What is a Scleral Lens?
Whether you know someone who has Keratoconus or is someone looking for an alternative to their RGP Lenses, you might have heard of Scleral Lenses. Scleral Lenses have started to gain popularity in the Philippines due to their availability in the country.
What are Scleral Lenses?
A 17mm Scleral Lens is very effective for Corneas with an advanced case of Keratoconus.
A Scleral Lens is a specialized contact lens that is designed to vault over the highly sensitive Cornea and rests on the Sclera of the white part of the eye. Unlike the usual Soft Contact Lenses that are sold in most optical shops, Scleral Lenses offer a unique design that can address a wide range of eye conditions and can correct the vision of an Irregular Cornea, whereas eyeglasses and conventional soft contact lenses are usually not effective.
Indications for Scleral Lenses
A Scleral Lens vaulting over a Cornea with a Corneal Scar
Irregular Corneas: Scleral Lenses are often one of the top choices when it comes to correcting the vision of an irregularly shaped Cornea. Examples of irregularly shaped corneas include Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, or post-surgical complications. Because the Scleral lens vaults over the Cornea and leaves a pool of liquid reservoir between the Cornea and the scleral Lens, the scleral lens creates a smooth optical surface, significantly improving vision.
Severe Dry Eye Syndrome: Patients who suffer from Severe Dry Eye Syndrome may find it beneficial when using Scleral Lenses. This is because Scleral Lenses create a liquid reservoir between the lens and the eye, providing the eye with continuous hydration and comfort.
High Refractive Error: Scleral Lenses are capable of correcting a wide range of refractive errors, including Myopia or Astigmatism, Hyperopia or Farsightedness, and Astigmatism. Multifocal Scleral Lenses for Presbyopes are available in the market. These Multifocal Lenses allow a person to read both far and near without the need to use a reading glass.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Patients who are undergoing treatment for GVHD may experience dry eyes and some corneal irregularities. With Scleral Lenses, the user may experience more comfort and clearer vision while they are dealing with these challenging symptoms.
Ocular Surface Disease: People who suffer from ocular surface diseases such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome may find it beneficial to wear a Scleral Lens. A Scleral Lens may provide relief and protection to the compromised corneal surface.
For more information about Scleral Lenses, feel free to email us at info@solimanparolioptical.com or contact +639158600555
About the author
Dr Mark Paroli is a board-certified Optometrist based in the Philippines. Dr. Paroli has experience in fitting Irregular Corneas, such as Keratoconus using RGP Lenses, Scleral Lenses, and Kerasoft Lenses. Dr. Paroli also specializes in designing and creating custom-fitted Ocular Prosthesis.