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Contact lenses provide a safe and effective way to correct vision problems.

But not all contact lenses are the same, and they won’t always be the best choice for everyone. Those who have corneal irregularities, for example, are better off using scleral lenses, which are unlike any other contact lens on the market. A trusted source of quality eyeglass frames and lenses in the area, Eye & Vision Care, shares more of what you need to know.

What Exactly Are Scleral Lenses?

These are large-diameter, rigid, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera or the white part of the eye. This makes them different from conventional contact lenses, which are usually worn over the cornea. Scleral lenses leave a gap between the cornea and the lens, allowing enough oxygen to reach the eyes. They also keep the eyes moist and are proven more comfortable to wear.

Who Can Wear Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses correct vision problems by replacing an irregularly shaped cornea with a perfectly smooth, rounded optical surface. To determine whether you would be a good candidate for scleral lenses, you’ll need to first schedule a comprehensive eye exam with trusted eye care and orthokeratology specialist like Eye & Vision Care. Patients who are diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea of the eye thins and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape, are usually a good match for scleral lenses. The cornea needs to have a perfect convex or dome shape in order for the eye to see clearly, and scleral lenses can make that happen. If a patient with an irregularly shaped cornea uses traditional eyeglasses or contacts instead, their vision will remain poor.

Wearing scleral lenses may partially or completely improve your vision if your corneas have been altered in some way due to these issues:

• Dry eye treatment where refractive correction is necessary
• Corneal degradation
• High or moderate astigmatism
• Corneal scars
• Complications from corneal implants
• Eye injury resulting from chemical burns