Are Scleral Lenses the Best Solution for Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, which is normally dome-shaped, thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion affects how light enters the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses. For many patients, scleral lenses have become a game-changing solution.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted or blurred vision. Symptoms often begin in the late teens or early twenties and can worsen over time. Common signs include blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light and glare, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, and difficulty seeing at night. As keratoconus progresses, patients may also notice increased eye strain and headaches due to the constant struggle to see clearly.

Understanding Scleral Lenses

Unlike traditional contact lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, resting instead on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This design creates a smooth, tear-filled surface over the irregular cornea, improving both comfort and vision.

Because of their size and fit, scleral lenses offer several benefits:

• Improved Vision - They reduce the visual distortions caused by the cone-shaped cornea.

• Enhanced Comfort - The fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea helps alleviate dryness and irritation.

• Stability - Their larger size makes them less likely to shift or fall out compared to smaller lenses.

How Scleral Lenses Compare to Other Options

For early-stage keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may still provide adequate vision correction. As the condition progresses, however, many patients find these solutions no longer effective.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are another option, but they can be uncomfortable for many patients since they rest directly on the cornea. Intacs (surgically implanted corneal inserts) and corneal cross-linking may help slow progression, but they don’t always provide the visual clarity that scleral lenses can deliver.

Who Can Benefit Most

Scleral lenses are especially effective for patients with moderate to severe keratoconus who struggle with daily tasks due to blurred or distorted vision. They’re also beneficial for patients who have difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses due to discomfort or instability.

Scleral lenses require a specialized fitting process, as each pair is custom-made for the patient’s eye shape. With proper fitting and ongoing care, they can provide long-term relief and significantly improve quality of life.

Find Out if Scleral Lenses Are Right for You at NVISION Eyecare

While there are several treatment options for keratoconus, scleral lenses stand out as one of the best solutions for improving vision and comfort in many patients. They not only restore clearer vision but also provide a more stable and comfortable wearing experience compared to other lens types.

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or are struggling with vision correction, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with NVISION Eyecare to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Rosedale, Auckland, or call 09-884-0034 to book an appointment today.