Scleral Contact Lenses

Unlike conventional contact lenses, scleral lenses are large enough to rest on the white portion of the eye, or sclera. For patients with problems with their corneas, which can be the most sensitive portion of the eyes, scleral lenses can be the solution to contact lens problems. At Southwest Orlando Eye Care, we offer scleral lenses for a wide variety of patients who have never been a candidate for contact lenses before.

Who Needs Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral lenses aren't for everyone. Traditional contact lenses rest on the cornea of the eye, covering the colored part of the iris. For patients with irregularities in their corneas, it can be difficult or impossible to create traditional contacts that fit flush against the eye. The wider shape of scleral lenses vaults over the cornea without touching it. Some of the conditions that merit wearing scleral lenses are:

• Keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to bulge outward, making it impossible to fit a contact onto the surface
• Surgery that causes corneal irregularity
• Problems with the tear film in the eye
• Post corneal transplant
• Chronic and severe dry eye syndrome

The Types of Scleral Lenses

Like traditional contact lenses, there is a variety of scleral lenses, each one designed to help with a different physical or vision problem. The semi-scleral lenses and corneoscleral lenses rest near the point where the sclera and the cornea meet.

Mini-scleral lenses create a sort of bubble over the entire cornea and rest completely on the sclera.

The largest type is known as full scleral lenses. They are created to give the most amount of space between the surface of the cornea and the inside of the lens.

No matter what size of the scleral lens is needed, it will be created out of rigid gas permeable materials. Even though your lenses will completely cover your cornea and part of the sclera, you won't suffer from dry eyes. Oxygen easily passes through the contact lens material, creating a healthy and comfortable environment for your eyes.

A Specialist for Your Eyes

Our optometrist, Dr. Ben Konynenbelt, did his optometry internship at the world-famous Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. There, he gained experience managing eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. He is also a certified fitter of specialty contact lenses such as scleral contact lenses. The doctor has published research in the fields of contact lenses and vision development.

As an expert in the field, Dr. Konynenbelt recommends and uses these brands of scleral lenses with his patients:

• Synergeyes
• Duette 
• Xcel 
• Clearkone hybrid lenses
• Ultra health

Your Problem Contact Lens Solution

If you've been told you aren't a good candidate for contact lenses, scleral lenses can be the solution to your problem. It all begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Call our office at (407) 271-8931 to schedule an appointment today.