Scleral contact lenses are a type of gas permeable contacts. They are specialty contacts offered by our team at Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C. These contacts can fulfill a role that normal contact lenses cannot. These lenses effectively treat corneal refractive errors. Patients can look forward to a full offering of eye care services from our optometrists at one of our four locations in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury, Littleton, and Montpelier.
What are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses treat various types of eye issues that do not respond to other forms of correction. They are the answer for many individuals who have already tried several types of contacts without finding an acceptable level of comfort. These lenses are larger than standard contacts. A scleral lens rests atop the sclera which is the white portion of the eyes. The contact lens does not touch the cornea.
Scleral lenses improve vision and can reduce sensitivity to light for patients affected by certain vision issues, including:
- Keratoconus
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Dry eye syndrome
- Inability to close the eyes completely
- Anesthetic corneas
- Corneal ectasia
- Graft-versus-host disease
Scleral contacts must be custom-made for each patient. Fitting them properly requires both experience and precision.
Good Candidates
Scleral contact lenses can be used to help individuals who have received a corneal transplant, experienced pellucid marginal degeneration, or are having complications after a procedure such as LASIK/RK/PRK. Our doctors of optometry note that these patients have found considerable success with scleral lenses.
Fitting scleral contacts sometimes requires several trial lenses. It may be necessary to try various sizes and curvatures to find the exact match to a patient’s vision needs. Patients that are interested in a fitting exam for these lenses should visit one of our offices or contact us for more information.
Contact Our Optometrists at Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C.
Vision is precious. Help protect your vision by scheduling regular eye exams as part of your ongoing eye care. Our team at Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C. provides comprehensive vision exams, eye health check-ups, and diagnosis and treatment of several eye diseases and conditions. Our optometrists will evaluate your vision and determine whether scleral contact lenses are the right option for you. Call one of our four locations today in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury, Littleton, and Montpelier. You can also reach us through our website by using our online appointment request form.