Are you considering scleral lenses in Calgary to enhance your vision and comfort? In fact, many people struggle with traditional contact lenses due to dry eyes, keratoconus, or other corneal irregularities. Fortunately, scleral lenses provide an innovative solution, offering comfort and visual clarity by creating a tear-filled reservoir that protects the eye. At Mission Eye Care, our specialized team provides personalized scleral lens fittings to meet your unique needs. This blog will cover five essential things you should know before trying scleral lenses, from their unique benefits to how we can customize them for your eyes.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea. Unlike traditional soft or rigid lenses, scleral lenses create a protective, fluid-filled space between the cornea and the lens. As a result, this design provides exceptional comfort and sharp vision, making them an ideal solution for individuals with irregular corneas, severe dry eye syndrome, and other vision conditions (van der Worp et al., 2014).
Five Essential Things to Know About Scleral Lenses
Understanding the unique features and benefits of scleral lenses can help you make an informed decision. Here are five key aspects to consider:
Initially developed for severely compromised eyes, scleral lenses are now used for a wide range of vision issues, including high refractive errors and corneal irregularities. By creating a smooth and stable surface over the eye, scleral lenses provide clearer vision and reduce glare and distortion. As a result, this makes them an excellent option for people who have not had success with regular contact lenses or glasses (Barone et al., 2024).
Scleral lenses require careful maintenance to ensure long-term comfort and eye health. Regular cleaning and disinfection help prevent issues such as lens deposits, midday fogging, and corneal edema. Studies show that midday fogging affects many scleral lens users, underscoring the importance of proper cleaning techniques and lens care (Qiu et al., 2024).
Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for individuals with keratoconus, severe astigmatism, and post-surgical complications. They can also be an effective option for managing dry eye disease. However, some patients, particularly those with regular corneas or difficulty handling lenses, may struggle with insertion and removal, leading them to stop using them early on (Qiu et al., 2024).
One of the most significant benefits of scleral lenses is their ability to relieve dry eye sufferers. By creating a tear-filled chamber over the cornea, these lenses help maintain hydration and protect the ocular surface from environmental irritants. As a result, this stable tear layer improves comfort and can significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals with severe dry eye disease (Qiu et al., 2024).
The fitting process for scleral lenses in Calgary can take time because the lenses must be custom-fitted to each individual’s eye shape. In fact, achieving an optimal fit often requires multiple visits and adjustments using specialized diagnostic tools. While the process is more complex than fitting traditional contact lenses, the result is a highly personalized vision solution that provides long-term comfort and clarity (Barone et al., 2024).
Scleral Lenses in Calgary at Mission Eye Care
At Mission Eye Care in Calgary, we are dedicated to providing top-tier care for patients needing specialty contact lenses. Our clinic stands out due to our advanced training and access to cutting-edge technology, ensuring our patients receive the best scleral lens solutions available.
Expertise in Specialty Lenses
We are the only clinic in Canada with three residency-trained doctors who specialize in custom contact lens fittings.
Advanced 3D Scleral Mapping
This technology allows us to design lenses with a perfect fit, leading to better comfort and clearer vision.
Higher-Order Aberration Correction
We are the only clinic in Alberta using technology to measure and correct for higher-order aberrations, reducing glare, halos, and streaks.
Custom Lenses for Complex Cases
We can design lenses tailored to your needs, whether you have keratoconus, post-surgical complications, or severe astigmatism.
With our expertise and commitment to patient care, Mission Eye Care ensures that even those who have struggled with contact lenses in the past can achieve clear, comfortable vision.
Conclusion
Scleral lenses in Calgary offer a life-changing solution for individuals with corneal irregularities, dry eyes, and other vision challenges. Moreover, their custom design, superior hydration, and long-lasting durability make them an excellent option for those seeking clear and comfortable vision. At Mission Eye Care, our team is dedicated to providing Calgary’s best scleral lens solutions.
If you think scleral lenses might be right for you, book a consultation with our specialists today and experience the difference in vision care.
Dr. Andrea Lasby Optometrist (FAAO, FSLS, FCCSO)
Dr. Lasby is a private practice clinician and partner at Mission Eye Care in Calgary. She is residency trained in corneal disease and custom contact lenses. She is also a well-renowned speaker and serves on the board of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.
References
- Barone, V., Petrini, D., Nunziata, S., Surico, P. L., Scarani, C., Offi, F., Villani, V., Coassin, M., & Di Zazzo, A. (2024). Impact of scleral lenses on visual acuity and ocular aberrations in corneal ectasia: A comprehensive review. J Pers Med, 14(10), 1051. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11509004/
- Qiu, S. X., Fadel, D., & Hui, A. (2024). Scleral lenses for managing dry eye disease in the absence of corneal irregularities: What is the current evidence? J Clin Med, 13(13), 3838. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38999403/
- van der Worp, E., Bornman, D., Ferreira, D. L., Faria-Ribeiro, M., Garcia-Porta, N., & González-Meijome, J. M. (2014). Modern scleral contact lenses: A review. Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 37(4), 240-250. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24631015/
