How Do Scleral Lenses Help with Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas?

Keratoconus and other irregular corneal conditions (often called ectasias) can significantly impact your vision and quality of life. For patients with these challenges, scleral lenses offer a powerful solution beyond traditional glasses and contact lenses. Downtown Vision specializes in fitting advanced scleral lenses designed to restore clarity and comfort to those with complex corneal conditions.
 

Understanding Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted and blurred vision. Other corneal irregularities (such as post-surgical complications, corneal scars, or degenerative disorders) can have similar effects, making conventional contacts uncomfortable or ineffective.
 

Why Standard Lenses Fall Short

Standard contact lenses, such as soft or traditional gas-permeable lenses, often fall short for patients with keratoconus or irregular corneas because they are designed to conform to the eye’s natural shape. In cases where the cornea is misshapen, these lenses cannot create a smooth optical surface, leading to poor vision correction and lens instability. 
 

Additionally, because standard lenses sit directly on the cornea, they can cause discomfort or even pain when the surface is uneven or sensitive. This makes them an impractical and ineffective solution for individuals with complex corneal conditions requiring precise vision correction and enhanced comfort.
 

What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. This unique design allows them to create a smooth, regular optical surface over the irregular cornea, improving how light enters the eye.
 

Unlike standard lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. This improves visual acuity and keeps the eye hydrated, which is especially beneficial for patients with coexisting dry eye.
 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas

  • Sharper Vision: Scleral lenses correct the cornea's irregular shape, offering more consistent and more precise vision than glasses or soft lenses.

  • Increased Comfort: Because they rest on the sclera, they avoid irritating the sensitive corneal tissue, making them more comfortable for long-term wear.

  • Hydration and Protection: The fluid layer beneath the lens helps hydrate the eye and protect it from environmental irritants.

  • Stability: The larger design ensures that the lens stays centered and stable throughout the day, preventing frequent adjustments or movement.
     

Personalized Scleral Lens Fitting at Downtown Vision

Not all scleral lenses are the same, and neither are your eyes. At Downtown Vision, we use advanced diagnostic tools to map your corneal shape and design custom-fit lenses tailored to your needs. This ensures optimal vision correction, comfort, and long-term eye health.
 

If you’re experiencing vision challenges from keratoconus or other corneal irregularities, schedule an eye exam at Downtown Vision in Reno or Carson City to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Call us at (775) 322-4061 (Reno) or (775) 883-3977 (Carson City), our use this link, to book an appointment today.