An Ophthalmologist Can Advise You the Best Scleral Contact Lens for Your Specific Needs

If you have had a problem in wearing the contact lenses or have been told that you cannot wear them because of the irregular cornea, then consult your eye doctor and ask about the scleral contact lenses. These large-diameter gas permeable (GP) lenses vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the sclera (white) of the eye.

Scleral contact lenses are more stable on the eye than the conventional GP lenses – because of the size they are less likely to dislodge from the eye. These lenses offer the same advantages that conventional GP lenses compared with soft contact lenses such as sharper vision, greater durability, easier handling and a small risk of complications.

Functionally scleral contact lenses correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities by replacing the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface.

Different types of scleral contact lenses

Scleral contact lenses are larger than the standard gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, having a diameter equal to or greater than that of the soft contact lenses. The diameter of the smallest contacts can be 14 mm, and the largest can be upto 17 mm. Even the smallest scleral contact lenses are designed to cover the entire corneal surface since the average human cornea size is approximately is 11.8 mm in diameter.

Another category of corneo-scleral lenses and semi-scleral contact lenses bridges the size gap between conventional GP lenses and rest near the junction between the cornea and the sclera. They are approximately 13 to 15 mm in diameter. For greater comfort, they are used when contact lenses are needed after LASIK or other corneal refractive surgery. They are a good choice for people who require larger than normal GP lenses.

A mild form of the keratoconus and irregular astigmatism from corneal graft are easily managed with mini-scleral lenses as they vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the anterior sclera. They are less costly and require fewer care products.

Full scleral lenses have more capacity to hold fluid or bridge large changes in corneal curvature so the more complex conditions such as advanced keratoconus dry eyes or severe ocular surface disease that may require large tear reservoir may be fitted with these lenses. So they provide a greater amount of clearance between the cornea and the back surface of the lens.

Though the scleral contact lenses cover the entire cornea, keep your eyes healthy and comfortable as plenty of oxygen reaches the front surface of the eye but before you buy them, get your contact lenses exam and fitting. An eye care professional can advise you the best scleral contact lens type and size for your specific needs.