Can Scleral Lenses Work for You?

Scleral lenses are designed to rest around the cornea, rather than on it. This means that people who have been told they cannot wear regular contact lenses may now have a chance to leave eyeglasses behind and join the world of contact lenses. Scleral lenses are suitable for people with many conditions that prevent them from having anything resting on the corneal surface. Our eye doctors at Overlake EyeCare in Bellevue will evaluate your eyes and see if scleral lenses are right for you.

Going Around the Problem – Literally

Scleral lenses do not rest on the corneal surface like regular contacts. Instead, their edges rest on the white parts of the eyeball just outside the corneal surface and the rest of the lens rests over the cornea, creating a small pocket of air. The lenses are rigid gas-permeable lenses, but while they are not soft, they are comfortable. The rigidity means they keep their shape and create sort of a second corneal lens. The air pocket also holds moisture, helping people with dry eye feel more comfortable while wearing the lenses.

These are relatively large lenses. The edges need to rest on the eyeball outside of the normal diameter of a regular lens. They come in a few sizes, and the size you need depends on your eye condition. Scleral lenses can be used for conditions ranging from simple discomfort with regular lenses to dry eye to keratoconus and more. It is possible to get bifocal scleral lenses as well.

Find Scleral Lenses in Bellevue, WA

Eyeglasses are great but they aren’t for everyone. If you’ve been told you are unable to wear contacts, scleral lenses might be able to help! Our eye doctors at Overlake EyeCare in Bellevue can fit you for scleral contact lenses. Call us today at (425) 643-2020 to schedule a consultation with one of our eye doctors.