What are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses specially designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the sclera (white) of the eye. In doing so, scleral lenses functionally replace the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by eye conditions such as Kerataconus and other corneal irregularities.
They offer a vast improvement in comfort to the wearer (compared to soft and RGP lenses) due to the the weight of the lens resting on the sclera, where there are very few pain receptors, compared to the cornea which is one of the most sensitive areas on the body!
With Scleral lenses, the space between the cornea and the back surface of a scleral lens acts as a fluid reservoir to provide comfort for people with dry eyes who otherwise would not tolerate contact lens wear.
Scleral Lenses for Kerataconus
Airedale Opticians recommend scleral contact lenses for a variety of eye conditions including keratoconus, pellucid margin degeneration and other corneal irregularities.
In cases of early keratoconus, standard gas permeable contact lenses may be used. Often however, these lenses do not centre on your cornea, they can move excessively with blinks and cause discomfort resulting in the wearer abandoning the contact lenses. Switching to scleral contact lenses often solves the problem of comfort and gives excellent stable clear vision.
Scleral contact lenses for Dry Eye and Corneal problems
In addition to keratoconus, scleral contact lenses can be used for eyes that have undergone corneal transplant and for people with severe dry eyes caused by conditions such as Sjogrens Syndrome.
Cost of Scleral Contact Lenses – From £600* – dependent on final design and material of lens.
Fitting fees apply
For more information about Scleral Contact Lenses CLICK HERE.
Why Choose Airedale Opticians?
- Expert Fitting – Our Optometrist, Mo has over 20 years experience in fitting contact lenses.
- Technology – We use one of the latest Topographers – The Topcon Myah, to help us scan and map the front of your eyes to produce tailored contact lenses.
- Experienced Teaching – new and returning contact lens wearers are taught by one of our Dispensing Opticians with experience teaching contact lens wear to patients from age 8 to 80!
- Quality Aftercare – all contact lens follow-up appointments are performed by our experienced optometrists.
- Widest Range of contact lenses – as an independent practice we can source the most suitable lens product for you – from any supplier!
