Why Standard Contact Lenses Fail for Keratoconus And How Scleral Lenses Solve It?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape distorts light entering the eye, leading to blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty with night driving.

While glasses can help in the earliest stages, many patients eventually need contact lenses to achieve clear, stable vision. However, not all contact lenses are created equal, especially for people with keratoconus; scleral lenses for keratoconus are the best option.

Why Standard Contact Lenses Fall Short

Traditional soft contact lenses are designed for eyes with a regular, rounded corneal surface. Because keratoconus causes the cornea to become steep and uneven, standard lenses often:

• Fail to Fit Properly: The irregular cornea makes it difficult for soft lenses to maintain a stable position.
• Provide Inconsistent Vision: Movement of the lens can cause fluctuating or blurry vision throughout the day.
• Cause Discomfort: Poor lens alignment increases irritation, dryness, or even corneal damage over time.

Even rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, while offering sharper vision than soft lenses, may still decenter or pop out due to the steep shape of the keratoconic cornea. This is why many patients seek a more advanced solution.

Scleral Lenses: A Game-Changer for Keratoconus

Scleral lenses for keratoconus are specifically designed to address the irregularities of the cornea. Unlike traditional lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the corneal surface and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This unique design offers several benefits:

• Superior Vision Clarity: The fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea smooths out irregularities, providing sharper and more stable vision throughout the day.
• Enhanced Comfort: Because scleral lenses don’t touch the sensitive cornea, they’re often more comfortable, even for people with advanced keratoconus.
• Increased Stability: Their larger diameter keeps the lenses centered and secure, reducing the risk of displacement during blinking or physical activity.
• Protection and Hydration: The fluid layer under the lens keeps the cornea continuously hydrated, reducing dryness and promoting eye health.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses aren’t just for advanced keratoconus patients; they can help at nearly any stage of the condition, especially for individuals who:

• Have irregular corneas due to keratoconus or post-surgical complications.
• Cannot achieve clear vision or comfort with traditional contacts.
• Experience significant dry eye symptoms.

The Bottom Line

For individuals with keratoconus, clear vision and comfort are possible—just not with standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses for keratoconus provide a custom-fit solution that restores sharp, stable vision while protecting the delicate cornea.

See the Difference at Eyes on Brickell

Your vision is priceless, and protecting it starts with regular checkups. At Eyes on Brickell, Dr. Antoine Copty and his team use cutting-edge technology to deliver comprehensive eye exams tailored to your needs.

We welcome you at 2885 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33129. Book your appointment now to discover how scleral lenses can enhance your vision and improve your quality of life.

Protect Your Vision with Regular Retinal Eye Exams

Faq’s

1. What are scleral lenses for keratoconus?

Scleral lenses for keratoconus are custom-made, large-diameter contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a smooth optical surface for clearer vision.

2. Why do standard contact lenses fail for keratoconus?

Soft or rigid lenses sit directly on the cornea. In keratoconus, the cornea is steep and irregular, making standard lenses unstable, uncomfortable, and less effective for vision correction.

3. How do scleral lenses improve vision for keratoconus patients?

The fluid-filled layer between the scleral lens and the cornea masks irregularities, providing sharper, more stable vision and continuous hydration throughout the day.

4. Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear?

Yes. Because scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and not the cornea, most patients find them more comfortable than traditional lenses, even with long wear.

5. Where can I get scleral lenses for keratoconus in Miami?

You can visit Eyes on Brickell, 2885 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33129. Dr. Antoine Copty and his team specialize in advanced eye care, including fitting scleral lenses for keratoconus.