Can Scleral Lenses Improve Vision?

When it comes to achieving clear, comfortable vision, many patients may have tried various solutions — from glasses and soft contact lenses to rigid gas-permeable (RGP) and hybrid lenses. However, for those with more complex vision needs or irregular corneas, scleral lenses offer a unique solution that can often outperform other options in providing sharper and more stable vision. At Factoria Eye Clinic, we are committed to helping our patients find the best vision correction for their needs, and for many, scleral lenses have proven to be transformative.

How Do Scleral Lenses Provide Better Vision?

Scleral lenses are different from traditional contact lenses. Unlike soft lenses or RGP lenses, which rest on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This design creates a smooth optical surface over the cornea and traps a layer of tears SCLERAL LENSES ARE FILLED WITH PRESERVATIVE-FREE SALINE OR SERUM TEARS beneath the lens, providing exceptional comfort and clarity. Here’s how scleral lenses can outperform other options:

•          Enhanced Vision Quality: Scleral lenses offer a smooth, stable surface over the entire eye, which provides consistent, sharp vision, especially for those with irregular corneas. This benefit is particularly valuable for people with conditions like keratoconus, post-surgical complications, or severe dry eye.

•          Better Vision Than Glasses: While glasses correct refractive errors, they can’t reshape the cornea SCLERAL LENSES ARE NOT USUALLY USED TO RE-SHAPE THE CORNEA BUT TO PROVIDE A NEW OPTICAL SURFACE. or smooth out irregularities on the eye’s surface. Scleral lenses provide a more consistent and stable visual experience, minimizing distortions and offering sharper clarity.

•          Improvement Over Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses contour to the shape of the cornea, which is beneficial for many people, but those with irregular corneas may not achieve optimal correction with soft lenses. Scleral lenses create a new optical surface, helping to reduce or eliminate blurriness and distortions.

•          Superior Stability Compared to RGP and Hybrid Lenses: Although RGP and hybrid lenses can offer good visual correction, they often move around on the cornea, leading to discomfort and fluctuating vision. Scleral lenses remain stable on the eye’s surface due to their larger size and the way they rest on the sclera, making them an excellent choice for patients seeking consistent, clear vision.

What if I Still See Shadows in My Vision?

While scleral lenses can vastly improve visual clarity, some patients may continue to experience subtle THE VISUAL DISTURBANCES ARE NOT ALWAYS SUBTLE visual disturbances, such as shadows or ghosting in their vision. These issues, often related to higher-order aberrations, are caused by irregularities in the eye’s optical system that traditional lenses can’t fully correct.

Ovitz Technology for Higher-Order Aberrations

For patients experiencing shadows or ghosting, Ovitz technology offers a promising solution. Ovitz is a cutting-edge wavefront technology specifically designed to measure and correct higher-order aberrations. By capturing detailed images of how light travels through the eye, Ovitz can identify irregularities that conventional lenses cannot address. Here’s how it works:

•          Precision Mapping: Ovitz technology performs an advanced assessment of the eye’s optical system, creating a precise “map” of any distortions. This map allows for the customization of scleral lenses to address specific irregularities unique to each patient’s eyes.

•          Enhanced Customization: Using the data from the Ovitz technology, scleral lenses can be fine-tuned to address higher-order aberrations. This tailored correction often results in sharper, more comfortable vision, reducing or eliminating issues like shadows, halos, and ghosting.

•          Greater Visual Comfort: By correcting these minute irregularities, Ovitz-customized scleral lenses can offer patients improved clarity and stability, even if they’ve struggled with vision disturbances in the past.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses and Ovitz Technology?

Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with various eye conditions that make traditional lenses less effective. Ovitz technology takes the benefits of scleral lenses even further, making it possible for those with particularly complex visual needs to achieve high-quality vision. Ideal candidates include:

•          Patients with Keratoconus: Since keratoconus causes a cone-like bulging of the cornea, scleral lenses are often the preferred solution. Ovitz technology can further enhance scleral lenses for keratoconus patients by addressing higher-order aberrations for a more comprehensive correction.

•          Individuals with Post-Surgical Complications: For patients who have had surgeries such as LASIK or corneal transplants, scleral lenses with Ovitz customization can help manage residual vision issues that might persist after surgery.

•          Severe Dry Eye Patients: Scleral lenses provide a cushion of moisture, which is a significant benefit for those with dry eye syndrome. Additionally, Ovitz technology can address any lingering distortions, ensuring that patients experience both comfort and visual clarity.

•          Those with Complex Vision Needs: If standard lenses and glasses haven’t provided satisfactory vision correction, the combination of scleral lenses and Ovitz technology could be the solution, allowing patients to achieve high-definition clarity and a more natural visual experience.

Optimizing Your Vision with Scleral Lenses at Factoria Eye Clinic

With advancements like scleral lenses and Ovitz technology, we offer patients access to the latest in vision correction technology. Reach out to Factoria Eye Clinic to schedule a consultation with Factoria Eye Clinic to explore how scleral lenses can transform your vision and improve your daily life. Visit our office in Bellevue, Washington, or call (425) 641-2020 to book an appointment today.