Keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea and causes blurred vision, glare, and distortion. As the condition progresses, glasses and regular contact lenses would no longer give clear sight. Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus give a customized option for people who need better visual correction and comfort.

These specialized lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye. Understanding their benefits, fitting process, and care needs could help you decide to have a consultation with an eye-care professional.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large, rigid gas permeable contact lenses designed to rest on the sclera while arching over the cornea. A reservoir of sterile, preservative-free saline sits between the lens and the corneal surface.

This design creates a smoother optical surface that could decrease distortion caused by an irregular cornea. Each lens is selected and fitted according to the person’s eye shape, vision needs, and ocular health.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

The main benefit of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus is improved vision for suitable wearers. Other potential advantages include: 

  • Clearer vision: The lens could compensate for some corneal irregularities.
  • Potentially better comfort: Corneal clearance would make these lenses more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses for some people.
  • Moisture retention: The fluid helps to maintain a hydrated environment over the cornea.
  • Lens stability: Their larger design could help keep the lenses centered on the eye.

Results could be different, and scleral lenses do not cure keratoconus or stop its progression.

Who May Need Scleral Lenses?

Whether glasses or traditional contact lenses fail to give enough vision or comfort. Eye care specialists might suggest scleral lenses. They might be suitable for different stages of keratoconus, based on the corneal shape and overall eye health.

People with Degenerative Myopia, a kind of high myopia defined as gradual structural changes in the eye. This would also result in major visual issues. However, degenerative myopia and keratoconus are different disorders, and scleral lenses do not tackle the root causes of any disease. A multistep eye examination helps figure out the best correction and if extra treatment is needed

What Does a Scleral Lens Fitting Involve?

Fitting begins with an eye checkup and corneal measurements. Your clinician would use corneal imaging and trial lenses to analyze clearance, alignment, comfort, and vision. The lens needs changes, and additional examinations would confirm that it fits safely. You will also learn how to insert, remove, clean, and store your lenses. Only use authorized lens care products. Fill lenses with sterile, preservative-free saline meant for scleral lens use, avoid tap water, and never sleep with your lenses until your clinician directly approves it.

Possible Challenges to Know About

Scleral lenses need practice and regularly care. Some wearers face issue with insertion and removal. Fogging, redness, pain, or blurred vision could be a symbol  of fit or eye health issue. If symptoms appear, remove the lenses and get medical attention right once. Eye pain, redness, sensitive to light, or unforeseen vision changes need a quick eye care checkup.

Are Scleral Lenses Worth Considering?

Scleral lenses could be the ideal answer for patients whose keratoconus makes normal vision correction challenging. The final decision is based on eye health, comfort, and professional fitting.

If cost is an issue then ask about keratoconus contact lenses prices like fitting fees, replacement schedules, care products, and follow up visits. Prices could be different by eye expert, lens design and location.

How fast does high myopia macular degeneration progress?

You should understand that progression could be different person to person. Those who have high myopia could be the reason for retinal changes that weaken your vision. Do take regular retinal examinations. Sudden visual changes need an urgent checkup

Schedule an eye examination with a qualified eye expert Dr. Rahul Raghav to understand all options.