Thanks to advances in lens technology, different kinds of contact lenses are now available to meet the unique needs of patients. Scleral lenses are designed to be larger than regular contact lenses. Read on as your trusted eye doctor from Park Slope Eye discusses their features and benefits.
What Are the Different Kinds of Scleral Contact Lenses?
While regular contact lenses usually have a 9-9.5 mm diameter, scleral lenses can have a diameter of 14.5 mm up to 24 mm. This allows them to cover your cornea, even extending to the white part of your eyes (sclera). They are typically made of rigid gas permeable plastics with a fluid reservoir to maintain your eyes’ lubrication and comfort.
There are three general types of scleral lenses: corneo-scleral, mini-scleral and full scleral. The corneo- or semi-scleral ones are larger than GP lenses at 13 to 15 mm. The mini-scleral contact lenses can totally envelop your corneal surface with their 18 mm diameter and rest on the front part of your sclera. Lastly, the full scleral lenses have the widest diameter, giving more than enough clearance for your cornea and lens.
Who Should Wear Them?
Individuals with hard-to-fit eyes or conditions resulting from having an unevenly surfaced cornea are good candidates for scleral lenses. The large surface area of scleral lenses acts as a substitute to the patient’s irregularly shaped cornea, allowing light to pass through seamlessly. Those who have dry eyes may also benefit from the tear reservoir that scleral lenses offer.
Because of their larger size, scleral lenses are more stable than conventional contact lenses, reducing their risk of being accidentally dislodged from your eyes. This feature also means they won’t move around as much in your eyes. The gas permeable material they’re made from has a fluid pouch that will help maintain your visual health. You can expect fixed placement, wider visual coverage and lasting eye comfort with scleral lenses.
Turn to Park Slope Eye for reliable eye care services. Apart from scleral lenses, we also offer comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy and more. Feel free to complete our form to schedule a visit. We serve Brooklyn and the surrounding NY areas.