Scleral Contact Lenses At VAL-Uvision
Have you always wanted to wear contact lenses but have been told that you have a condition that makes you hard to fit for contacts? There are a few types of contacts available today that are designed for hard to fit eyes. One of these lenses is a scleral contact lens.
How Do Scleral Contacts Work?
Traditional contact lenses fit right over the cornea. Scleral lenses are different. Scleral lenses a type of gas permeable lens; however, unlike a gas permeable lens that covers a portion of the cornea, these lenses vault over the entire surface of the cornea, and they rest on the white part of the eye, which is called the sclera.
What Are the Benefits Of Scleral Contacts?
There are a few reasons why people choose scleral contacts over traditional soft contacts. The benefits of these lenses include:
- Sharper vision
- More durability than soft contacts
- Easier to handle than soft contacts
- Less risk of complications
What Conditions Do Scleral Contacts Help?
Anyone can wear scleral lenses. There are certain conditions which scleral lenses would be the best or the only option. These include:
- Keratoconus: This condition occurs when the shape of your cornea bulges into a cone shape rather than being round like a ball. If you have this condition, soft contacts won't be an option due to the shape of your eye. Because these lenses vault over the cornea, they are a great option if you have this condition.
- Irregularly shaped eyes: If your eyes are irregularly shaped, it can be difficult for a traditional gas permeable lens to fit over the eye. In many cases, the lens will become dislodged. In cases like this, scleral lenses are the only option.
- Dry eye syndrome: Scleral lenses are great if you have dry eye syndrome. With these lenses, there will be a space between the back of the lens and the cornea. This space can act as a tear reservoir that can keep your eye moist.
Are Scleral Contacts Expensive?
If you are living on a tight budget, scleral contacts may not be right for you. Scleral lenses are custom made to the exact specifications prescribed by your doctor. To fit the lenses, special measuring tools and imaging devices are necessary. The average cost of scleral lenses is around $4,000 per eye.
Contact VAL-Uvision Today!
If you have been told that your eyes are hard to fit or if you want to be able to see as well as possible, you should schedule an appointment with VAL-Uvision in Jacksonville. Our optometrist can check the health of your eyes and take the necessary measurements for the contacts. Since most health insurance plans don't cover the cost of the fitting and the lenses, you will likely need to pay the full cost out of pocket.