Scleral Contact Lenses
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
At ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro, our ophthalmologists fit scleral lenses as a specialized type of rigid gas-permeable contact lens that is larger than standard ones and vaults over the cornea without touching it. This design creates a protective fluid-filled layer that addresses challenging eye conditions, providing both sharp vision and all-day comfort through personalized customization and high-quality materials.
Scleral lenses are crafted from highly gas-permeable materials that let oxygen flow to the eye, supporting long-term eye health. They range in size from 14.5 mm to 24 mm in diameter, far larger than typical soft contacts, with the edges gently resting on the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. This positioning ensures stability and reduces movement, making them ideal for active lifestyles.
During insertion, we fill the scleral lens with sterile saline solution to create a tear-filled reservoir that vaults over the cornea. This smooth cushion corrects vision irregularities and shields the sensitive corneal surface from everyday irritants like dust or wind. Patients often notice immediate improvement in clarity and reduced discomfort compared to other lens options.
The fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea acts as a natural moisturizer, holding tears and saline to keep the eye hydrated throughout the day. For those with dry eye syndrome, this feature minimizes irritation and promotes healing of minor surface abrasions. It also provides a stable optical surface, enhancing vision quality for irregular corneas.
Today's scleral lenses feature advanced materials with excellent oxygen permeability, ensuring the cornea receives vital oxygen even under the larger lens coverage. This is key to avoiding complications like corneal swelling. Our ophthalmologists carefully select lenses based on your eye measurements to balance oxygen flow with fit and comfort.
We tailor scleral lenses to fit the exact shape, size, and curve of your eyes using detailed imaging and trial fittings. This precision leads to superior stability, comfort, and vision correction, especially for patients who have struggled with off-the-shelf lenses. Our goal is to make your experience as seamless as possible.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
At ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro, we recommend scleral lenses for patients facing vision challenges that standard contacts or glasses cannot fully resolve. Our expertise in specialty contacts allows us to help a wide range of cases, improving both sight and quality of life through targeted, personalized solutions.
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, distorting vision and making regular lenses ineffective. Scleral lenses bridge over this irregularity with their vaulted design, forming a regular optical surface that delivers crisp, stable vision. Many of our patients with keratoconus report life-changing improvements after fitting.
Severe dry eye can make wearing soft lenses painful or impossible due to constant irritation. The tear reservoir in scleral lenses keeps the cornea constantly bathed in fluid, reducing symptoms like burning and grittiness. This makes them a go-to option for our dry eye patients seeking all-day relief and clearer sight.
Following procedures like corneal transplants, LASIK, or other refractive surgeries, the cornea may heal unevenly, leading to blurred vision. Scleral lenses protect the recovering surface while correcting distortions through the fluid layer. We often fit these lenses as part of our comprehensive post-surgical care to support healing and restore vision.
For individuals who experience discomfort from soft or smaller rigid lenses, scleral options rest on the less sensitive sclera, minimizing irritation from nerve-rich areas. This design promotes better tolerance and extended wear. Our team guides patients through this transition to find lasting comfort.
Scleral lenses prove valuable for various corneal issues that affect vision and comfort. These include conditions such as:
- Corneal dystrophies and degenerations that alter the eye's surface
- High astigmatism resistant to correction with glasses or standard lenses
- Ocular surface diseases, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or graft-versus-host disease
- Extensive corneal scarring or irregularities from injury or infection
In children or patients with neurological conditions where standard lenses fail, scleral lenses can provide essential visual support. We emphasize careful customization and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness. Our multidisciplinary approach, including collaboration with optometrists, helps tailor solutions for these unique needs.
Fitting Scleral Contact Lenses
Our fitting process at ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro is thorough and patient-centered, using state-of-the-art tools to create lenses that fit perfectly and perform reliably. We take time to educate you at every step, ensuring you feel confident in managing your scleral lenses from day one.
We begin with a detailed exam, measuring your cornea and sclera with tools like corneal topography and OCT imaging to map your eye's unique shape. We also evaluate tear production and overall eye health to identify any underlying issues. This data guides the selection of trial lenses for a precise, safe start.
During your visit, you try diagnostic lenses while we assess fit, vault height, and edge alignment for comfort and vision. We may refine the curvature or diameter on the spot or order modifications. Multiple trials ensure the final lenses meet your exact needs without compromise.
Due to their size, scleral lenses require a plunger or suction tool for easy handling, and we fill them with preservative-free saline to form the reservoir. We provide hands-on training to prevent errors like air bubbles. With practice, insertion becomes quick and straightforward.
We schedule your first follow-up within a week to check adaptation and eye response, with regular visits every few months thereafter. These appointments monitor fit, vision stability, and corneal health over time. Our commitment to follow-up helps sustain the benefits long-term.
