If you like the idea of contact lenses but haven’t been an ideal candidate because of your irregular corneas, you may want to consider scleral lenses. Not only are these specialty contact lenses more comfortable than other types, but they can correct a range of common vision issues.

Dr. Melanie Frogozo, Dr. Swati Kumar, and their expert team at Alamo Eye Care in San Antonio, Texas, are pleased to offer these highly effective specialty contact lenses.

Here, we explore more about scleral lenses, including reasons to consider them for your irregular corneas.
 

Scleral lenses 101

Scleral lenses are gas-permeable contact lenses, which means they allow the diffusion of gasses in and out of your corneas.

Custom-made to suit your eyes, scleral lenses have a smooth surface and maintain their shape on your eyes. They also move with your eyes when you blink, which lets tears circulate beneath them and prevents dryness.

Other benefits of scleral lenses may include:

• Easier handling

• Greater durability

• Lower risk of complications

• Oxygen permeability

• Sharper vision, especially if you have irregular corneas
   

Scleral lenses for irregular cornea problems 

If you have astigmatism, it means your cornea has an unusual shape that can cause blurry vision. An irregular cornea, also known as an irregular corneal surface, is an astigmatism that can’t be corrected with standard contact lenses.

Scleral lenses correct vision problems caused by irregularly shaped corneas, whether you were born with the irregular shape or it resulted from eye surgery. Soft contact lenses, on the other hand, usually can’t fully correct vision problems from irregular corneas.

Research shows that scleral lenses effectively sharpen vision in people with irregularly shaped corneas and can be worn longer than other lenses.
 

Getting started with scleral lenses

Once you’re approved for scleral lenses, your provider at Alamo Eye Care measures your eyes to fit you for your customized lenses. Once it’s confirmed that your lenses fit your eyes properly, you can begin wearing them.

You wear your scleral lenses during waking hours and remove them for sleep. To keep the lenses moist, store them in a plastic case full of contact solution.Scleral lenses last, on average, for 1-3 years. That said, we find that they last for several years with proper care — which includes scheduling your routine eye exams.

To learn more about scleral lenses for irregular corneas or to get the treatment you need, call Alamo Eye Care at 210-469-9744 or text us at 210-403-9050. You can also request an appointment through our website.