I have a pretty severe case of keratoconus that requires scleral lenses. SCLERAL CONTACT LENSES AT FOCAL POINTE EYE CARE. Since scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea entirely, they create a fluid-filled space between the back surface of the lens and the cornea. Highly breathable: Gas permeable material ensures ample oxygen reaches the eye. Proper hygiene is essential in preventing eye infections and other complications. Scleral lenses are filled with a saline solution prior to inserting it, so your eyes are always hydrated and comfortable. Soft contact lenses are made of a flexible material composed of either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Vision problems, whether due to keratoconus, LASIK, ocular trauma corneal irregularities, or dry eye syndrome, affect all aspects of a patient's life. Large diameter with central rigid zone and peripheral soft skirt. This makes scleral lenses ideal for those with dry eye syndrome.
Since scleral lenses are custom-made for the wearer, fitting scleral contact lenses require more time and a greater amount of expertise than fitting standard soft or gas-permeable contact lenses. Full scleral lenses. Tucker gained particular expertise in scleral contact lenses during her residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the University of Houston's Eye Institute and has continued to be recognized for her expertise by earning her Fellowship from the Scleral Lens Education Society. High levels of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) also known as Gas Permeable (GP) lenses are effective for many hard to fit patients. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today. Our office is happy to find out if your insurance will cover scleral contact lenses after your initial eye examination. These lenses are now available in bifocal designs too. All rights reserved. The area between the cornea and the scleral lens serves as a moisture reservoir.
Once you have been properly fitted for scleral lenses, you can expect to gradually see improvements in clarity, color and detailed contrast between multiple images and objects within your visual field. Our professional eye doctors take the time to make sure every scleral lens we provide fits comfortably. Enjoy Better Vision. They can be used for patients with dry eyes since they provide a "reservoir" of saline over the cornea during the day. Once a prior authorization is approved, the fitting process be resumed. It is our strong belief that one's quality of life is profoundly associated with one's vision. Prosthetic, cosmetic, pupil occluding. FAQ | Understanding Scleral Lenses. Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas permeable contact. A WIDE SELECTION OF CONTACT LENSES IN Lee's Summit, Missouri. Consequently, an individual will suffer distorted and irregular vision. Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism and custom made to fit the eye of the patient. Listed below are links to a few awesome websites related to Scleral Contact Lenses: Listed below are just a few ocular conditions best treated with a Scleral Lens.
The size of a scleral lens is one of the reasons it is more comfortable than a traditional gas permeable contact lens. Scleral lenses tackle three factors simultaneously: they provide vision correction, they protect the eye, and they serve a therapeutic purpose by lubricating the eye. All specialty lens patients will have a training session with our technicians who will show the patient how to safely insert and remove, clean and care for the contact lenses. You also will get the chance to discuss your eye health and any vision concerns you may have with your optometrists. When you blink, your eyes release tears that flush away dirt, dust, bacteria, proteins, allergens and other debris. Some wear them for increased comfort, while others choose sclerals because specific eye problems prevent them from wearing regular contact lenses or glasses. Post-refractive surgical complications. Scleral lenses are great for athletes who require excellent acuity and a stable lens fit while they are physically active. Scleral contact lenses also tend to stay in place better than other lenses because they're more rigid, they rest on the sclera, and they're custom fit. Fewer risks of complications. This disorder causes blurred vision and greater sensitivity to light and glare.
Exposure Keratitis (such as Bell's Palsy). Alternatively, eyeglasses will likely be the better choice for someone with chronically […]. These lenses are available in spherical, toric, multifocal and multifocal combined with toric parameters. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera while avoiding the diseased cornea. Our Lake Worth eye doctors can determine if lenses are an option for you. Address Dry Eye s. Scleral contact lenses can help relieve dry eye symptoms, but you should still address the eye condition. 1) Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort.
They rest near the junction of the sclera and the cornea. Sometimes, it can take up to a few weeks for the medicine to work and your eyes to completely recover. Follow-up visits to your eye clinic can help you keep track of the condition of your lenses. Advanced Eyecare Center specializes in fitting scleral lenses for corneal irregularities—such as keratoconus—and we're one of only two offices in Western New York offering myopia control and orthokeratology. Keratoconus causes severe vision loss and discomfort but can be effectively corrected with scleral contact lenses. Scleral lenses have found a niche in the eyewear industry as a cool way to change eye color and create special effects. If you have been told you need a gas permeable or "hard" contact lens to improve your vision or are interested in an evaluation to see if you can benefit from scleral lenses, call our office to schedule an assessment. In this way, scleral lenses functionally replace the irregular cornea with a smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. The condition can be caused or worsened by a buildup of protein deposits on contact lenses. An irregularly shaped cornea can cause vision problems like keratoconus.
Other corneal issues such as dystrophies, ulcers, and injuries. It's important that you consult with your insurance provider to understand the particulars of your scleral lens coverage. Say goodbye to the old days of contact lenses that didn't work for you. What Changes Will I Notice with Scleral Lenses? If you have a condition that would benefit from wearing scleral lenses and want to have an alternative to eyeglasses, you need an optometry evaluation and exam. Prescription scleral contacts offer a unique solution to these patients and often bypass or solve the problems that make using other eyewear ineffective. Is your vision worsening due to Keratoconus or other corneal conditions?
While you're undergoing this treatment, it might be difficult for you to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, cooking and working. How safe are scleral lenses? Rita P. Because scleral contacts are larger than other contact lenses and they are designed to contain fluid, the steps to insert and remove them are different.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicated eye drops and require you to stop the use of contact lenses until the symptoms improve. Due to their size and shape, scleral lenses provide greater durability, easier handling and a lower risk for complications. Dr. Nguyen strives to provide children and adults with clear, comfortable vision through modern, affordable glasses and contact lenses. Dispensing of the Lens.
Call our office at (303) 578-2982 to talk to our front desk staff. For skilled fitters, scleral lenses have become a preferred treatment for keratoconus. In addition to completely covering the cornea as other contacts do, each lens extends into the sclera, the white part of the eye that comprises its outer wall. Although this may be the first time you have heard of scleral lenses, they aren't a new invention. Scleral lenses are gas-permeable, specialty contacts that have a larger diameter than many other types of lenses.
Scleral lenses are not automatically covered by vision or medical insurance. All About Scleral Lenses. Then, they complete an eye exam and comprehensive vision testing to determine how well you see from short and long distances. This pocket of tears enhances comfortable vision for people with dry eyes, which makes scleral lenses a great option for people with severe dry eye syndrome. Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy. This will require a specialized fitting with an eye doctor that is an expert that knows your condition and the various products available to find the right match for your specific condition. We are happy to discuss your specific costs based on your individual needs. Keratoconus is an eye disease affecting the shape and structure of the cornea–the outer, transparent part of the eye that allows light to enter the eye. This avoids harming the cornea, but it can also be used to treat severe cases of dry eye where nothing else helps tears stay on the eye. If you are interested in seeing whether scleral lenses are right for you, make sure that the eye doctor you visit has the knowledge and experience required to correctly fit the lenses on patients with keratoconus. If you have one of the following conditions, you may benefit from scleral lenses: - Dry eye and other ocular surface diseases.
Those with dry eyes may not need prescription corrective lenses, but wearing scleral lenses help their eyes stay moist and more comfortable. This information will allow your contact lens specialist to design a lens that is customized to the shape of your eye. Nguyen is an Orthokeratologist certified in CRT, VST, and Wave lenses. Our unique contact lens training allows our doctors to address the needs of many patients suffering from loss of vision and ocular discomfort due to a variety of ocular conditions.