Scleral Lenses: What They Are and How They Can Help Your Vision

If you have vision problems like dry eyes or keratoconus, you may benefit from scleral contact lenses. These lenses are specially created and fitted to the shape of your eye. They sit atop the outer white part of the eye, the sclera, and are raised over the cornea. This arch over the cornea allows breathability and fluid to keep the eye moist between the lens and the cornea. Our optometrist, John F Vilcheck JR OD of Coatesville, PA, can better diagnose whether scleral lenses are right for you with a thorough eye exam.

What's the Purpose of Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses were originally created in Germany in 1887 by two brothers. They were one of the first kinds of contact lenses ever made and were created to help treat dry eyes. The way they are shaped over the eye, leaving a space for moisture to pool, helps to prevent dry eye. The original concept of the lenses still stands today.

These lenses are specifically designed to fit the wearer and to help treat eye conditions, especially those affecting the cornea. One of these conditions is keratoconus, characterized by thinning corneas that bulge into a cone-like shape. Due to scleral lenses not touching your cornea, if you have a scratch or damage to your cornea, the lenses will not aggravate the injury and allow the eye to heal properly. It not only helps with corneal irregularities. It also helps those who have refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and problems focusing.

Advantages of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are comfortable and allow a constant flow of fluid and oxygen to pass through to keep the eye moist and healthy. They also create a barrier between the eye and any particles that could potentially irritate the eye. If properly cared for and cleaned, scleral lenses last a long time compared to other contact lenses.

Schedule a Fitting Today

Scleral lenses are specific to the person wearing them. To get fitted for this type of lense, you will have to see a specially trained optometrist, like John F Vilcheck JR OD.  Our Coatesville optometrist is experienced and trained to perform the kind of eye exam necessary to determine whether or not scleral lenses are right for you. Schedule an appointment today by calling 610-383-6449, so we can get started on your exam and fitting.