxygen flow and delivery to your eyes, which thus means less chance or any build up on your lenses.
• Special Solutions: There are now special cleaning solutions just for scleral lenses, so you can keep them squeaky clean and comfy.

Final Thoughts 

So, there you have it - the lowdown on scleral contact lenses. They are comfy, they are great for wonky corneas, and they are always getting better. If you are thinking about getting contacts and/or have some eye issues, schedule an appointment the Dr. Hiral Patel our scleral lens contact expert. They could be just what you need for clear, comfortable vision all day long.

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

What is your history before scleral lenses?

"I was a high myope patient and couldn't wear glasses because the lenses were very thick. I tried soft contacts but my vision was not as good as I wanted it to be. And thus, I underwent LASIK surgery. Following LASIK, I developed corneal issues and the doctor told me I had developed what he called a post-Lasik ectasia. I was told at that time that the only way I would be able to see better is with specialty contact lenses."

What was your vision with your old contacts?

"I had 20/30 vision in both eyes with my old contacts. However, I started developing dryness and irritation issues with my contacts. With even longer wear time with my old contacts I started getting frequent corneal abrasion due to fitting issues with the lenses."

How did your life change with scleral lenses?

"Right off the bat, I noticed instant comfort with scleral lenses compared to my old contacts. I find myself not using artificial tears as often to lubricate my eye because the lenses help address my dryness and irritation issues. I can't even tell I have anything in my eyes. I also do a lot of traveling and driving, especially at night, and so not only has my vision improved but scleral lenses have also helped cut down on glare issues. The lights don't bother as they used to in the past. Scleral lenses really changed my life, I didn't know what I was missing!"