At Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa, we're committed to offering advanced vision solutions that cater to each patient's unique needs. We use special lenses to help with keratoconus. This eye disease changes the shape of the cornea and affects vision.
Keratoconus: What Do I Need To Know?
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, which helps focus light entering the eye. Normally, the cornea is smooth, clear, and round, acting as the eye's outermost lens. It plays a pivotal role in your ability to see clearly by focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. This process is essential for producing sharp, detailed images.
However, in keratoconus, the structure of the cornea changes. It begins to thin and gradually bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This abnormal shape disrupts the cornea's ability to refract light accurately, leading to distorted and blurred vision.
The change in the eye's shape can lead to light sensitivity and glare, greatly affecting daily life. These changes can make daily tasks increasingly challenging, such as reading, driving, and using digital screens.
Why Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that differ from traditional contacts in size and function. Instead of sitting directly on the cornea, they span over it and rest on the sclera, or white part, of the eye. This design creates a tear-filled vault over the eye, which can improve vision by creating a smooth surface. Here’s why scleral lenses are a powerful solution for keratoconus:
Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus Patients
- Improved Vision: Scleral lenses provide stable, clear, and comfortable vision by correcting the cornea's irregular shape.
- Comfort: The larger size and special design of scleral lenses keep them stable on your eye, minimizing movement and the chance they'll come loose. This makes them comfortable to wear all day.
- Protection: Scleral lenses protect the cornea from external irritants and reduce the risk of further damage.
- Oxygen Permeability: Manufacturers use breathable materials to create scleral lenses. This allows oxygen to flow to the cornea and supports the health of your eyes.
Why Choose Sclerals Over Regular Glasses or Contact Lenses?
Keratoconus presents unique challenges that require specialized vision correction solutions. Glasses and traditional contact lenses can offer initial improvements for keratoconus patients. However, they often fall short of providing the best visual acuity and comfort due to the cornea's irregular shape. Scleral lenses, on the other hand, offer several distinct advantages:
- Customized Fit for Irregular Corneas: Scleral lenses fit the unique shape of each patient’s eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea. They rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This design allows a fit that accommodates the cornea in keratoconus, reducing discomfort and providing a stable fit.
- Optimal Vision Correction: The design of scleral lenses creates a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, significantly improving visual clarity. This smooth surface corrects errors better than glasses or traditional contacts, offering sharper and clearer vision.
- Protection and Hydration: Scleral lenses help protect the cornea from irritants and provide a reservoir of tears between the lens and the cornea. This tear reservoir keeps the eye hydrated, reducing the risk of dryness and discomfort. This added protection and hydration are crucial for keratoconus patients with more sensitive eyes.
- Less Movement and Enhanced Comfort: Scleral lenses' larger size and the way they sit on the eye mean they move less than traditional contacts. This stability is important for those with keratoconus. It lowers irritation risk and guarantees steady vision correction, even when the eye moves. The custom fit also minimizes light scattering, which can significantly reduce glare and halos around lights, improving night vision.
- Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: Although the initial cost of scleral lenses may be higher than standard contact lenses or glasses, their durability and the level of vision correction they provide can make them a more cost-effective solution in the long run. With proper care, scleral lenses can last much longer, needing fewer replacements.
Our Approach to Scleral Lenses at Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa
At Malara Eyecare and Eye Spa, we believe in a personalized approach to eye care. Our process for fitting scleral lenses involves the following:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct a thorough review of your eye health and vision to see if scleral lenses are a good fit for you.
- Custom Fitting: With the latest technology, we create lenses tailored to fit the specific shape of your eyes. This guarantees the best comfort and sharpness of vision.
- Follow-Up Care: We provide ongoing support and adjustments to maintain optimal lens performance and eye health.
Start Your Journey to Clearer Vision
Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Scleral lenses may offer the vision correction and comfort you've been seeking. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how scleral lenses can transform your vision and life.
* Please note that we are closed the 1st and the 4th Saturday of every month