Scleral Contact Lenses for Our Plano TX Patients: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but the contact lenses we use to correct refractive errors are usually just big enough to extend past the eye’s pupil and iris. Even so, there’s an exception to every rule — and in the optical world, that exception takes the form of scleral contact lenses. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the scleral contact lenses we prescribe for some of our Plato TX patients at The Plano Eye Care Center.

• What are scleral contact lenses? Scleral contact lenses are so named because they’re large enough to sit on the sclera (the “white” of the eye) instead of the cornea, and they can actually be preferable for many users and eye conditions.
• Aren’t scleral contacts old-fashioned and uncomfortable? Scleral contact lenses were the first type of contacts, created back in the late 1800s, and the solid glass used at that time prevented critical oxygen from getting to the eyes. Today’s scleral contact lenses, however, are made of gas permeable materials that “breathe,” allowing your eyes to stay healthy and comfortable.
• Just how large are scleral contact lenses? Full-sized scleral contacts extend far past the cornea and rest far back on the sclera. A variation known as mini-scleral lenses rest on the front portion of the sclera. Semi-scleral lenses are smaller still, resting on the point where the cornea meets the sclera.
• Why do you prescribe scleral contact lenses for keratoconus in Plano? Keratoconus is a perfect example of a condition that often calls for the use of scleral lenses. This deformation of the cornea doesn’t lend itself to correction by ordinary soft contacts. Scleral lenses vault completely over the misshapen cornea, essentially “standing in” for it by providing uniform curvature and refractive power. That’s why our optometrists frequently prescribe scleral contact lenses for keratoconus in Plano.
• What other conditions might call for scleral contacts? Many people suffer from dry eye syndrome, which makes the corneas vulnerable to irritation. If you have this condition, you might have a much more comfortable time with scleral contacts. That’s because the space between the lens and the cornea can serve as a reservoir for tears, keeping your eye moist. If your eye shape simply doesn’t lend itself to ordinary contacts, your lenses may constantly pop out or lose their position. Scleral contacts are much more stable.
• What do scleral contacts cost? Scleral contacts are custom-fitted to your eyes, so they cost more than generic lenses; the most extreme examples can cost up to $4,000 each. But their ability to correct vision when standard contacts can’t may make them well worth the investment.

Contact Our Plano TX Clinic Today for a Contact Lens Exam

Call the Plano Eye Care Center at 972-964-3937 to learn more about our contact lens options. Scleral lenses could turn out to be the perfect solution for your vision needs!