Specialty Lenses

Learn more about the specialty lenses offered at Dearborn Eye Care.

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. In simpler terms, it’s like the windshield of your eye losing its normal round shape and becoming more like a cone. Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that can be a game-changer for people with keratoconus.

Scleral Lenses

Unlike regular contacts that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). This creates a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, improving vision by acting like a new, properly shaped cornea. Scleral lenses can provide clearer and more comfortable vision for individuals with keratoconus, offering a practical solution to help them see the world more clearly.

Scleral lenses are a versatile and effective solution for various eye conditions beyond just keratoconus. They can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as:

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses create a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, which can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing chronic dry eyes.
• Irregular Astigmatism: Scleral lenses can address irregular astigmatism by providing a customized and consistent refractive surface.
• Post-Corneal Transplant: After corneal transplant surgery, the cornea may be irregularly shaped. Scleral lenses can help improve vision in these cases.
• Corneal Dystrophies: Certain corneal dystrophies, such as keratoglobus or pellucid marginal degeneration, may benefit from scleral lenses to enhance visual clarity.
• Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD): Patients experiencing ocular complications due to GVHD can find relief with scleral lenses, as they provide protection and moisture to the cornea.
• Ocular Surface Disease: Scleral lenses can be helpful for those with ocular surface diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Sjögren’s syndrome, providing a barrier against the dry and sensitive corneal surface.
• Complications from Refractive Surgery: Individuals facing visual disturbances or irregularities post-LASIK or other refractive surgeries might benefit from scleral lenses.

It’s important to note that the suitability of scleral lenses for a particular condition depends on various factors, and consultation with an eye care professional is essential for proper diagnosis and fitting. Schedule an appointment at Dearborn Eye Care today to find out if specialty contact lenses are for you.