We account for variations in scleral shape or corneal elevation using advanced diagnostics and custom lens designs. Factors like tear quantity and lid position also influence the fit for optimal performance. This attention to detail sets our fittings apart in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining your scleral lenses properly is key to keeping your eyes healthy and extending lens life, and at ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro, we provide clear guidance to make this routine simple. Consistent habits prevent buildup and infections, supporting clear vision every day.
Upon removal, rub each lens gently with your prescribed cleaner to dislodge deposits, then rinse thoroughly with saline or approved solution. Clean for 10 to 20 seconds per side to remove proteins and debris effectively. This step keeps lenses hygienic and comfortable.
Place cleaned lenses in fresh disinfecting solution overnight to eliminate bacteria. Discard used solution daily and use a clean case, replacing it every one to three months to avoid contamination. Proper storage ensures lenses stay effective and safe.
Wash hands with soap and dry them before touching lenses to avoid introducing germs. Steer clear of creams or oils that could coat the surface, and handle over a soft towel to catch drops. Always inspect for damage prior to use to protect your eyes.
For trips, pack backup supplies like saline and cleaners in your carry-on, avoiding non-sterile water sources. Opt for travel kits to maintain hygiene on the go. We advise discussing travel needs during visits to prepare you fully.
Potential Risks and Comfort Tips
While scleral lenses are safe for most users, awareness of potential issues helps you wear them successfully, and our team at ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro is here to address any concerns promptly. With our expertise, we minimize risks through education and monitoring.
New wearers may feel initial halos, excess tearing, or mild redness that fades within days. Protein deposits can cause temporary blur, resolved with diligent cleaning. We recommend starting with short wear periods to build tolerance smoothly.
Persistent pain, severe redness, vision changes, or unusual discharge warrant immediate contact with us. These could signal infection or fit issues needing adjustment. Quick response prevents escalation and keeps your eyes protected.
Apply preservative-free drops to refresh the reservoir during wear, and take breaks from screens to ease strain. Ensure no bubbles form upon insertion for a smooth fit. Gradually extend wear time as advised to enhance adaptation.
Reach out right away for sudden discomfort, light sensitivity, or lens issues to get expert help fast. Our routine exams catch subtle changes early. Staying proactive ensures safe, enjoyable lens use.
Regular oversight from our ophthalmologists confirms ongoing safety, watching for corneal health and fit stability. With adherence to care protocols, scleral lenses offer reliable vision for years. We prioritize your eye wellness in every aspect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients often have questions about scleral lenses, and we're happy to address them to ease your mind and prepare you for success.
Adjustment typically takes a few days to two weeks, with most noticing comfort by the end of the first week. Begin with 2 to 4 hours daily and build up as directed. We monitor your progress to tailor the timeline to you.
Fogging often stems from debris in the reservoir, so remove, rinse with saline, refill, and reinsert the lens. If it continues, schedule a visit for possible lens tweaks or surface treatments. This keeps your vision clear and irritation-free.
Remove lenses before swimming or showering to avoid infection risks from waterborne pathogens. If swimming is unavoidable, use tight goggles as a precaution. We stress this to safeguard your eye health.
Keep supplies in carry-on luggage, including extra saline and a hard case, and carry your prescription for security checks. Avoid tap water for rinsing. Our staff can provide tips for hassle-free travel.
These lenses cost more due to customization, but many plans cover them as medically necessary for conditions like keratoconus. Contact our office for help navigating benefits and estimating your coverage.
Mini-scleral lenses, at 14.5 to 18 mm, suit milder cases with less vault, while full scleral lenses over 18 mm offer greater coverage for complex irregularities. We choose based on your eye's needs for the best outcome.
They may not fit well with severe lid issues, active infections, or uncontrolled glaucoma, determined by a full exam. Our evaluation ensures they're right for you, exploring alternatives if needed.
Lenses typically endure one to two years with proper care, depending on wear and deposits. We inspect during visits and recommend replacement to uphold vision quality and safety.
Next Steps
Ready to explore scleral contact lenses? Schedule a consultation with our ophthalmologists at ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro to discuss your vision goals and start your personalized fitting journey. With our advanced technology and caring approach, we're dedicated to helping you see the world clearly and comfortably, right here in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Went in on time. Dr. Martinez explained everything clearly and thoroughly, making me feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the visit. Very professional and caring.
Nicole Tedesco
Very nice and professional staff. Dr. Martinez is a great doctor. who truly cares about her patients and their well being.
Larisa Vedensky
Dr Clark is an excellent and caring eye doctor. Just had cataract surgery on both my eyes and now have 20/20 vision, due to Dr Clark’s expertise. An amazing feeing after wearing glasses for 60+ years.
Joann Flower
Excellent. Dr. Martinez is wonderful. She is very compassionate and an excellent doctor. I highly recommend her!
Susan Curry
It was my first time and was totally impressive. Everyone I dealt with was kind and professional. I got great news and will be rescheduling annual appointments here as long as I can.
Carol
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