Do you struggle with blurry or distorted vision, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses? This could be a sign of keratoconus, a condition that affects the shape of your cornea. While traditional contact lenses often prove ineffective for keratoconus, scleral lenses offer a comfortable and effective solution for clear vision and improved quality of life. At Browz Eyeware, located in Calgary, we are dedicated to helping patients find solutions. We offer comprehensive eye examinations to diagnose keratoconus and guidance on scleral lenses, which provide clear vision and unparalleled comfort.
Let’s Have a Closer Look at the Condition
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye, thins and weakens, causing it to bulge outward. This irregular shape disrupts how light enters your eye, leading to blurry, distorted vision, halos, and light sensitivity. While the exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, it can develop in adolescence and progress over time.
Overcoming Limitations of Traditional Contacts with Specialty Lens Options
Traditional contact lenses, like the soft ones you might be familiar with, are often ineffective for keratoconus. Their flexibility makes it hard for them to fit the irregular corneal shape, which can cause discomfort and further blurring. While stiffer gas-permeable lenses and special piggyback combinations can sometimes offer some improvement, they might not be the best solution for everyone in terms of comfort and clear vision.
Scleral Lenses: A Game-Changer for Patients with Keratoconus
Scleral lenses represent a ray of hope for people dealing with vision challenges resulting from keratoconus. Unlike traditional lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger and "vault" over it, comfortably resting on the sclera, the white part of your eye. This ingenious design unlocks a world of benefits, including:
Sharper, steadier vision: By bypassing the irregular cornea, scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface. This translates to significantly improved vision clarity and stability, allowing you to see the world in a new light.
Enhanced comfort: Imagine a soothing cushion between your lens and your eye. That's the magic of scleral lenses. The fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea acts as a lubricating comfort shield, eliminating the irritation often associated with traditional lenses on an irregular cornea.
Reduced dry eye: Scleral lenses offer relief if dry eyes are a concern. They act like small dams, helping retain moisture in your eyes and keeping them feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Potential for extended wear: With improved comfort and stability, scleral lenses often allow for longer wear than other options. This translates to more freedom and less hassle in your daily life.
Who is a Candidate for Scleral Lenses?
Not everyone with keratoconus is a candidate for scleral lenses. Our eye doctors at Browz Eyeware will conduct a comprehensive examination to evaluate the severity of your keratoconus, corneal health, and tear production to determine if scleral lenses are right for you.
Personalized Lens Fitting For Optimal Comfort
Scleral lenses offer a remarkable solution for keratoconus, but unlike "one-size-fits-all" options, they require a personalized fitting process to maximize their benefits. Here's what you can expect:
Specialized Measurements
Meet Dr. George Fung, our dedicated eye doctor at Browz Eyeware. Dr. Fung will use corneal topography to design your lenses, a technology that precisely maps the shape and size of your cornea. This ensures the lenses "vault" over your cornea, allowing optimal light entry, stable positioning, and superior vision. Additionally, this mapping ensures all-day ocular hydration and increased comfort throughout the day.
Trial Lenses and Refinements
Finding the perfect fit is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it may involve trying different trial lenses. This collaborative process allows Dr. Fung to fine-tune the lens design based on your feedback, ensuring exceptional comfort and vision clarity.
Comprehensive Training and Support
Once the perfect fit is achieved, Dr. Fung and our team will provide thorough training on inserting, removing, and caring for your scleral lenses. They'll answer all your questions and guide you through the process, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.
Fitting scleral lenses is a collaborative journey between you and your eye doctor. By working together at Browz Eyeware, you can unlock the full potential of scleral lenses and experience the transformative power of seeing the world clearly again.
Don't Let Keratoconus Dim Your Vision
Keratoconus shouldn't hold you back. Schedule an appointment with Browz Eyeware in Calgary, Alberta. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve clear vision and optimal eye health. Let's explore if scleral lenses are the right fit for you!