Thanks to ongoing research in contact lens technology, different types of contact lenses serve different purposes and are designed to address specific eye care needs. Scleral contact lenses, in particular, have a wider diameter than regular lenses.
Read on as Park Slope Eye, your leading provider of vision therapy and other eye care services, discusses the features and benefits of scleral lenses.
Unique Features
Standard-sized contact lenses are often 9 to 9.5 mm wide. In comparison, scleral lenses have diameters ranging from 14.5 to 24 mm. This feature allows them to cover most of your cornea, even extending to your sclera, the white part of your eyes, which is why they are referred to as scleral contact lenses. They are usually made of rigid, gas-permeable material that comes with a fluid reservoir to maintain your visual comfort.
Uses of Scleral Contact Lenses
Your expert eye doctor may recommend using scleral contact lenses if you have “hard-to-fit” eyes. This includes conditions characterized by corneal shape or surface irregularities, such as keratoconus, a condition that occurs when your cornea starts to thin out as you age, causing it to bulge and form a cone-like shape.
Scleral contact lenses’ wide surface area acts as a substitute for your impaired corneal surface. People with dry eyes are good candidates for using scleral contact lenses as well. The fluid reservoir in the lenses helps keep your eyes well lubricated all day long.
Excellent Benefits
With their larger size, scleral contact lenses are more secure than ordinary contact lenses. They won’t move around as much, maintaining your visual stability and clarity. They also carry a lower risk of being accidentally dislodged from your eyes. Their fluid pouch maintains eye moisture and their gas-permeable material allows maximum oxygen entry, leading to better visual health.
Scleral contact lenses provide fixed placement, wider visual field access and lasting visual comfort. Complete our form to schedule an appointment and learn more about them. We serve Brooklyn, NY.
