Role of Scleral Lenses in Treating Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that significantly distorts vision by altering the cornea’s natural shape. For those suffering from keratoconus, traditional corrective measures like glasses and soft contact lenses may not provide adequate vision correction. However, scleral lenses offer a highly effective solution. In this article, we will explore how scleral lenses help manage and treat keratoconus, and why they are considered a superior option for corneal irregularities.

Understanding Keratoconus: Symptoms and Causes

Keratoconus is a degenerative condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision, astigmatism, light sensitivity, and even double vision. This condition can affect one or both eyes and usually manifests in the teenage years or early adulthood. While its cause is primarily genetic, environmental factors such as chronic eye rubbing and UV exposure may exacerbate it. Timely diagnosis and treatment, including the use of scleral lenses, are crucial to prevent further vision loss.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are advanced contact lenses designed to treat patients with corneal irregularities like keratoconus. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses have a larger diameter that vaults over the cornea, creating a smooth optical surface and providing sharper vision. The tear-filled reservoir that forms between the lens and the cornea offers not only improved comfort but also protects the corneal surface, which is often damaged in keratoconus cases.

Why Are Scleral Lenses the Best Option for Keratoconus?

For patients with keratoconus, scleral lenses are highly effective because they vault over the irregular, cone-shaped cornea, correcting distorted vision. They provide several benefits over other contact lenses, including:

• • Clear and stable vision correction.
• • Comfortable fit, even for severe cases of keratoconus.
• • Hydration of the corneal surface, reducing dry eye symptoms common in keratoconus patients.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus Patients

Scleral lenses offer various advantages over other vision correction options for keratoconus, including:

• Enhanced Comfort: The large size of scleral lenses allows them to rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, avoiding contact with the sensitive cornea.
• Vision Clarity: By vaulting over the misshapen cornea, scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, providing patients with significantly clearer vision.
• Protection and Healing: The tear-filled reservoir in scleral lenses keeps the cornea hydrated, promoting healing and protecting it from further damage.

Fitting Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Fitting scleral lenses for keratoconus requires a specialized approach by an experienced optometrist. At G&G Eye Doctors, we use advanced diagnostic tools to precisely measure the shape and size of your cornea, ensuring that your scleral lenses provide the most comfortable and effective fit possible. Regular follow-ups ensure your lenses continue to perform optimally as your condition progresses.

Comparing Scleral Lenses to Other Keratoconus Treatments

Scleral lenses are not the only treatment option for keratoconus. Other treatments include:

• Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses: While smaller and more rigid than scleral lenses, they are less comfortable and may not provide the same vision clarity for advanced keratoconus patients.
• Corneal Cross-Linking: A minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the cornea to prevent further progression of keratoconus.
• Corneal Transplant: For severe cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses, corneal transplants may be necessary.