WHAT ARE SCLERAL LENSES?
- Scleral lenses are large diameter semi-rigid gas permeable medical devices designed to treat certain eye conditions that cannot be treated through traditional methods (e.g.,eye or systemic medications, punctal plugs, OTC eye drops, glasses, and traditional contact lenses).
- Scleral lenses are custom fit based on an individual’s eye shape and acts as a prosthetic to temporarily reshape an irregular ocular surface and reduce surface inflammation.
- Scleral lenses provide additional therapy by hydrating the eye in a fluid filled reservoir during waking hours. This continual hydration effectively reduces discomfort and stabilizes vision.
- The addition of scleral lenses as part of your individualized treatment protocol can deliver greater physical comfort and visual stability
WHO CAN USE SCLERAL LENSES? Scleral lenses can help the following eye conditions:
- Dry Eye Syndrome: primary dry eyes or secondary to systemic disease or medications
- Corneal disease: either traumatic or degenerative
- Irregular or very high astigmatism
- Post-surgical complications
- Visual conditions not treated adequately with glasses or surgery alone
- Soft contact lens intolerance
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE SCLERAL LENS EXAMINATION AND FITTING PROCESS?
- Comprehensive examination: establishes a baseline of the health status of the eye, as well as determine the candidacy and necessity of scleral lenses
- Diagnostic imaging/tomography: ultrasounds and imaging of the ocular surface is performed to determine the contours of the cornea and other ocular structures
- Diagnostic fitting: involves the fitting of various diagnostic scleral lenses onto the eye to assess the appropriate size, curvature, and powers for the custom design. The scleral lenses will be ordered at this visit.
- Scleral Lens Dispensing and Expected Follow up care: the scleral lenses are dispensed with proper training and your adaption to the scleral lenses is followed closely. Follow up visits are scheduled 2 weeks from the initial dispense, 6 weeks from the initial dispense, 3 months from the initial dispense, and 6 months from the initial dispense.
