The Benefits of Treating Keratoconus With Scleral Lenses

Keratoconus is a condition where the outer layer of the eye (cornea) becomes too weak. When the cornea is too soft, it cannot keep the correct shape, forming a cone-like shape instead of the usual round shape. The condition affects vision and may cause astigmatism, high myopia, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. 

Treatment options such as using traditional soft contact lenses help correct the condition. But over time, experts have discovered that this treatment method is not very effective. Thanks to innovation, the ideal treatment for keratoconus is scleral contact lenses.

How Scleral Lenses Work

Scleral lenses have a unique design that distinguishes them from traditional contact lenses. Since keratoconus affects the shape of the cornea, scleral lenses do not sit on the cornea's surface as soft contacts do.

Instead, they sit on the white of the eye, allowing them to compensate for any irregularities of the corneal surface shape. Scleral lenses provide patients with keratoconus with several other benefits, including:

Comfortable

The change in the shape of the cornea due to keratoconus makes patients using traditional contact lenses uncomfortable. Regular contact lenses cannot fit correctly onto the affected eye, causing a great deal of irritation. On the other hand, scleral lenses are more stable and can adjust and fit comfortably around the cone-like shape of the cornea because of keratoconus. 

Clearer Vision

Compared to other methods of correcting vision, scleral lenses offer a sharper and more precise vision to keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses have a design that allows them to sit on the white of the eye, keeping them centered. Since they stay in place, patients do not have to worry about these lenses popping out even during strenuous activities. 

Long Lasting

You can use scleral lenses longer than disposable soft lenses. Eye experts manufacture these lenses using high-quality materials, making them more durable than other lenses. While they may cost more than regular soft contact lenses, they are more cost-saving since you do not have to replace them often. 

Good for Dry Eye

Patients with keratoconus are more prone to dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a condition where the eye cannot produce enough moisturizing oil to keep the eye moist. Keratoconus patients with dry eye can use scleral lenses to address this concern.

As mentioned earlier, scleral lenses sit on the white of the eye, forming a vault over the cornea. Preservative-free saline and natural tears gather in the vault and blend to keep the eyes hydrated, comfortable, and moist. 

Maximum Protection

The fluid that accumulates in the vault formed by scleral lenses helps protect the eye from foreign objects. The fluid reservoir also helps restore and protect the ocular surface in many visual issues.

Conclusion

Scleral lenses are ideal for treating keratoconus. They are also a good option for people dealing with other eye issues and recovering from an eye injury. To know if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses, visit a specialized eye doctor for answers.

For more on the benefits of treating keratoconus with scleral lenses, call Coers Family Eyecare, PC, at (812) 408-8400 to reach our office in Columbus, Indiana.