What Eye Conditions Are Most Commonly Treated with Scleral Lenses?

Clear vision is essential for everyday life, but for some individuals, standard glasses or contact lenses are not enough. Certain eye conditions require a more advanced solution. At Texas State Optical Mansfield, we offer scleral contact lenses to help patients with complex vision and corneal issues achieve improved clarity and comfort. These specialty lenses are designed to manage a variety of conditions that affect the surface of the eye, offering both vision correction and therapeutic relief.

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than directly on the cornea. This design allows the lens to vault over the cornea and create a fluid-filled chamber that helps protect and hydrate the eye. Unlike traditional soft contact lenses, scleral lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each eye, making them ideal for patients with irregular corneas or severe dry eye. We often recommend scleral lenses for a variety of eye conditions that are not easily managed with glasses or standard contacts.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is one of the most common conditions treated with scleral lenses. This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Because of their rigid surface and ability to mask irregularities in the cornea, scleral lenses provide sharper and more stable vision than soft lenses or glasses.

Post-Surgical Eyes

Individuals who have undergone eye surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants may experience irregular corneal surfaces that make vision correction difficult. Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface and help restore visual clarity while offering protection to the sensitive post-surgical eye.

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Scleral lenses are also used as a therapeutic option for patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome. The lens creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye, keeping the cornea hydrated throughout the day. This can significantly improve comfort and reduce symptoms such as burning, stinging, and redness.

Irregular Astigmatism

Some patients experience astigmatism that cannot be corrected with glasses or traditional soft contact lenses due to an irregular shape of the cornea. Scleral lenses are custom-designed to provide a smooth, refractive surface and can greatly enhance vision in these cases.

Ocular Surface Diseases

Conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular pemphigoid, and chemical burns can severely affect the surface of the eye. Scleral lenses serve as a protective barrier, allowing the surface to heal while improving comfort and vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Scleral lenses are a powerful solution for patients who suffer from corneal irregularities, chronic dryness, or complex refractive issues. If you are struggling to achieve clear or comfortable vision with glasses or standard contacts, scleral lenses may be the answer.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Texas State Optical Mansfield to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Mansfield, Texas, or call (682) 201-2883 to book an appointment today.