Have you ever been told that regular, run of the mill soft contacts won’t work for you? Do you have unsatisfactory vision with soft contact lenses and/or glasses? Do you find soft contacts uncomfortable? Do you have dry eye symptoms? We are happy to share that we are able to solve all these issues (and more) by fitting you in scleral lenses at Waterdown Optometric Clinic.
Scleral lenses are a large diameter, gas permeable (breathable hard plastic) lens that vaults overtop of the entire cornea (see diagram below) and lands comfortably on the sclera (white part of the eye). Some of the ways that scleral lenses differ from soft contact lenses include: they are made from a hard plastic material, are bowl shaped, are filled with artificial tears and they do not require a uniform/regular eye in order to have exceptional vision.
One potential candidate for scleral lenses is a patient with keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that often leads to decreased vision which cannot be corrected in regular contacts or glasses. The scleral lens creates a smooth optical surface over the corneas of these patients and provides superb vision for any prescription type. Similarly, any patients with unique corneal conditions or irregularities are excellent candidates as well. This includes patients post laser refractive surgery or Radial Keratotomy.
Patients who suffer from dry eye disease often do very well in scleral lenses. Since the bowl-shaped lens is filled with artificial tears before insertion, the eye is sitting in a pool of tears while the lens is in place. This provides tremendous relief for dry eye symptoms including those of patients with Sjogren’s Disease and other autoimmune conditions.
We look forward to fitting scleral lenses on you! If you would like to learn more about scleral lenses or to find out if you are a good candidate, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone (905-689-7234), email (info@waterdownoptometric.ca) or by booking an appointment online (https://waterdownoptometric.ca/book-appointment/).
Dr Gabrielle Gilbert
