Do Scleral Lenses Fix Keratoconus?

Do scleral lenses fix keratoconus? The short answer is yes. But what is keratoconus? Experts define it as a non-inflammatory eye condition. It occurs when the dome-shaped and round cornea thins progressively, resulting in the development of a cone-like bulge. 

Since keratoconus results in an irregular shape of your cornea, glasses do not offer the best vision correction solution. This is because eyeglasses cannot conform to the eye shape of people with the disorder. Thus, the best way to fix this condition is by using scleral lenses.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

These lenses are special contact lenses that treat various eye disorders. The lenses have a special section that has artificial tears. The tears moisten the deformed area of the cornea. This helps sharpen your focus and restore vision clarity. 

They also help contain the cornea’s shape, preventing it from bulging further. Scleral lenses also correct vision issues arising from keratoconus that cannot be effectively corrected using soft contacts or eyeglasses.

How Do Scleral Lenses Work?

Scleral lenses are ideal for vision correction in people with keratoconus. This is because they do not need a close-fitting surface like conventional lenses. In the real sense, the lenses do not sit on the cornea at all. Instead, scleral lenses sit on the white of your eye (sclera) and vault over the whole of the cornea. The vault is conveniently filled with a preservative-free, pure liquid. The vaulting helps compensate for any corneal shape irregularities while hydrating the eye.

If you are suffering from this condition, scleral lenses are quite beneficial. They correct your vision without the need for eyeglasses. They also offer more comfort than traditional contacts. With scleral lenses, you will not feel like something foreign is sitting on your cornea.

Scleral Lenses After Corrective Eye Surgery

According to statistics, over a million Americans undergo LASIK surgery for vision correction each year. In some cases, the vision issues remain even after a second surgery or wearing eyeglasses. In such instances, scleral lenses can help restore your visual acuity. This also prevents problems such as halos and glares at night.

Additionally, scleral lenses are effective in vision correction after corneal transplant surgery. This includes irregular astigmatism that is not correctable with eyeglasses.

Scleral Lenses Help With Dry Eyes

If you are suffering from keratoconus, you are likely to experience dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, scleral lenses are ideal for dealing with this issue. The lenses vault over your cornea and form a reservoir that contains tears and saline. This cushion is lubricating and creates a very comfortable wearing experience. It also creates a healthier ocular surface and improved vision.

The Takeaway

If you suffer from keratoconus, your best bet is to use scleral lenses. There are many benefits of using these lenses, such as:
 

• Lasting longer.
   

• Providing clearer vision.
   

• Effectiveness in correcting many refractive errors.
   

• Safe for people of most ages.
   

• Protection of your eyes.

For more on scleral lenses, visit Atlanta Eye Group at our offices in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, or Atlanta, Georgia. You can also call (770) 727-0772 to book an appointment today.