Facts You Didn’t Know About Scleral Lenses

Posted by Qais Barat Ali on June 17th, 2019

Ever since the invention of the first proper contact lens in 1887 by a Swiss physicist, contact lenses have undergone repeated modifications. From the first glass contact lens to the modern lenses, not only have they become more user-friendly but there is a huge variety to choose from!

Although powered soft contact lenses are more commonly used, the use of colored lenses including colored sclera contact lenses has also increased. Of all the various types of lenses available in the market, the most intriguing of all is the scleral lenses and with a good reason, too.

If you haven’t heard about the scleral lenses then sit back, relax and read on!

What are ScleralContact Lenses?

Scleral lenses date back to the 1880s when they were first introduced to manage visual disabilities. The initial lenses were without any power but by the end of the 1880s, powered scleral lenses were introduced.

These lenses are unique because unlike other contact lenses, these do not rest entirely on the surface of the eye. In fact, this large diameter and gas-permeable lenses form a protective vault over the cornea while resting over the sclera or the white part of the eye. The reason for this is that it not only acts as space for fluid to pool up between the cornea and the lens itself but it also helps in correcting vision in individuals with irregular cornea who are unable to use regular contact lenses.

Here are a few interesting things to know about these lenses.

These Were the First Ever Lenses!

As unbelievable as it may sound, these lenses were the first ever lenses introduced to the people back in the 1880s. The first lenses were manufactured using blown glass which not only made them uncomfortable to wear but also made them oxygen impermeable.

These two factors ultimately led to the misuse of these lenses. However, with the latest technological developments, it has become possible to manufacture contoured and oxygen permeable lenses and this has led to resurgence in their use.

These are Larger than Regular Lenses

Scleral lenses may look intimidating and you may even be scared of putting one in your eye just by looking at it. Its larger than normal size is to blame for this!

Regular lenses are around 9-9.5 mm in diameter, covering only about 75-80% of the cornea. Scleral lenses, on the other hand, range in diameter from 14mm to 24mm, covering not only the entire cornea but also covering a major portion of the sclera.

That said, these lenses are extremely comfortable to wear as they rest on the sclera which is not as sensitive as the cornea. This is one of the reasons why sclera colored contact lenses are so popular when dressing up for Halloween or a costume party. They give you that eerie, spine-tingling look without any discomfort.

Scleral Lenses Are Stable on the Surface of the Eye

Wearing regular lenses come with its share of problems and one of the most common problems that one initially faces is the stability of the lens on the surface of the eye. If the lens is unstable on the eye surface, it can lead to irritation. Scleral lenses are not only larger in size but they are also more stable, making them easy to get used to when you intend to wear them on a regular basis.

Furthermore, the space between the lens and the eye creates a fluid reservoir that keeps the eyes lubricated. These two factors combine to provide a better vision.

Scleral Lenses Are Perfect for Just About Everyone

Scleral lenses are the perfect choice for anyone who is interested in wearing contact lenses whether it is for vision correction or for cosmetic reasons. As far as individuals who require visual correction are concerned, there are a number of conditions which can benefit from the use of these lenses.

Irregular Cornea

Irregular cornea or keratoconus, as it is commonly known, causes visual disturbances that can not be corrected with the use of regular soft lenses as they drape over the defective cornea. Scleral lenses, on the other hand, do not drape over the cornea making them the perfect choice for managing this condition.

Dry Eyes

Dry eye is a condition that any one of us can face at any point in our life. Using regular lenses, while you are suffering from dry eyes, can be a pain as you have to use artificial tears frequently.

Scleral lenses help in keeping your eyes moist naturally by creating a space between your eye and the lens and allowing tears to pool up in that space. This helps in keeping the eyes moist while you are wearing your lenses.

Scleral Lenses Are Comfortable to Wear and Moisten Your Eyes Throughout the Day!