There are lots of different type of contact lenses, but many people still haven’t heard about scleral lenses. Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter contacts, made from gas-permeable material and that are usually recommended for patients with certain conditions that mean that regular contact lenses won’t fit them well. They may take some getting used to, but patients who choose them can enjoy crisp, clear vision using lenses that fit them well and feel comfortable.

Want to know more? Here are 5 things you probably don’t know about scleral lenses.  

Scleral lenses were the first type of contact lens ever made

Many people are very surprised to learn that scleral lenses actually date as far back the early 1880s and were the first type of contact lenses ever created. Back then, they were made from blown glass – not something you would want to put in your eye now! They also weren’t oxygen permeable which made them bad news for healthy corneas, causing the eyes to become dry, dehydrated and painful. It didn’t take long for them to fall out of favor. Fortunately, the materials and technologies that we have now mean that scleral lenses are rigid and gas permeable, making them much more comfortable and healthier for the eyes. 

Scleral lenses are more comfortable than they look

Scleral lenses come in a variety of sizes, but all are larger than conventional contact lenses. This can make some people think that they are uncomfortable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While the rigidity of the lens can take some getting used to, the large size of scleral lenses means that they are actually more stable on the eyes since they stay tucked under the eyelids, meaning that they move around less. This makes scleral lenses surprisingly comfortable. 

Scleral lenses are versatile

Scleral lenses are also one of the most versatile types of contact lens currently available. Not only are they suitable when conventional contact lenses aren’t, but they are actually the most effective type of contact lens for people with a variety of different eye issues. This includes people with corneal abnormalities, like keratoconus which causes the cornea to bulge outwards and prevents normal contact lenses from fitting well. It also includes people with dry eye – a condition that occurs when the amount of tear film being produced, or it’s quality, become compromised. 

Scleral lenses have a bespoke design

Unlike conventional contact lenses, which may come in a variety of prescriptions to meet your needs, but have a standard, one-size-fits-all approach, scleral lenses are bespoke and created with the exact specifications needed to fit your eyes perfectly.  

Scleral lenses won’t break the bank

Their unique and customized design means that many people think that scleral lenses will be outside of their budget. After all, there is more work involved in designing and creating them. However, patients are often pleasantly surprised to find that scleral lenses aren’t extremely expensive and, in many cases, are actually covered by insurance (check your policy for details).  

If you would like more information about scleral lenses, or to schedule an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for this effective eyecare solution, visit Federal Hill Eye Care and call (410) 752-8208 today.