Treating Irregular Corneas in Upstate SC: A Deep Dive Into Scleral Contact Lenses

When the cornea has an uneven shape, light may scatter instead of focusing clearly on the retina. This can cause blurred or distorted vision, glare, halos, ghost images, and frequent prescription changes. For patients in Upstate South Carolina who cannot achieve dependable vision with glasses or standard contacts, scleral contact lenses may provide a more customized solution.

Why Irregular Corneas Are Difficult to Correct

An irregular cornea may develop because of keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal scarring, previous eye surgery, or another condition that changes the corneal surface. Standard soft lenses typically follow the shape of the cornea. When that surface is uneven, the lens may not fully correct irregular astigmatism or remain stable throughout the day.

How Scleral Contact Lenses Work

Scleral lenses are larger rigid gas-permeable lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. Before insertion, the bowl of the lens is filled with preservative-free saline. This creates a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea.

The lens provides a smooth optical surface that can reduce visual distortion caused by corneal irregularity. Because the lens rests beyond the sensitive cornea, many patients also find scleral lenses more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses.

Potential Benefits of Scleral Lenses

A properly fitted scleral lens may offer:
 

•          Sharper and more stable vision
 

•          Improved comfort for difficult-to-fit eyes
 

•          Reduced glare, halos, and visual fluctuations
 

•          A protective fluid layer for dry or sensitive corneas
 

•          Greater lens stability during daily activities

What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting?

A specialty contact lens fitting involves more than selecting a prescription. Our eye doctor evaluates the cornea, tear film, and overall eye health. Corneal mapping or other measurements may be used to study the eye’s shape, followed by trial lenses to evaluate clearance, alignment, movement, and comfort.

Once the lens design is selected, vision is refined while the lens is on the eye. Follow-up visits are important because small adjustments may improve the fit and help protect long-term corneal health. Some complex corneas require more than one modification before the final lenses are ordered.

Schedule a contact lens exam with Precision Eye Care to learn whether scleral lenses may improve your vision and comfort. Visit our office in Greenville, SC, or call (864) 754-0212 today.