If you have dry eyes, keratoconus, astigmatism, or other eye conditions, you may need specialty lenses in order to wear contacts comfortably. Scleral contact lenses are a great option for those who cannot wear soft lenses. These rigid common gas permeable lenses don’t rest on the cornea. Instead, they sit on the white part of your eye, the sclera. Visit our optometrist at EyeCare Focus & Specialties in Springfield, OR, to find out if scleral contacts would work for you.
What Are Scleral Contacts?
Scleral contacts are larger than regular contacts and have a gas-permeable surface. They create a layer of tears that eliminate corneal irregularities. As a result, you can enjoy clearer vision. The layer of tears keeps the eye surface moist to prevent dry eye symptoms.
Who Needs Scleral Contacts?
Visit our eye doctor near you to determine whether or not scleral contacts would work better for you than glasses or regular contact lenses. There are a few conditions that will rule you out for regular lenses. In these cases, scleral contact lenses could be a viable option. Some of these conditions are listed below:
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes often cause irritation, redness, and burning. Regular contacts aggravate this condition. However, scleral lenses provide a layer of moisture that alleviates the symptoms of dry eyes, promoting corneal healing.
Keratoconus
If you have keratoconus, you have a thin cornea that causes your eyes to bulge. A conical eye shape makes it uncomfortable to wear regular contacts. However, scleral lenses sit atop the abnormal surface and smooth it out, providing improved vision and extreme comfort.
Post-Refractive Surgery
Have you undergone LASIK, PRK, or RK vision correction? While these surgeries do wonders for your vision, they can make it difficult to wear contacts if you need them later in life. Irregularities caused by these procedures sometimes cause halos, glare, and dry eyes. Once again, scleral lenses provide a workable solution. Because these lenses create a tear well over the cornea, they smooth out any irregularities so that you can see clearly.
Astigmatism, Presbyopia, and High Prescriptions
If you have extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, or a high prescription, you may have a hard time finding commercial contact lenses. The same goes for severe astigmatism or age-related presbyopia. Don't settle for eyeglasses that don't allow for perfect vision. Talk to our eye doctor near you to learn more about the broad parameters available via scleral lenses.
Contact an Experienced Eye Doctor Near You in Springfield, OR
Whether you have dry eyes or extreme astigmatism, you deserve to have excellent vision. Contact our experienced optometrist at EyeCare Focus & Specialties in Springfield, OR, to learn more about scleral contacts and other specialty contacts.