Your Guide to Scleral Lenses
For many people, traditional contact lenses aren’t the solution to vision issues. Sometimes they cause uncomfortable or don’t suit the person’s eye shape. Often, dry eye becomes an issue. This leaves many people thinking that they are stuck wearing eyeglasses instead, but that’s not always the case thanks to scleral lenses. Learn more about this option and how our team at Summit Eyecare can help.
What Are Scleral Lenses and Who Needs Them?
Traditional contact lenses rest directly on the cornea. The cornea has many nerve endings, so something lying directly on it can be quite uncomfortable. Additionally, some corneas are not shaped properly for traditional contacts. Scleral lenses are specialty contacts that are larger than traditional lenses. They are vaulted, so they do not lie on the cornea.
They also spread out further to contact the white part of the eye, which has much fewer nerve endings. This prevents discomfort and means that the shape of the cornea does not necessarily prevent your ability to wear them. Another great thing is that in the vaulted section of these specialty contacts is a fluid reservoir. This is helpful because the contacts do not cause dry eye or trigger the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Many people that cannot use traditional lenses can enjoy scleral lenses. This typically includes those with:
- Misshapen or irregular cornea, especially due to surgery or keratoconus
- Refractive errors
- Dry eye syndrome
- Ocular surface disease
Always keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule. Though most people with such issues can take advantage of scleral lenses, not everyone can. The best way to determine if these specialty contacts can help you is to visit your optometrist. At Summit Eyecare, we will help you find the most effective vision solution – whether it’s scleral lenses or another option.
Improve Your Vision with Scleral Lenses
If you’ve had trouble with traditional contacts or have been told that your cornea isn’t the right shape for them, don’t lose hope. Scleral lenses just might be the solution for you. Schedule an appointment with our team at Summit Eyecare to learn if they’re right for you. We offer five locations for your convenience and you can reach us at the numbers below:
- Pocatello – (208) 637-0841
- Rexburg – (208) 356-0881
- St. Anthony – (208) 624-3231
- Merlin Dr. – (208) 522-5594
- Pancheri Dr. – (208) 529-4333
