Who Can Benefit the Most from Scleral Lenses?

Patients who struggle to achieve good vision with regular contact lenses or glasses can benefit the most from scleral lenses. It’s not true that scleral lenses are only meant for patients whose corneas are irregularly shaped. This misconception was born from scleral lenses being used for specialty treatment only for a long time. But, in recent years, their use has broadened to include conditions that have nothing to do with corneal irregularities.

Which Conditions Are Treated with Scleral Lenses?

Examples of conditions that may be treated or partially treated using scleral lenses are:
 

• High astigmatism

• Dry eye treatment

• Allergic eye diseases

• Keratoconus

• Corneal degeneration

• Corneal transplant complications like graft vs host disease

• Eyelid abnormalities

• Chemical burn eye injuries

• Corneal ectasia

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

• Radial Keratotomy recovery

• LASIK surgery complications

• Sjogren’s Syndrome

Other Factors That May Necessitate Wearing Scleral Lenses

Typically, your eye condition is the primary determinant of whether you are a good candidate for scleral lenses. But, your eye doctor must also consider other factors, such as:
 

• Your Eye Shape
   

Some people struggle to keep their contact lenses on because of their eye shapes. Some eye shapes may cause the contact lenses to pop out or dislodge easily, and scleral lenses are an excellent alternative. If one or both of your eyes cannot fit contact lenses properly, scleral lenses may be a better fit and may offer better stability to your eyes.
 

• Your Contact Lenses’ Irritation
   

Your Eye Size Can Be a Deterrent

Even if your condition necessitates wearing scleral lenses, the size of the scleral lenses can disqualify you. For most patients, the eye doctor would have no problem fitting the patient for the lenses. But, scleral lenses are significantly larger than typical contact lenses and require more space on the cornea. Scleral lenses’ diameter typically falls between 14mm and 20mm. Therefore, the patient’s eye opening must be a particular size to insert the scleral lenses. Most people would not have a problem fitting scleral lenses, but this is a critical consideration an optometrist must make for your comfort.

Get Scleral Lenses for Your Eye Condition

Scleral lenses are now used to address many eye problems, especially those that do not respond well to traditional treatments. If you wonder if you would make a good candidate for these lenses, it’s best to consult an optometrist.
 

For more on scleral lenses and whether you can benefit from them, visit Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois, offices. Call 847-994-4500 or 847-438-7700 to schedule your appointment.