2330 N Amidon Ave, Wichita, KS 67204
(316) 942-74962635 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
(316) 942-7496415 SE Louis Dr, Mulvane, KS 67110
(316) 942-74968150 E Douglas Ave Ste 50, Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 942-7496Wichita Optometry P.A.
(316) 942-7496Can 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.
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.
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.