Who is a Candidate for Scleral Contact Lenses?

More than 45 million Americans are wearing contact lenses, according to estimates from the CDC. And there's no reason to think they're just for older individuals, as the average age of wearers, globally, is 31.

So, if you're living with impaired vision, there’s no need to suffer any longer. Contact lenses can help correct numerous issues, including refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. We also offer specialty lenses, including scleral lenses, for those who may not be good candidates for conventional treatments.

And it doesn't require any work on your part. Just reach out to us today at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, or visit us in Tuscaloosa, AL to see how our experts can best help you!.

How contact lenses can rapidly transform your vision and your life

Other than visual clarity, one of the greatest benefits of contact lenses is speed. When you see us for a consultation, we can take care of the diagnosis and the fitting. So, you'll soon enjoy better vision and all its many benefits, making you more productive at school and work. And more comfortable around town, at the gym, or while spending leisure time with loved ones.

First, our expert ophthalmology team in Tuscaloosa, AL will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess the quality (and quantity) of your vision. The exam may include various components, each designed to gauge a particular facet of your visual capacity. For example, we'll check your field of view, the presence of any blind spots, the breadth of your color vision, and your eyes' ability to work stereoscopically – or focus on the same object – as well as the physical structures, and their interrelations, that make for healthy eyes.

Those with corneal irregularities or dry eyes are great candidates for scleral contact lenses

Even though scleral lenses are larger than their traditional counterparts, "soft lenses," they should be just as comfortable. Actually, many wearers report increased comfort because scleral lenses cover more of the eye's surface. As such, they provide an alternative for people who may have trouble achieving a proper fit with regular contacts. For this same reason, those who play sports or are otherwise active and wish to avoid their lenses dislodging may also benefit.

To prevent dryness and irritation, the lenses are gas permeable. Even though they're rigid, they're perfectly breathable and allow oxygen to reach the eye.

Actually, they do more than that. Scleral lenses also create a tear reservoir between the cornea and the scleral contact that hydrates the eye. The naturally lubricating layer afforded by this liquid reservoir provides relief and may accelerate healing to keep the eye surface healthy, making scleral lenses an excellent option for those suffering from dry eyes.

They're also a practical option for patients with irregularly shaped corneas, like those with keratoconus, a primarily congenital condition, which causes a thinning and bulging of the eye's outermost surface, the cornea. In other words, a cone-shaped cornea, as per the -conus in keratoconus. The kerato- comes from keratin, a protective protein (which also toughens our hair, skin, and nails) found in the cornea. This is where scleral lenses come in: by completely covering the sclera, or white portion of your eye, as well as the center, scleral lenses functionally give your eye a new, proper curve.

Therefore, they may also be preferable for those who have suffered corneal trauma or have previously undergone refractive or cataract surgeries.

Find the best option for you by contacting us today

The quickest and most efficient way to find the best solution for your needs is to get in touch with our expert ophthalmologists at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. We'll be happy to help you enjoy clearer vision and ocular health, so contact us today! We also welcome you to our practice in Tuscaloosa, AL.