Family Vision - Scleral Contact Lenses and Custom Multi-focal Lens Fittings

Scleral Contact Lens Fittings and Multi-focal Lenses

Have you been told that you cannot wear contact lenses because you have an irregular cornea or other problems? You may want to get a second opinion from Dr. Nicholas Bowen at Family Vision Contact Lens Center, who specializes in custom contact fittings.

Utilizing scleral lenses provides new hope. Scleral contacts have a larger diameter than typical contacts but they are gas permeable contact lenses specially designed to arch over your entire corneal surface and rests on the "white" of the eye (sclera). Because of this, scleral lenses are able to functionally replace the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities.

They also are frequently used when contact lenses are needed after LASIK or other corneal refractive surgery issues to correct irregular astigmatism. Scleral lenses also provide comfort for people that suffer from severe dry eyes who otherwise could not tolerate contact lens wear.

Types of Scleral Contact Lenses

Because Scleral contact lenses rest on the ‘whites’ of the eye, scleral contacts are noticeably larger than standard gas permeable (RGP) contacts. Typically, scleral lenses equal to or are greater than the comfort of soft contact lenses. The smallest scleral lenses are approximately 14.5 mm in diameter, and some of the lenses can be up to 24 mm.

The size of lens used often is determined by the degree of complexity of the condition. Milder forms of keratoconus and irregular astigmatism from corneal grafts and refractive surgery often are easily managed with scleral lenses at the smaller end of the spectrum. The size of lens used often is determined by the degree of complexity of the condition. Milder forms of keratoconus and irregular astigmatism from corneal grafts and refractive surgery often are easily managed with scleral lenses at the smaller end of the spectrum.

More complex conditions, including advanced keratoconus, pathologically dry eyes or severe ocular surface disease that might require a large tear reservoir, often are fitted with larger scleral lenses, as they have more capacity to hold fluid or bridge large changes in corneal curvature.

During your Family Vision contact lens exam and fitting, Dr. Bowen will determine the best scleral lens type and size for your specific needs.

Scleral Contact Lenses for Keratoconus

Many optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend scleral contact lenses for a variety of hard-to-fit eyes, including eyes with keratoconus.

In cases of early keratoconus, a standard RGP lens may be used. However, if the lens does not center properly on the eye or moves excessively with blinks and causes discomfort, switching to a large-diameter scleral contact lens may solve the problem.

Because scleral lenses are designed to vault the corneal surface and rest on the less sensitive surface of the sclera, these lenses often are more comfortable for a person with keratoconus. Also, scleral lenses are designed to fit with little or no lens movement during blinks, making them more stable on the eye, compared with traditional corneal gas permeable lenses.

Scleral Contact Lens Cost

Each scleral contact lens is custom-made for each wearer, so fitting scleral contacts tends to demand greater expertise and more time than fitting standard soft or GP contact lenses.

At Family Vision Eye Care we utilize the world class diagnostic technology in the Oculus Pentacam. The Oculus Pentacam creates computerized maps of the curvature of the entire cornea are generated to facilitate the lens fitting, and several trial lenses of different sizes and curvatures may be applied to the eye during the fitting process.

Also, depending on the complexity of the problem and how the individual eye tolerates the scleral lens, adjustments of lens parameters may be needed. Additional lenses will need to be made and exchanged to find the perfect custom contacts fit for your eye. The entire scleral lens fitting process can take several visits to determine the optimal lens for each eye.

Quite often, many individuals who use scleral lenses have worn soft or corneal GP lenses in the past, the process for applying and removing scleral lenses may take some practice. The additional time needed to get comfortable with this needs to be taken into consideration during the fitting process. The staff at Family Vision will provide instruction and education on how to care for your scleral contact lenses.

Scleral Contact Lenses Can be Affordable
In many cases, vision insurance may reduce the cost of your lenses and/or fitting fee. In other instances, contacting your medical insurance provider and inquiring what steps are necessary to obtain coverage can be helpful. Contact the closest Family Vision clinic in your area for initial consultation & additional details.

Oculus Pentacam® provides complete diagnosis of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces of your eye.

The Pentacam® maps out a view of your eye and provides you with an overall view of the anterior eye segment in a matter of seconds.

The technology used in the Oculus Pentacam® supplies Dr. Bowen and Family Vision with precise diagnostic data on the entire anterior eye segment. Measurement of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces supply the total refractive power as well as the thickness of the cornea over its entire area. The data on the posterior surface provides optimal assistance in the early detection of corneal changes.

With measurements this exact, analysis this thorough and Dr. Bowen's process proven effective, Family Vision Eye Care & Contact Lens Center often receives referrals from other regional eye care practices throughout the Midwest to provide custom contact fittings and Scleral lens fittings.

Contact our Burlington location today to schedule your exam and fitting consultation. Call 262-763-0117 or [email protected]

Scleral Contacts Fitting Demo and Instructional Videos for Custom Multi-focal Contacts

Applying Scleral Contact Lenses, Removing and Daily Care Guidelines Various ways to apply and remove your Scleral Contacts (*No Audio)

General overview of what Scleral Contact Lenses are, the benefits and advantages Enjoy these informational videos outlining essential introductions to your custom contact fitting, daily ease of use, and Scleral contact lens care tutorials.