How Scleral Lenses Have Transformed Keratoconus Management

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the shape of the cornea, causing it to become thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This condition can lead to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses or glasses.
 

Symptoms and Challenges of Keratoconus

One of the first signs of keratoconus is a gradual blurring of vision. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, the vision becomes distorted and may appear distorted or doubled. Other common symptoms include increased sensitivity to light and glare, eye redness and irritation, and frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks such as driving or reading.
 

Managing keratoconus can be quite challenging due to the irregular shape of the cornea. Traditional glasses or soft contact lenses are often ineffective in correcting vision due to the irregularity of the cornea.
 

How Scleral Lenses Work for Keratoconus Management

Scleral lenses have revolutionized the management of keratoconus. These specialized contact lenses are larger in diameter than traditional lenses and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than the cornea. This unique design allows the lenses to vault over the irregular cornea, creating a smooth and regular optical surface. By doing so, scleral lenses provide improved visual acuity and comfort for individuals with keratoconus.
 

Scleral lenses work by creating a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea. This fluid fills in the irregularities of the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. The fluid also provides a protective cushion, reducing discomfort and irritation often associated with keratoconus. The design of scleral lenses ensures that the lenses remain stable on the eye, providing consistent and stable vision throughout the day.
 

The Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus Patients

The use of scleral lenses for keratoconus management offers numerous benefits for patients. Firstly, these lenses provide significantly improved visual acuity compared to traditional glasses or soft contact lenses. The unique design of scleral lenses allows for precise correction of the irregular cornea, resulting in sharper and clearer vision.
 

Another benefit of scleral lenses is their superior comfort. The fluid reservoir created by these lenses ensures that the cornea remains hydrated throughout the day, reducing dryness and irritation. Since scleral lenses rest on the sclera rather than the cornea, they do not touch the sensitive corneal tissue, minimizing discomfort and preventing further damage to the cornea. This makes scleral lenses an excellent option for individuals who have been unable to tolerate traditional contact lenses due to discomfort or dryness.
 

Lastly, scleral lenses provide long-lasting wear and stability. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which can shift or move on the eye, scleral lenses remain in place and provide consistent vision throughout the day. This stability is particularly beneficial for individuals with an active lifestyle or those who engage in sports or physical activities. Scleral lenses offer the freedom to enjoy various activities without worrying about lens displacement or compromised vision.
 

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

Scleral lenses have revolutionized the management of keratoconus by providing improved visual acuity, comfort, and stability. These specialized lenses have transformed the lives of individuals with keratoconus, allowing them to regain clear and sharp vision while maintaining comfort throughout the day. By addressing the challenges posed by keratoconus, scleral lenses have provided a transformative solution that significantly enhances the quality of life for patients with this condition.
 

Schedule an appointment with our optometrist to explore the benefits of scleral lenses for keratoconus management, visit Battle Born Eye Care at our office in Reno, Nevada, or call 775-360-6446 to book an appointment today.