How do scleral lenses work?
A typical contact lens rests directly on the cornea of the eye. For some individuals, this can be uncomfortable, ineffective and in some cases even damaging to the cornea. A patient whose corneas do not have a regular shape, who has suffered from eye injuries or has severe dryness or irritation of the ocular surface may not be able to wear corneal lenses.
The scleral lens solves this problem by limiting contact with the cornea. Most of the lens rests on the sclera or the white portion of the eye. The center of the lens remains close to but above the cornea, creating a “vault.” Inside this space, preservative-free saline solution and natural tears fill the empty space, lubricating the eye, improving comfort, and provide clear and comfortable vision.
Come in to our Weston location for an eye exam and scleral lens fitting.
We are located on 2863 Executive Park Dr. #103 Weston, FL 33331
What are the key benefits of scleral lenses?
Improved comfort, vision and restoration of the ocular surface are the main reasons optometrists in south Florida suggest scleral lenses today. For patients who have experienced poor results with other types of contact lenses or glasses, this choice provides a wonderful opportunity for corrected and comfortable vision. Their ability to provide results in individuals with a wide range of severe ocular conditions, and for any levels of astigmatism or refractive error have made them an increasingly popular choice.
They generally yield superior vision for patients whose needs cannot be met with other traditional options. Due to their larger diameter, scleral lenses are also harder to “lose” due to dislocation. In fact, most patients report no problems with lens dislocation.
Are Scleral Lenses the best fit?
The best candidates for scleral lenses are individuals who cannot yield satisfactory results with glasses or regular contact lenses. However, even patients with regular corneas can derive benefits from these lenses. For example, they may help those with sub-optimal refractive surgery results achieve the visual acuity they need. Individuals with chronic dry eyes, a history of eye-related problems, or some other medical conditions may benefit from scleral lenses.
Here are a few of the conditions that can be treated using scleral lenses:
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Chemical and burn injuries
- Keratoconus and ectasia
- Corneal degenerations and dystrophies
- Eyelid abnormalities
- Radial Keratotomy (RK)
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Graft vs Host Disease
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Corneal ectasia and other complications from LASIK
- Post-corneal transplant
- Intense Pulsed Light
Patients who do not have any corneal irregularities and might otherwise use regular soft contact lenses can still opt for a scleral lens fitting. Patients may find them to be more comfortable compared to other options. This is especially true for patients who experience eye strain as a result of professions that involve many hours in front of the computer. These patients may experience eye fatigue and strain when using the computer because the ocular surface can dry out. Because the scleral lens hydrates the ocular surface the entire time it is being worn, it can be a very comfortable option for these patients.
Are scleral lenses the right choice for you?
For patients who’ve experienced persistent discomfort with regular contact lenses or other issues related to the health of their eyes, this choice can be a superior option. For others, soft contact lenses may still be the right choice. Discussing these options with your optometrist can help you to make the best decision for your eyes.
We are located in Weston, FL. Please make an appointment for your scleral lens fitting with us today!
Scleral Lens Testimonial from A Patient in Fort Lauderdale, FL
About sMap3D® Technology
Scleral lenses are a powerful vision correction option for patients who have not found success with other methods. These custom-made lenses are designed to sit on the sclera (the white of the eye) and vault over the patient’s cornea in a way that reduces discomfort and minimizes the impact of corneal irregularities. In some cases, though, the fitting process can take a long time—involving weeks or months of appointments, trial, and error.
That isn’t the case at Weston Contact Lens Institute. Here, we make use of the revolutionary sMap3D™ technology, developed by the company Visionary Optics. sMap3D™ is a “corneo-scleral topographer” that provides a non-invasive way of mapping the eye and fitting scleral lenses. The entire process takes no more than 3-5 minutes and only requires patients to do three gazes: one up, one down, and one straight ahead.
During this process, the machine takes one million measurement points and stitches them together to create a precise and accurate map of the cornea and sclera. The machine will then suggest a lens style for the patient to wear for a second “over-refract” test. After these two tests, we have all the data we need to order custom-fitted lenses just for you.
Our scleral lenses are designed to minimize refits by prescribing lenses directly from surface measurements and based on user-input requirements. View virtual fits and customize lens parameters with the goal of achieving optimal fits for every eye in one platform.
Our patients have expressed surprise and delight at just how quick and easy the sMap3D™ process is. This technology not only makes life easier for our patients, but it also enables us to deliver lenses that fit better, offer higher levels of comfort, and provide maximum clarity in vision. Most patients have read a bit about scleral lenses online and come in, expecting a trial-and-error process along the lines of what they’ve seen online. The speed of the corneo-scleral topographer means less time in the examination chair and more time enjoying the crisp, clear vision that our scleral lenses provide.
If you are interested in learning more about sMap3D™ or finding out how it can help you find a quick and easy path toward improved vision, contact Weston Contact Lens Institute today.
