A scleral lens, also known as a scleral contact lens, is a large contact lens that rests on the sclera and creates a tear-filled vault over the cornea. Scleral lenses are designed to treat a variety of eye conditions, many of which do not respond to other forms of treatment. - Wikipedia
Scleral contact lenses have been making a comeback in the last few years. With today's high oxygen transmission RGP materials contact lens fitters have an excellent option for irregular corneas, dry eyes, protection,and for medication delivery.
Scleral lenses were first used in the late 1880s and were manufactured using blown glass shells. The concept of holding a reservoir of fluid against the corneas to improve vision was first tried by Leonardo DaVinci in 1508. It was in the 1930s that molded glass lenses were used and in the 1940s PMMA was developed and used. The ability to lathe cut lenses opened up many opportunities to custom manufacture corneal lenses. The development of rigid gas permeable materials in the early 1980s gave fitters a material which produced good corneal health outcomes.These gas permeable materials soon after stimulated interest once again in scleral lenses.
A number of contact lens manufacturers now offer fitting systems and comprehensive instruction on the fitting of scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses were first used in the late 1880s and were manufactured using blown glass shells. The concept of holding a reservoir of fluid against the corneas to improve vision was first tried by Leonardo DaVinci in 1508. It was in the 1930s that molded glass lenses were used and in the 1940s PMMA was developed and used. The ability to lathe cut lenses opened up many opportunities to custom manufacture corneal lenses. The development of rigid gas permeable materials in the early 1980s gave fitters a material which produced good corneal health outcomes.These gas permeable materials soon after stimulated interest once again in scleral lenses.
A number of contact lens manufacturers now offer fitting systems and comprehensive instruction on the fitting of scleral lenses.
Fitting Scleral Lenses can be broken down into three areas that have an effect on each other when parameters are adjusted. Areas to be addressed in the following order:
- Central Clearance Zone
- Limbal Clearance Zone
- Landing Zone
Central Clearance Zone
Limbal Clearance Zone
Landing Zone
Will Scleral Lenses be used not only on compromised corneas but as a mainstream lens?
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