Specialty Contact Lenses

The benefits and importance of Scleral lenses for your visual health. Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that provides many advantages to patients with certain eye conditions. They are made of gas-permeable materials and are larger than traditional contact lenses, covering the entire sclera (white part of the eye) and creating a protective dome over the cornea. This unique design offers several benefits, such as:

1. Improved Comfort: Because scleral lenses do not directly touch the cornea, they can be more comfortable for patients with sensitive or damaged corneas. They also stay in place more securely than traditional lenses, making them ideal for active patients who participate in sports or other physical activities.
2. Better Vision: Scleral lenses can correct a wide range of vision problems, including astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. They also provide sharper, clearer vision than traditional lenses, particularly for patients with irregular corneas or other eye conditions that cause visual distortions.
3. Protection for the Cornea: Scleral lenses create a barrier between the eye and the outside environment, protecting the cornea from debris, dust, and other irritants that can cause discomfort and damage.
4. Longer Wear Time: Scleral lenses can be worn for longer periods than traditional lenses because they allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, preventing damage from lack of oxygen. Some patients can even wear scleral lenses overnight.
5. Latest Technology: Scleral lenses are one of the most advanced lenses for your specific needs. Innovation in scleral lens design keeps lenses in excellent condition and decreases risks for eye infections or other complications.
6. Treatment for Certain Eye Conditions: Scleral lenses are often used to treat patients with conditions such as keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, or post-surgical complications. They can also be used to manage dry eye syndrome and other chronic eye conditions.

At our clinic, our doctors will assess your specific visual needs and determine if scleral lenses are the right choice for you.

Scleral Lenses and Keratoconus

Scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for patients diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, resulting in distorted vision. This condition can be challenging to correct with traditional contact lenses or glasses, as the irregular shape of the cornea causes significant visual distortions.  They provide a smooth and even surface for the eye to focus through, compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea. The large size of the scleral lens also allows it to vault over the cornea, creating a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. This reservoir helps to provide a constant supply of moisture to the eye, reducing dryness and irritation.

Scleral lenses also offer a more comfortable option for keratoconus patients, as they do not put pressure on the sensitive cornea. The lenses are custom-fitted to each patient’s eye, ensuring a precise fit that allows for optimal visual acuity and comfort.

Because scleral lenses are durable and long-lasting, they are an excellent investment for patients with keratoconus. They require less frequent replacement than traditional lenses and can withstand wear and tear over time.  Discuss the best treatment options with our doctors.

Hybrid Lenses:

Hybrid lenses are a type of contact lens that combines the benefits of both rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses, making them a beneficial option for many patients. Here are some of the advantages of hybrid lenses:

1. Comfort: Hybrid lenses are designed with a rigid gas permeable center and a soft outer ring. This combination provides the clarity and durability of RGP lenses with the comfort and flexibility of soft lenses. The soft outer ring provides cushioning and support for the lens, making them more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
2. Improved Vision: Hybrid lenses provide excellent visual acuity, even for patients with high levels of astigmatism or other vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. The rigid center of the lens corrects irregularities in the cornea, providing sharper, clearer vision than soft lenses alone.
3. Customizable Fit: Hybrid lenses are custom-fitted to each patient’s eye, ensuring a precise fit that maximizes comfort and visual acuity. The lenses are available in a range of sizes, curvatures, and prescriptions, making them suitable for a wide range of patients.
4. Longevity: Hybrid lenses are durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for patients who want to reduce the frequency of lens replacement. They are less likely to tear or become damaged than soft lenses, and they retain their shape over time, maintaining their fit and visual acuity.
5. Suitable for a Wide Range of Patients: Hybrid lenses are suitable for patients with various eye conditions, including keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and post-surgical complications. They are also suitable for patients who have had difficulty with traditional contact lenses, as they offer a more comfortable and customizable option.

If you are considering contact lenses, speak with your optometrist to determine if hybrid lenses are right for you.