2330 N Amidon Ave, Wichita, KS 67204

(316) 942-7496

2635 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213

(316) 942-7496

415 SE Louis Dr, Mulvane, KS 67110

(316) 942-7496

8150 E Douglas Ave Ste 50, Wichita, KS 67206

(316) 942-7496

Wichita Optometry P.A.

(316) 942-7496

Scleral Lenses for Normal Corneas

Scleral Lenses for Normal Corneas

Can we fit scleral lenses on normal corneas? Should we fit scleral lenses on normal corneas? Yes! Normal cornea applications are easier to fit then irregular corneas because practitioners can fit a smaller diameter scleral lens, eccentricity and curves are more predictable, smaller amount of central clearance required, and it promotes corneal health. Patients may have less apprehension upon insertions due to a smaller diameter lens. For the practitioner the fitting process is less complex, the fitting requires less time, and normal corneas should have predictable shapes with less troubleshooting and complications. Nondiseased corneas are healthy while irregular corneas have some risks involved: producing more mucin, more chance of edema due to endothelial problems, and diseased corneas may not have the best tear film.

scleral lenses

 Normal corneal application of scleral lens with less central clearance has been shown in studies to result in more oxygen to the cornea. Therefore less central clearance results in better long-term cornea health. This application process for normal cornea patients can have some apprehension due to the rigid lens material. But due to normal cornea curvature a smaller diameter lens can be used. When lens diameter is about the same size as soft lens patients are much less nervous. Insertion and removal of scleral lens is easier with a smaller diameter lens.

Which Normal Corneas are Good Candidates for Scleral Lenses?

  1. High Hyperopia - The optics of scleral lenses can improve vision. Can reduce pincushion distortion and magnification seen in glasses. This is a great option for patients with extremely high hyperopic RX
  2. High Myopia – Great vision in scleral lenses compared to glasses. Can reduce barrel distortion and reduce minification seen in glasses.
  3. Astigmatism – Can correct for astigmatism correction without toric fit. For patients with residual astigmatism some labs offer front toric scleral lenses.
  4. Anisometropia – Scleral lenses can help with image size. For patients with larger difference in RX between right and left eye scleral lens can reduce concern of magnification versus minification. May be covered under medically necessary contact lenses.
  5. Current GP Wearers - Scleral lens offers stability, centration, and comfort often better then regular GP lens. No foreign body entrapment and no lens dislodgement.
  6. Current Piggyback Wearers – Reduces need for cleaning, maintaining, and inserting two separate lenses. Comfort and stability of scleral lens should compare to piggyback (which is why piggyback is fit versus GP alone).
  7. Aphakic – Glasses are too thick and soft lenses may not have a high enough DK to maintain corneal health, scleral lenses can be fit. May also be covered under medically necessary contact lens benefits.
  8. Presbyopia – Great option for patients with astigmatism and presbyopia. Patients currently wearing corneal GP lens. Patients desiring better near vision in either soft or GP lenses
  9. Dry Eyes with Soft Lenses – Tear chamber helps to bathe cornea all day and keep it moist. May be only option for some contact lens patients with dry eye
  10. Patients Unhappy with Soft Toric Lenses – Due to lens rotation, sphere and cylinder power not exact, fluctuating vision, dryness with lenses, or athletes consider scleral lenses as a great option.

Scleral lenses can be used in regular corneas and current refractive errors. It may represent the future of astigmatism correction in contact lenses. Scleral lenses are easier to fit on normal corneas with less complications and can be just as comfortable as a soft toric lens. The top two reasons patients drop out of contact lens wear is comfort and vision, scleral lenses may be the solution.

Schedule an appointment today at either our Douglas location at 316-942-7496 or our Amidon location at 316-838-7797.