Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: A Game-Changer for Clear Vision

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea, leading to distorted vision. Living with keratoconus can be challenging, as it affects everyday tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. However, advances in specialty contact lenses—specifically, scleral lenses—are providing individuals with keratoconus an effective and comfortable option to regain clear, sharp vision.

Understanding Keratoconus and Its Impact on Vision

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea, which is usually dome-shaped, begins to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape. This irregularity in the cornea’s shape causes light to scatter as it enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. While the cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, factors such as genetics, eye rubbing, and environmental influences may play a role. For those affected, regular glasses or standard contact lenses often cannot correct their vision adequately, as these options aren’t designed to address the specific corneal irregularities of keratoconus.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens that vaults over the entire cornea and rests on the sclera, or the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger in diameter, creating a smooth optical surface that helps correct the distorted vision caused by keratoconus.
 

The design of scleral lenses provides a unique benefit: they create a tear-filled reservoir between the back of the lens and the cornea, which not only enhances comfort but also provides a barrier against irritants. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals with keratoconus, whose sensitive corneas may experience discomfort with other types of lenses.
 

The Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

For patients with keratoconus, scleral lenses offer several key advantages:
 

• Improved Vision Quality: Scleral lenses provide a smooth, uniform optical surface, helping to correct the visual distortions caused by the irregular shape of the cornea. This often results in significantly clearer and sharper vision compared to glasses or traditional contact lenses.
   

• Enhanced Comfort: Because they rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses are typically much more comfortable. The tear reservoir also helps to keep the eye hydrated, which can relieve dryness and irritation, making them a preferred option for those who experience discomfort with standard lenses.
   

• Long-Lasting Relief from Dryness: Keratoconus patients often experience dry eyes due to the irregular corneal shape. The tear reservoir created by scleral lenses provides constant hydration to the cornea, offering prolonged relief from dry eye symptoms.
   

• Better Protection: The large diameter of scleral lenses provides a protective barrier over the cornea, which can help shield the eyes from environmental irritants like dust, wind, and allergens. This added protection is particularly beneficial for patients with keratoconus, whose corneas may be more vulnerable to irritation and damage.
   

• Stable Vision Throughout the Day: Scleral lenses are more stable than other types of contact lenses, as they fit snugly over the sclera. This stability prevents the lenses from shifting, providing consistent vision quality throughout the day.
   

The Fitting Process

Because each individual’s corneal shape is unique, proper fitting of scleral lenses is essential. At Della Porta EyeCare, we use advanced technology to map the corneal surface accurately and ensure a precise fit. This process allows us to create custom scleral lenses that meet the unique needs of each patient, optimizing both comfort and visual acuity.
 

Optimizing Your Vision with Della Porta EyeCare

For individuals with keratoconus who are frustrated with their current vision solutions, scleral lenses may offer an ideal solution. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing keratoconus for years, scleral lenses can improve your vision quality and comfort.
 

Schedule a consultation with Della Porta EyeCare to learn more about how scleral lenses can be a game-changer for your vision and overall quality of life. Visit our office in Bristol, Connecticut, or call (860) 807-1500 to book an appointment today.