Ideal Candidates for Scleral Lenses

The use of specialty contact lenses has become common practice in the last couple of years. Patients who cannot wear regular contacts can use the lenses to improve their vision.

Scleral lenses offer different options for different conditions. Some patients need scleral lenses as a medical necessity, while others wear them for refractive reasons. It helps to know who are the ideal candidates for scleral lenses.

Severe Corneal Irregularity

People who have irregular corneas are ideal candidates for scleral lenses. Cornea irregularities can result from corneal surgery, trauma, keratoconus, and other eye complications. Patients with the conditions can receive treatment using corneal GP lenses.

The lenses cover the irregularities on the corneal surface. These lead to improved vision. But the GP lenses can be hard to fit. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea resting on the sclera, ensuring great stability.

Ocular Surface Disease

Patients with an ocular surface disease are good candidates for scleral lenses. Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Sjögren’s syndrome can benefit from the lenses as well.

The diseases affect the ocular surface, inhibit daily activities, and reduce the patient’s quality of life. The curved, rigid shape of the scleral lenses provides a cushion that protects and provides liquid for the ocular surface.

People With Dry Eyes

Many people with refractive errors prefer to wear contact lenses. Unfortunately, contacts can be very uncomfortable for people with dry eyes. Patients with refractive errors or dry eyes are ideal candidates for scleral lenses.

Most people appreciate the improved vision provided by GP lenses. However, they may experience problems that lead to limited wear. Scleral lenses can help eliminate the problems. They provide sharp vision alongside comfort and stability.

Active Individuals

People who lead an active lifestyle are ideal candidates for scleral lenses. They complain of shifting lenses or extreme discomfort when something touches the eye surface. Unlike regular lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea.

The lenses fit correctly, and the frequent blinking or eye movements do not affect them. The snug fit prevents foreign bodies from going under the lens. The improved comfort and stability make it easy to wear the lenses all day.

Treating Astigmatism

Regular contacts do not work for patients with severe or moderate astigmatism. Soft lenses can lead to visual fluctuation, and GP lenses can be unstable for certain forms of astigmatism. These patients can be ideal candidates for scleral lenses.

Patients who have been unsuccessful in using other lens types may be candidates for scleral lenses. An eye specialist will examine the patients’ eyes to determine if the condition can benefit from scleral lenses.

People with chemical burns or complications from corneal implants are ideal candidates. If you want to give up your eyeglasses but find contacts uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about scleral lenses. You can find out if you are a good candidate for the lenses.

For more on scleral lenses, visit Parkside Eye Care at our office in Cary, North Carolina. You can call (919) 883-9987 today to schedule an appointment.