What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas-permeable lens that are designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. These lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with irregular corneas or specific ocular surface diseases.

Design and Functionality

Unlike traditional corneal lenses, scleral lenses are fitted to the bulbar conjunctiva and settle into the tissue after insertion. This unique design allows them to provide a stable and comfortable fit, which is especially advantageous for individuals with corneal irregularities such as keratoconus1 4. The lenses create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, which can help in maintaining corneal hydration and improving visual acuity3 6.

Benefits and Applications

Scleral lenses are known for their superior comfort and visual performance compared to corneal lenses. They are particularly effective in managing conditions like keratoconus and other ectatic corneal disorders, where they can offer better comfort and similar visual quality compared to corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses4 9. Additionally, they are beneficial for individuals with dry eye syndrome as they help maintain a moist environment over the cornea3.

Visual Performance

Studies have shown that scleral lenses can significantly improve visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in individuals with corneal ectasia. Wavefront-guided scleral lenses, in particular, have been shown to reduce higher-order aberrations and improve visual performance compared to conventional lenses2. This makes them a preferred choice for patients requiring precise optical correction.

Considerations and Limitations

While scleral lenses offer numerous benefits, there are considerations regarding their use. The size and duration of wear can affect intraocular pressure, although studies suggest that well-fitted lenses do not result in clinically significant changes in intraocular pressure during short-term wear5 10. Additionally, the oxygen permeability of the lens material is crucial to prevent corneal hypoxia, with materials of at least 125 Dk recommended for safe daily wear6.

Conclusion

Scleral contact lenses provide a valuable option for individuals with corneal irregularities and ocular surface diseases, offering enhanced comfort and visual performance. Their unique design and fitting characteristics make them suitable for a range of applications, although careful consideration of lens material and fitting is essential to ensure optimal ocular health.

Disclaimer

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