Scleral lens indications

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​Scleral lenses are powerful tools for a variety of patients.  These lenses are comfortable and easy to wear for patients of all ages.  In order to find the perfect fit, we utilize numerous diagnostic fitting sets, Eyeprint Pro custom molded scleral lenses, and topographically customized scleral devices.  There are many ocular conditions that benefit from scleral lenses. Here are some that we most frequently treat at Kirkwood Eye Associates.

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that effects roughly 1 in 2000 Americans according to the national institute of health.  It causes blurred vision that may not be correctable with standard spectacles or soft contact lenses.  Other symptoms can include glare, haloes, and rarely, pain.  Keratoconus is not an inherently blinding condition, but in its severe forms it can result in the need for a corneal transplant.  Scleral lenses offer keratoconic patients significant visual rehabilitation and are comfortable and stable.  They can be successful for nearly any patient, even those who have failed other contact lenses in the past like corneal gas permeable lenses and hybrid lenses.   They are also shown to reduce or alleviate the need for a corneal transplant.


Dry eye disease patients can do exceptionally well with scleral lenses.  Because these devices hold a layer of moisturizing tears against he ocular surface all day, they can offer relief from dry eye symptoms and improved quality of life.  Many studies highlight the reduction or discontinuation of the need for eye drops and medications, as well as improved visual acuity and visual stability.


Post corneal surgery patients (LASIK, Corneal Transplant, RK, PRK) can be left with corneal surface irregularities that prevent them from seeing as crisply as they would like, especially at night.  These irregularities cannot be corrected with spectacles, soft contact lenses or other surgeries.  Scleral lenses can give back the crisp 20/20 vision that allows you to see clearly at night or follow a golf ball off of the tee.


At Kirkwood Eye Associates, we have invested in the latest technology to fit scleral lenses.  We are one of the only practices in the state to offer Eyeprint custom molded scleral lenses that accurately match the ocular surface down to 2 microns.  We are one of the first to have a machine that utilizes complete scleral surface mapping to design lenses that are accurate down to 10 microns.  Both of these options far exceed the ability to fit with diagnostic lenses alone.  Call today to see if scleral lenses can change your life.