Many people like contact lenses because they are comfortable to wear and won’t clash with outfits. Contacts sit directly on and move with your eyes. However, not everyone has a great experience with contacts. Some people are even told that they are not good candidates for this eyewear. Fortunately, you have another option. You might benefit from scleral lenses if standard contacts don’t suit you.
Continue reading to learn more.
Standard contact lenses rest on the cornea. On the other hand, scleral lenses are designed to have a space between the lens and the cornea. These large-diameter gas-permeable lenses are filled with isotonic fluid. The gap between the cornea and the back surface of the lens acts as a tear reservoir to keep the eyes lubricated. It’s the reason they are often more comfortable to wear for people with severe ocular disease.
Your eye doctor might recommend scleral lenses if you have corneal irregularities, which can be caused by a surgical procedure or keratoconus. It’s the same for individuals with advanced refractive errors and ocular surface diseases. Scleral lenses can also be suitable for people who experience fitting difficulties with conventional contacts.
Thanks to the larger size of scleral lenses, they remain more stable in the eyes. They are less likely to fall from your eyes even while blinking. Despite their size, they offer better clarity and comfort than conventional contact lenses.
For people with dry eyes, scleral lenses help lubricate and bring oxygen to the eye, resulting in more comfort. The tear reservoir they provide also helps in preventing injuries, such as corneal abrasions. Another great thing about these lenses is that they can help lower the likelihood of needing surgical procedures for people with severe ocular surface conditions.
Whether you are looking for a low vision specialist or need a new pair of contacts, Joel H. McGahen OD is here to help. Call us at (717) 264-4012 to schedule an appointment.