Getting contact lenses can be a great choice for anyone who needs vision correction but doesn't want to wear glasses. However, not everyone can comfortably wear standard contacts. Fortunately, there are also scleral lenses, which can provide additional options. If you're in the San Diego, CA, area and in need of eye care services, we at Vision Solutions can help. Here's what you need to know about what scleral lenses can offer, who should use them, and whether they might be the right fit for your needs.

What Is a Scleral Lens?

A scleral lens is prescribed and fitted by an optometrist who specializes in custom contact lenses. The scleral lens is larger in size than many contact lens options.  It gently rests on the periphery of the eye called the sclera and not on the widow of the eye called the cornea.  While these lenses are larger, they are lightweight and very comfortable to wear when properly fitted to the eye.  They are inserted and removed with your fingers, or with a special plunger or O-ring that can make the task easier.

Who Needs Scleral Lenses?

There are several reasons why someone might want to reach out for optometry options such as scleral lenses. Often, these kinds of lenses are used by people who have corneal issues. For example, if someone has an uneven or irregular corneal surface from diseases such as keratoconus, or a cornea that is scarred or damaged from dry eye or disease, a standard contact lens may not sit properly.   Scleral lenses work by resting comfortably on the white of the eye and bypassing the irregular corneal surface entirely.  This means there is an improved fit of the scleral lens versus a standard lens and the vision will now be significantly clearer.

What Are the Biggest Benefits?

For those people who have irregular or diseased corneas, a scleral lens will provide improved acuity.  Standard contact lenses or glasses may no longer provide sharp vision.  Since the scleral lens has a very regular surface, it can provide the eye with more natural sharper vision.  For those people with excessive dry eye, a scleral lens provides the eye with a healthy tear reservoir to constantly bathe the eye in moisture.  There are more options for those people who have failed in standard contact lenses.

Visit Us for Eye Care Services and Scleral Lenses from an Optometrist on Our Team

Reach out to us at Vision Solutions if you're in the San Diego, CA, area and in need of optometry services. We offer scleral lenses as one of our special eye care options and can help you discover whether you are a good candidate for this vision correction option.  Depending on your vision insurance, some carriers may help to cover the cost of these types of contact lenses.  Call our office to find out more at (619) 461-4913.