What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the "white" part of the eye, called sclera. Scleral lenses are noticeably larger than standard contacts and have a diameter greater than that of soft contact lenses, which is usually from 15 mm to 24 mm. In comparison, the average human cornea is about 11.8 mm in diameter and most conventional gas permeable contact lenses are 9.0 to 9.5 mm in diameter.

Scleral lenses are designed to treat a variety of eye conditions, some of which are keratoconus and dry eye syndrome. They might improve vision and reduce light sensitivity for people suffering from Steven-Johnson syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, corneal ectasia, for eyes that have undergone a cornea transplant and some post injury eyes. Advances in lens technology are allowing manufacturers to design scleral lenses that can correct more conditions than ever before, including bifocal scleral lenses for correction of presbyopia.

Sometimes these lenses are also used as special effect contact lenses, also called theatrical, to dramatically alter the appearance of the eye. They are often used in movies and during Halloween for cosmetic purposes only and not for vision correction.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about cataracts, cataract surgery, lens implants and how to reduce your risk of cataracts or other eye diseases please, call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.