How Do I Know If It's Time to Replace My Scleral Lenses

How Do I Know If It's Time to Replace My Scleral Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are a specialized type of contact lens that have gained increasing popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional soft contact lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. This unique design offers numerous benefits for individuals with various eye conditions, providing improved comfort, visual acuity, and eye health. As a wearer of scleral lenses, it's important to understand the lifespan of these lenses and recognize the signs that it's time for replacement.

Eye Conditions Scleral Lenses Can Help Address

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens that can provide relief and improved vision for a variety of eye conditions. Here are some eye conditions scleral lenses can help address:

•       Keratoconus: This is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. Scleral lenses can provide a smooth optical surface to improve vision and comfort.

•       Dry Eye Syndrome: Scleral lenses create a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing continuous hydration and relief from dry eye symptoms.

•       Irregular Corneas: Conditions such as post-surgical corneas (e.g., post-LASIK, post-RK) or corneal scars can benefit from the even surface provided by scleral lenses, leading to improved vision.

•       Ocular Surface Disease: This includes conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or graft-versus-host disease, where the ocular surface is severely compromised. Scleral lenses protect and promote healing of the ocular surface.

•       Corneal Ectasia: This is a progressive thinning of the cornea, often a complication after refractive surgery. Scleral lenses help stabilize the vision by providing a more regular optical surface.

•       Pellucid Marginal Degeneration: Similar to keratoconus, this condition causes thinning and protrusion of the cornea, often leading to significant astigmatism. Scleral lenses can help manage the irregular astigmatism and improve vision.

•       Severe Dry Eye from Sjogren’s Syndrome: Scleral lenses offer significant relief for patients with severe dry eye associated with Sjogren’s syndrome by maintaining a moist environment for the cornea.

•       Neurotrophic Keratitis: This is a degenerative disease characterized by reduced corneal sensitivity. Scleral lenses can protect the cornea and provide a healing environment.

•       Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: Conditions leading to limbal stem cell deficiency, such as chemical burns or aniridia, can benefit from the protective and therapeutic properties of scleral lenses.

•       Post-Corneal Transplantation: After a corneal transplant, scleral lenses can help improve vision and comfort for patients with residual irregularities or astigmatism.

Scleral lenses are custom-made to fit the specific needs of each patient, providing a tailored approach to managing these complex eye conditions.

How Long Do Scleral Lenses Last?

The lifespan of scleral lenses can vary depending on several factors, including the material, lens design, and individual's wear and care habits. Generally, scleral lenses are designed to be replaced on a regular basis, typically replaced every 1-3 years, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and your individual needs. The lifespan of your scleral lenses can be affected by factors such as:

·       Changes in your eye health or vision needs

·       Frequency of wear

·       Lens care and cleaning habits

·       Exposure to environmental factors

Signs and Symptoms It's Time for Lens Replacement

It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate it's time to replace your lenses. Some common signs that your scleral lenses may need to be replaced include:

•       Decreased Comfort: If you notice an increase in discomfort or irritation while wearing your scleral lenses, it could be a sign that the lenses are no longer fitting properly or have become damaged.

•       Vision Changes: If you experience a noticeable decline in your visual acuity or clarity while wearing your scleral lenses, it may be time for a lens replacement.

•       Lens Deterioration: Over time, scleral lenses can become scratched, warped, or discolored, which can affect their performance and safety.

•       Lens Deposits: Buildup of protein, lipids, or other deposits on the surface of the lenses can compromise their optical quality and lead to discomfort.

•       Lens Instability: If your scleral lenses feel loose or unstable on your eyes, it may be an indication that the lenses no longer fit properly and need to be replaced.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with your optometrist to evaluate the condition of your scleral lenses and determine if replacement is necessary.

What if My Lenses Seem Fine, Can I Just Keep Wearing Them?

Even if your scleral lenses seem comfortable and vision is clear, it’s essential to have regular check-ups with your eye doctor, especially if you have conditions like keratoconus. Over time, the cornea can change shape. When this happens, the cornea may begin to touch the back of the lens, potentially leading to scarring or other serious issues. Unfortunately, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms, even as damage occurs.

Regular monitoring ensures your lenses fit properly, protecting your eye health and preventing complications. During these exams, your optometrist will:

·       Evaluate the fit and performance of your current scleral lenses

·       Assess any changes in your eye health or vision needs

·       Determine if any adjustments or modifications to your lenses are necessary

By maintaining a consistent schedule of eye exams, typically every 6-12 months, you can help ensure that your scleral lenses continue to provide you with optimal vision, comfort, and eye health protection.

The Importance of Proper Hygiene and Lens Care

Proper hygiene and lens care are critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your scleral lenses. Taking extra care with cleaning and maintenance is essential to avoid infections, complications, and the longevity of your lenses. Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water and drying them with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses is one of the most important steps to keep bacteria and debris away from your eyes.

It is also important to change your contact lens case every one to three months. Even with proper cleaning, bacteria and other microorganisms can build up in the case. Do not re-use your disinfecting (contact lens storage) solution. Make sure you when you take your lenses out of the case you dump out the old solution and rinse the case with hot water and let it air dry.  Another key aspect of lens care is filling solution. Re-using your filling solution can introduce bacteria to your lenses, putting your eyes at risk.

If you use your lenses less than once per week, consider that the storage solution may no longer be killing bacteria. If the lenses have been sitting in the case unused for more than a week, it’s important to repeat the disinfection process prior to using them.

Along with these precautions, never sleep with your lenses. Scleral lenses are designed to be worn during waking hours, and wearing them overnight can increase the risk of eye irritation and other serious issues, such as corneal ulcers.

By following these care and maintenance guidelines, you can help extend the lifespan of your scleral lenses and ensure continued comfort and eye health.

Schedule Your Appointment with Factoria Eye Clinic Today

As a scleral lens wearer, it's essential to be proactive in monitoring the condition of your lenses and recognizing the signs that it's time for replacement. By understanding the lifespan of scleral lenses, the importance of proper hygiene, lens care, and regular eye exams, you can ensure that your scleral lenses continue to provide you with the optimal comfort, vision, and eye health.

If you are considering scleral lenses, schedule an appointment with Factoria Eye Clinic. Our optometrists who specialize in specialty contact lenses fittings can evaluate your specific needs, fit you with the right scleral lenses, and provide ongoing support to ensure your continued success with these innovative lenses. Visit our office in Bellevue, Washington, or call (425) 641-2020 to learn more and take the first step towards optimal vision and eye health.