Scleral lenses have been growing in popularity among eye doctors and patients over the past few years. In this blog post, we will share how scleral lenses can benefit individuals with keratoconus and how they provide improved vision.
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This leads to distorted and blurry vision, as well as increased sensitivity to light. Keratoconus often begins when people are in their late teens or early twenties, and the condition progressively worsens over the next decade or two.
- During the early stages of keratoconus, symptoms include mild blurry vision, distorted vision, and sensitivity to light. There may also be some eye redness or swelling. At this point, vision can be corrected with soft contact lenses, eyeglasses, or both.
- As the condition progresses, special contact lenses are needed to provide clear vision.
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that sits on the sclera or white part of your eye. They are larger in diameter than traditional contact lenses, which allows them to cover the entire cornea. This creates a smooth surface for light to pass through, reducing the distortion caused by keratoconus.
What are the benefits of scleral lenses?
One of the biggest benefits of scleral lenses is their ability to provide improved vision. Since they rest on the sclera and not the cornea, they can correct for irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus. This means that individuals with keratoconus can achieve clearer and more stable vision with scleral lenses, even in low-light settings.
Scleral lenses are also an effective solution for dry eye. People with keratoconus are at a higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Scleral lenses create a small reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, which helps to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Lastly, scleral lenses are customizable and can be tailored to fit the unique contours of your eye. This means that they provide a more precise fit, reducing the risk of complications and improving visual acuity.
If you have keratoconus and are struggling to see clearly with traditional contact lenses, it may be time to consider scleral lenses. Not only can they provide improved vision, but they are also comfortable and highly customizable. Schedule an appointment with us today and find out if scleral lenses are right for you.
