Scleral Contact Lenses

If you have ever been told that contact lenses will not work for you, scleral contact lenses may be the answer.

Scleral lenses are specialty gas permeable contact lenses that can improve vision and comfort for abnormal corneal conditions. They are larger in diameter and rest directly on the white part of the eye known as the sclera. These lenses provide a smooth optical surface that provides sharper vision and helps to eliminate glare.

This smooth optical surface allows patients to potentially have clearer vision than would otherwise be possible from glasses and standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses are filled with a fluid reservoir of non-preserved saline that also hydrates the eye. Other advantages of scleral lenses include greater durability, easier handling, and lower risk for complications.

You may be a candidate for scleral contact lenses if:

– you have an irregularly shaped cornea due to keratoconus, eye surgery, or other conditions such as severe astigmatism, corneal scars, pellucid marginal degeneration, or corneal ectasia from unfavorable LASIK outcome.
– your current contacts lenses are uncomfortable and move around on your eye due to high astigmatism.
– you have dry eyes.

Scleral lenses are always custom made to fit the unique shape of each individual’s eye and often require a greater amount of time fitting them compared with standard contact lenses. Dr. Gerlach, Dr. Dues, and Dr. Evans perform scleral contact lens fittings utilizing the state of the art corneal-scleral topographer, sMap3D. Call us today to set up your consultation.