People who don’t prefer wearing eyeglasses usually opt for contact lenses. Unfortunately, some people experience discomfort while wearing contacts. If this is the case for you, your eye care provider might suggest scleral lenses.
A local sports vision specialist explains what these scleral lenses are.
Scleral lenses have a more expansive diameter than your typical contact lenses. These gas-permeable lenses are known for providing clear vision without compromising comfort. They offer excellent durability and help reduce contact lens-related infections.
Your eye doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses and recommend which type is ideal for you. These lenses lay on the sclera or the white part of the eye. Since the sclera has fewer nerve endings, it’s not as sensitive, resulting in a better contact lens wear experience.
There is a common misconception that scleral lenses are only for individuals with irregularly shaped corneas. It was true for several years, but these lenses can now treat different vision issues. Specialists often recommend these lenses for people who find it challenging to have sharp vision with standard contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Patients who suffered from chemical burn injuries or had complications from corneal implants will benefit from scleral lenses. These lenses might work well for you if you have dry eye and a refractive error. Individuals with eye abnormalities, corneal degeneration and corneal ectasia are great candidates for scleral lenses. Scleral lenses might also be an option for people who had complications after LASIK eye surgery or those recovering from radial keratotomy.
At Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, we can determine the ideal vision correction option for you. We also specialize in pre- and post-operative care for LASIK surgery and cataract treatment. Call us at (703) 573-1200, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.