For many patients with complex eye conditions, traditional soft contact lenses can feel like a constant battle with irritation and poor clarity. If you have been told you are "hard to fit" or suffer from conditions like keratoconus, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, Dr. Curtis Frank specializes in fitting these advanced lenses to restore vision and comfort for our Boston community.
Unlike standard contact lenses that rest directly on the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable lenses that "vault" over the entire corneal surface. They rest on the sclera – the white part of the eye – which has far fewer nerve endings.
This design eliminates the friction and irritation often associated with traditional lenses. This vaulting technique creates a protective space that is particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneal shapes, providing a stable fit that doesn't shift or pop out during daily activities.
One of the most unique benefits of scleral lenses is the "liquid reservoir" they create. Before inserting the lens, the space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a preservative-free saline solution. This means your eye is constantly bathed in a soothing tear film throughout the day.
For patients with chronic dry eye syndrome, this provides a level of hydration that drops alone cannot achieve. This continuous hydration can not only improve comfort but also promote the healing of the corneal surface for those with ocular surface disease.
When the cornea is irregular, as is the case with keratoconus, light scatters as it enters the eye, leading to significant distortion and ghosting. Scleral lenses act as a new, perfectly smooth optical surface. By replacing the irregular cornea with the precise curve of the lens, they can provide 20/20 vision to patients who previously struggled with blurry or distorted sight.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, we utilize innovative technology like the OVITZ xwave system to further customize these lenses, ensuring the highest level of optical precision available.
If you’ve struggled with traditional contacts or have been diagnosed with an irregular cornea, scleral lenses could be the key to a better quality of life. To learn more about our specialty contact lens fittings, call Vision and Ortho-K Center to request an appointment today.
