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Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Keratoconus (keh-rah-toe-cone-us) is a non-inflammatory eye disorder in which the round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop.

Hence the name keratoconus, from the Greek word ‘kerato’ (cornea) and ‘conus’ (cone-shaped).

Because those with keratoconus have irregular, cone-shaped corneas, glasses cannot conform to the shape of the eyes and thus cannot adequately correct the patients’ vision. The best solution, therefore, is scleral contact lenses, since they sit on the sclera without touching the cornea and deliver maximal clarity while being perfectly comfortable in most cases.

What are Scleral Lenses?

what are scleral lensesCustom-designed scleral lenses help patients with corneal irregularities achieve dramatic improvements in visual acuity and comfort. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera while avoiding the diseased cornea. This creates a new optical surface instead of the damaged cornea and prevents discomfort by resting on the sclera of the eye. Moreover, the reservoir of pure saline solution between the back surface of the lens and the front of the cornea ensures that the eye is always in a liquid environment – making it optimal for healing.

Both rigid gas permeable (GP) lenses and scleral lenses provide the eyes with sufficient oxygen. However, scleral lenses provide more comfort and stable vision than traditional GP lenses. In most cases, scleral contact lenses are the optimal choice of treatment for patients with keratoconus and irregularly-shaped corneas.

If you have Keratoconus and are interested in scleral lenses, Dr. David Yesnick at Yesnick Vision Center can help. We serve patients from all over Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin and Henderson, Nevada and provides the highest level of care.

Two Major Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

1) Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort

Our patients report comfort as the most prominent feature of the scleral lens. Throughout the fitting process, we survey our patients on how the lenses feel, and not surprisingly, the usual response we get is “fine” or “I can’t feel them at all”.

The size of a scleral lens is one of the reasons it is more comfortable than a traditional gas permeable contact lens. A traditional contact lens is much smaller, typically 9 -10 mm in diameter. With each blink, this contact lens moves a bit over the cornea and the lid tends to roll over the edge of the lens as well. Many patients report being unable to wear them for more than a few hours at a time due to discomfort.

The scleral lens, on the other hand, is larger in diameter and spreads its weight over a much greater, less sensitive area so that when you blink, the eyelid doesn’t catch the edge of the lens. Moreover, because the lens vaults over the bulging cornea, it protects the cornea from any abrasion caused by blinking or external irritants. Furthermore, the scleral lens is made up of highly oxygen permeable materials and provides a soothing bath of artificial tears that refresh the ocular surface.

2) Scleral Lenses Offer Improved Vision

Patients with keratoconus have a clearer vision with scleral lenses than with glasses. With glasses, patients usually see 20/200, whereas with scleral lenses their vision typically improves to 20/30 or even 20/20. Furthermore, because the lenses sit firmly on the eye, they offer more stable vision than traditional lenses. The scleral lens not only offers comfort but also improves vision acuity.

What Changes Will I Notice with Scleral Lenses?

Once you have been properly fitted for scleral lenses, you can expect to gradually see improvements in clarity, color and detailed contrast between multiple images and objects within your visual field. The comfort you’ll experience will enable you to wear your custom-made scleral lenses all day long so that you can keep doing all the things you enjoy – but with better vision.

Should I See An Eye Doctor Experienced in Fitting Keratoconus Patients with Scleral Lenses?

improved vision with scleral lensesIf you are interested in seeing whether scleral lenses are right for you, make sure that the eye doctor you visit has the knowledge and experience required to correctly fit the lenses on patients with keratoconus. Scleral lenses require precise customization, and every patient’s case of keratoconus varies in degrees of severity and corneal measurements.

To check if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses, contact us at The Yesnick Vision Center. Our staff has the expertise in fitting specialty contact lenses. Call or book online and regain your quality of life.

Our practice serves patients from Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, and Henderson, Nevada and surrounding communities.

“I loved my visit from start to finish. The Yesnick Vision Center staff is friendly, caring and knowledgeable. The eye exam that I had for keratoconus was incredibly thorough and Dr. David Yesnick explained all the results very clearly. He fitted me for scleral lenses, and now my eyes feel so comfortable that I frequently forget that I’m wearing contact lenses.“

REFERENCES:

Ariela Gordon‐Shaag, Michel Millodot, Igor Kaiserman, Tzahi Sela, Guy Barnett Itzhaki, Yaffa Zerbib, Efrat Matityahu, Shira Shkedi, Svetlana Miroshnichenko and Einat Shneor, Risk factors for keratoconus in Israel: a case–control study, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 35, 6, (673-681), (2015).

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Reviews
Yesnick Vision Center is thee best place for all your optical needs! I only wished I discovered his practice sooner since moving from NorCal. Before Dr. Yesnick I’ve had a 30+ year relationship with my previous Optometrist and I am confident that I’ve finally found my next Optometrist for the next 30+ years. Dr. Yesnick and his staff are absolutely a class act. Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personable. The optical equipment they have is state of the art, the office/facility very clean and well organized. Best part is that they have a HUGE selection of eyeglass frames to choose from.
8 hours ago
- Steve S.
Sometimes God places angels right here on Earth. Sight is sometimes taken for granted but if you lose it, it changes your life. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism with my husband and my son. A pure miracle when all hope was lost. I am so grateful for the doctors and the staff and their commitment to help people see again. I look forward to working together to change lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I would recommend this facility to anyone struggling with low vision.
14 hours ago
- Roxanne N.
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
7 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
1 week ago
- Robert T.
I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
2 weeks ago
- Yvonne R.