Scleral Lens Singapore
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea. They are designed to create a smooth optical surface for people with irregular corneas, dry eyes, or other complex eye conditions.
Scleral Lens VS RGP Lens
Scleral lens and rigid gas permeable lens are both contact lenses but they are different in comfort and design.
Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), creating a fluid-filled cushion that vaults over the cornea. This makes them ideal for people with irregular corneas, dry eyes, or those who find RGP lenses uncomfortable.
In contrast, RGP lenses are smaller and sit directly on the cornea, which can cause more lens awareness and discomfort, especially for those with sensitive eyes or irregular corneal surfaces.
The image below shows a RGP lens (the blue tinted lens) and a Scleral Lens (the non tinted lens):
Who can benefit from Scleral Lens
You can benefit more from scleral lens if you have:
- Corneal Irregularities
- Not suitable for Soft / Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens
- Contact Lens Intolerance
- High Refractive Errors
- Dry Eyes
- Needs stability for sports or has active work environment
- Work in polluted environment
1. Corneal Irregularities
Having a irregular cornea means the surface of your cornea is uneven, causing blurred or distorted vision. This can occur due to eye diseases, injuries or surgical complications.
Common cause of irregular corneas include:
a. Eye Conditions such as Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD)
b. Cornea Scarring
c. Surgical Complications from Surgeries eg, LASIK, ICL surgery, Cataract surgery, corneal transplant.
a. Eye Conditions (Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration PMD)
Scleral Lens is most commonly used on eye conditions such as Keratoconus and Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD). These eye conditions cause irregularities in the cornea, cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to blurry and distorted vision.
The image below shows a normal eye vs an eye with Keratoconus:
For patients with these conditions, traditional contact lenses or spectacle often cannot fully correct the vision and traditional contact lenses can even cause discomfort in the eye. Scleral Lens, on the other hand, are designed to vault over the irregular cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye), enhancing the vision clarity and provide good comfort, making them especially beneficial for these patients
b. Cornea Scarring
Scarring from infections, injuries, or past surgeries can alter the corneal surface, leading to visual distortion. Scleral lenses, by resting on the sclera, bypass these irregularities, offering a clearer visual field.
c. Surgical Complications
Some surgeries may lead to corneal irregularities. Surgeries include vision correction surgeries such as LASIK, ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) and other surgeries such as cataract surgery and corneal transplant.
2. Not Suitable for Soft / Rigid Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens
Have you ever been told that contact lens aren’t suitable for you or you can’t wear contact lens?
Sometimes, people with very flat or steep corneas struggle to achieve clear vision with standard contact lenses, as the lenses may not fit properly on the eye’s surface. This can result in vision that’s less clear with contact lenses than with glasses.
Scleral lenses are a great alternative because they rest on the sclera rather than the cornea, which allows them to work effectively even on unusually shaped eyes. By creating a stable, smooth optical surface, scleral lenses can provide the clear, comfortable vision that soft and RGP lenses couldn’t offer for your unique eye shape.
3. Contact Lens Intolerance
Those who cannot tolerate rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses due to discomfort may find scleral lenses considerably more comfortable. This is because the scleral lens sits on the sclera (white part of the eye) and the edge of the lens does not interact with the edge of the eyelid.
4. High Refractive Errors
People with high refractive power, whether extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, can benefit from scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses are highly customizable and capable of correcting a wide range of prescriptions, with the ability to fit from +40.00 to -40.00 diopters for nearsightedness or farsightedness and up to -12.00 diopters for astigmatism.
Unlike standard soft or RGP lenses, which may not be available in such high prescriptions or may not provide stable vision, scleral lenses offer a more consistent, clear visual experience. They sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea, offering a stable fit that doesn’t shift with eye movement. This stability and precision make scleral lenses an excellent option for those with high refractive needs who are seeking both clear vision and comfort.
5. Dry Eyes
Patients suffering from dry eyes who require refractive correction may be candidates for scleral lenses. Dry eyes can be due to health conditions such as Sjogren’s Disease, surgeries such as LASIK, or medications such as blood pressure medicine or antidepressants.
Unlike soft contact lenses, scleral lens’ material does not dehydrate, which can lead to discomfort after several hours of wear.
Scleral lenses also have a layer of liquid that sits between the lens and the eye, which keeps the eye surface moist and lubricated all day.
6. Stability for Sports and Active Work Environments
Scleral lenses are ideal for individuals seeking stability in active sports or demanding work environments.
Due to their larger size, scleral lenses rest securely on the sclera (the white part of the eye), providing a more stable fit than smaller rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, which sit on the cornea. This design minimizes lens movement, so even during vigorous activities, the lenses stay in place and don’t risk falling out.
For those needing reliable vision correction without interruptions, scleral lenses offer an excellent choice for stability and comfort.
7. Individuals working in a Polluted Environment
Scleral contact lenses minimize the risk of environmental irritants like dust, smoke, and chemicals becoming trapped underneath the lens. Once a scleral lens is placed on the eye, the likelihood of external irritants getting underneath is significantly reduced, which helps to lessen the chances of discomfort or damage.
Benefits of Scleral Lens
The benefits that scleral lens provide are:
- Enhanced Comfort:
Unlike smaller contact lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses sit on the white part of the eye (sclera), providing a more comfortable fit.
- Improved Vision Quality:
They offer exceptional visual clarity, especially for those with irregular or damaged corneas.
- Long-Lasting Wear:
Many users find scleral lenses comfortable for extended wear, from morning to night, as compared to soft contact lenses which dehydrate, leading to discomfort after several hours of wear.
Are Scleral Lenses Painful?
Scleral lenses are generally not painful when properly fitted. In fact, most people find them very comfortable. Compared to rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses are often more comfortable due to their size and fit. Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), which is less sensitive than the cornea. In contrast, RGP lenses are smaller and sit directly on the cornea, which is more sensitive and can lead to discomfort.
Additionally, because scleral lenses are larger, they remain more stable on the eye, moving less than RGP lenses. This stability reduces the sensation of the lenses, making them more comfortable for many users.
Scleral Lens Price
Scleral lenses are custom-made and require specialized fitting. A pair of scleral lenses starts at $1850 depending on the complexity. This price includes a professional fitting by our skilled optometrists to ensure maximum comfort and the best vision correction tailored to your specific eye needs.
Scleral Lens @ Evershine Optical
At Evershine Optical, our optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams to determine if scleral lenses are the right option for you. We carefully assess your eye condition and vision needs to ensure the best fit. We also provide a trial lens set, so you can experience the comfort of wearing a scleral lens before making a decision. If you’re considering scleral lenses, our team is here to help you find the perfect solution for your vision.
Unsure if scleral lenses is the right option for you? Book an appointment with us or whatsapp us!
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