Scleral Lenses Savannah GA

Scleral lenses are a unique type of lens made of an oxygen-permeable rigid plastic that is filled with a sterile saline solution before being placed on the eye. These lenses are noticeably larger than standard gas permeable (GP) contacts and have a diameter equal to or greater than that of soft contact lenses. Scleral contacts range in size from approximately 14.5 mm in diameter to 24 mm. The diameter is customized for each patient based on their eye shape, corneal condition, and surgical history of the eye.

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How Scleral Lenses Can Help

Scleral lenses are large diameter rigid gas permeable contacts that are custom made for each eye. Scleral lenses may be used to improve vision and comfort for people suffering from a number of eye disorders or injuries to the eye, such as:

Dry Eye Syndrome
Graft vs. Host Disease
Keratoconus >
Pellucid Degeneration
Corneal Ectasia

Disorders of the Iris such as Aniridia, Coloboma, or Surgical Alteration.
Corneas that have developed neurological changes due to Diabetes or Virus infections such as Herpes Simplex or Herpes Zoster.

Post Surgical Corneas such as INTACS, Corneal Transplants, Lasik, and Radial Keratonomy (RK)
Chronic Inflammatory conditions of the surface of the eyes

Scleral Lenses are not Contact Lenses

”Contact lens” is not-applicable to this type of lens because there is no contact with the lens and the cornea (clear front dome of the eye). This type of lens lands on the white portion of the eye, the sclera. The space between the cornea and the lens is filled with saline, providing moisture to the cornea all day long, and has the ability to mask corneal irregularities, abnormal conditions, and highly diseased eyes.

This lens essentially creates a new, more perfect, front surface of the eye. This allows for much sharper vision for those with keratoconus, corneal transplants, radial keratotomy, corneal scarring, post-LASIK ectasia, and even severe dry eye.

This type of specialty corneo-scleral contact lenses are frequently used when contact lenses are needed after LASIK or other corneal refractive surgery to correct irregular astigmatism. More complex conditions, including advanced keratoconus, pathologically dry eyes or severe ocular surface disease that might require a large tear reservoir, often are fitted with larger diameter scleral lens, as they have more capacity to hold fluid or bridge large changes in corneal curvature.

During your contact lens exam and fitting, Dr. Erika Morrow will determine the best scleral lens type and size for your specific needs.

Scleral Lenses are Long-Lasting

Scleral lenses can last for up to 18 months as long as your corneal shape or prescription doesn’t change, and the lenses are properly cared for. These lenses are very high quality and an excellent investment in clear, comfortable vision.

At ForSight we highly recommend having a backup pair of scleral lenses, especially if you have an ocular condition and rely on these lenses to see.

Types of Scleral Lenses

If you are over 40 years old, you have the options below with scleral lenses:

Distance Scleral Lenses + Reading Glasses

Both eyes corrected for distance with the lenses. For reading, you may wear progressive glasses (for a full range of vision) or reading glasses (for one range of vision) over the scleral lenses when needed.

Monovision

One eye corrected for distance vision and the other eye corrected for reading or computer. The brain uses each eye independently and chooses which one to use for which task. Most people can adapt to this, some people cannot.

Multifocal Scleral Lenses

This is a different design of scleral lens which combines both distance vision and near vision into the same lens. This requires a different fitting procedure but can give incredible vision. Multifocal lenses do require some compromise since the lenses are accomplishing so many tasks. Nighttime vision may give slightly more halos around lights due to the design of the lens. Most people can adapt to this over time. Multifocals are not an option for those with advanced corneal disease.

Caring for Your

Scleral Lenses

It is very important to call the office if you experience any pain, redness, or light sensitivity when you are wearing your scleral lens or when you remove the scleral lens. If it is after normal office hours, you will call the office and push 1 to reach the doctor on call directly.

Clean and store contacts in Clear Care for cleaning, disinfecting, & storage:

*RED TOP - NEVER goes directly in eye - Follow instructions on box. If you are in a LARGE lens that will not fit in the standard case, you need to purchase a larger case known as a PROSE case: https://dryeyeshop.com/products/prose-case?variant=6744538972203
(You can also purchase directly from the office)

Before inserting your contacts:

You want to rinse and gently rub the scleral lenses with your fingers before insertion with BioTrue saline.

Fill the bowl of the scleral lens with Preservative-free saline ONLY – Use one of the three preferred salines:

1. VibrantVue Scleral Saline (Order directly: https://vibrantvue.com/product/scleral-saline/)
2. Addipak Unit Dose - 0.9% NaCl inhalation saline (By Prescription or Amazon)
3.3. LacriPure (Amazon or dryeyeshop.com)

DO NOT USE FILLING SOLUTION THAT COMES IN A LARGE BOTTLE due to risk of infection and complications.

Insertion Plunger

LARGE plunger - DMV Scleral Cup

Removal plunger

SMALL plunger - DMV Ultra Remover

Useful Tools

A hand held mirror that will lay flat on your countertop is helpful when inserting the scleral lens. (Walmart/Walgreens)

Lens Inserter System

It is highly recommended to purchase the See-Green Lens Inserter System to aid in the insertion process. Click the button below to purchase.

Purchase Here

Additional Resources

Scleral Lens Application, Removal, & Lens Care

Scleral Lenses: When Other Contacts Just Don’t Work

View Article

Application tools, techniques & troubleshooting

View Article

Eaglet 3D Mapping

Scan-designed scleral lenses are lenses made completely based on unique scans of your cornea (front clear dome of the eye) and sclera (white portion of the eye). Our eye structure is very unique and the Eaglet Profilometer maps out the shape of your eye and Dr. Morrow and team are able to 3D design a custom scleral lens based on your eyes shape.

Eaglet 3D Mapping