Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses have transformed vision care for patients with complex eye conditions, offering clarity and comfort that traditional lenses and glasses often cannot provide.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that vault completely over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye, known as the sclera. By creating a smooth, fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the eye, they correct vision irregularities that standard lenses simply cannot address.
At Upper West Optical, we specialize in scleral lens fittings for patients with a wide range of conditions, from keratoconus and corneal irregularities to severe dry eye and post-surgical complications.
Who Can Benefit From Scleral Lenses?
Keratoconus
Scleral lenses are considered the gold standard for keratoconus management. They vault over the distorted cornea entirely, creating a smooth optical surface that restores crisp, functional vision.
Severe Dry Eye
The fluid reservoir between a scleral lens and the cornea provides continuous moisture throughout the day, making them an exceptional option for patients whose dry eye causes chronic discomfort.
Post-Surgical Corneas
Patients with irregular corneas following LASIK, corneal transplant, or other procedures often achieve their best vision with scleral lenses when standard correction falls short.
Key Advantages Over Other Lens Types
Superior Visual Clarity
Because the fluid-filled vault neutralizes corneal irregularities, scleral lenses deliver a level of optical precision that soft lenses and even glasses cannot replicate for complex prescriptions.
All-Day Comfort
Unlike rigid corneal lenses that rest directly on the sensitive corneal surface, scleral lenses make no contact with the cornea at all, eliminating a major source of discomfort for many patients.
Stable Fit
The large diameter of scleral lenses makes them far more stable than smaller lenses, reducing movement with blinking and offering consistent vision throughout the day without repositioning.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Scleral Lenses
- Keratoconus and other ectatic corneal conditions
- Pellucid marginal degeneration
- Corneal scarring from injury or infection
- Post-LASIK or post-RK corneal irregularities
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid
- Graft-versus-host disease affecting the ocular surface
- High or irregular astigmatism not correctable with standard lenses
What to Expect During a Scleral Lens Fitting
Detailed Mapping
A successful scleral lens fit begins with corneal topography and detailed measurements of the eye's surface to design a lens that vaults properly and rests evenly on the sclera.
Multiple Fittings
Achieving the ideal fit often requires several appointments to fine-tune the lens parameters. Patience during this process leads to significantly better long-term outcomes and comfort.
Insertion Training
Inserting and removing scleral lenses requires a different technique than standard contacts. Our team provides thorough training so patients feel confident and independent from day one.
Scleral Lens Expertise at Upper West Optical
Fitting scleral lenses is a specialized skill that requires experience, advanced technology, and a commitment to personalized care. At Upper West Optical, we take the time needed to get each fit right, because the difference between a good fit and a great one is the difference between functional and truly comfortable vision.
If you have been told that your vision cannot be adequately corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses, scleral lenses may be the solution you have been looking for. Schedule a consultation and find out if they are right for you.
Schedule Your Scleral Lens Consultation
Experience the clarity and comfort that scleral lenses can provide. Contact Upper West Optical today to schedule your specialty lens consultation with our experienced team.
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