Want Contacts, but Have Hard-to-Fit Eyes? Scleral Lenses Are an Option
Scleral lenses have enabled many people to wear contact lenses when they'd previously been told their eyes couldn't handle contacts. These lenses are meant for people who can't have lenses rest right on their corneas. These lenses are simple to use. The only real difference between scleral lenses and regular contacts is where they rest on the eyeball. If you have keratoconus or another condition that makes it difficult for you to wear regular contacts, Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT can fit you with these special lenses.
Scleral Lenses Sit on the Sclera
The name "scleral" describes exactly what these lenses do. They are larger lenses that rest on the sclera, the white portion of the eyes. The rest of the lens arches over the cornea so that none of the lens touches the corneal surface. The lens material is gas-permeable, so oxygen can reach the corneal surface. These lenses are suitable for conditions like keratoconus and dry eye. Because none of the lens material touches the corneal surface, you don't have to worry about irritating corneas that are elongated, for example, nor do you have to worry about the lens cutting off oxygen.
Those with keratoconus are already dealing with a thinning cornea. Wearing regular contact lenses can exacerbate irritation and just be generally uncomfortable as the cornea starts to extend outward due to the thinning surface layer. They need a contact lens that will not rest on the cornea at all, and scleral lenses fit that bill.
People with dry eye benefit from these lenses because a well is left between the lenses and the eyes, allowing tears to build up and keep the eyes nice and hydrated. While someone with dry eye might still need to use artificial tears, for example, there shouldn't be any additional drying of the cornea caused by scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses come in a few different sizes, with smaller lenses often called mini-sclerals. These lenses, no matter the size, can take some getting used to. They are bigger than normal lenses, but wearers don't feel the lenses at all, especially once they've gotten used to wearing them.
If You Have Hard-to-Fit Eyes, Call an Optometrist
Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT has appointments available for eye exams and lens fittings. If you need an eye exam, have questions about caring for scleral lenses, or are curious about other benefits of these lenses, call us at (860) 333-6490 to set up an appointment.