For many people with complex vision needs, finding the right eye care professional to prescribe scleral lenses can feel overwhelming. As someone who has worked extensively with patients seeking specialized contact lens solutions, I understand the importance of connecting with qualified practitioners who have experience with these unique gas-permeable lenses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about who can prescribe scleral lenses, their qualifications, and how to find the right provider for your specific needs. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or looking to switch providers, this information will help you make an informed decision about your eye care.
Understanding Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are specialized gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over your entire cornea and rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera). Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on your cornea, these larger-diameter lenses create a fluid-filled space between the lens and your eye’s surface. This unique design provides superior comfort and vision correction while protecting your cornea from irritation.
Conditions Treated
- Keratoconus: If you have this progressive eye condition that causes your cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape, it can provide stable vision correction and prevent further deterioration.
- Post-Corneal Transplant: After undergoing a corneal transplant, your eye may have irregular astigmatism that standard contact lenses can’t correct. Scleral lenses can provide the precise vision correction you need during recovery.
- Severe Dry Eye Syndrome: These lenses create a fluid reservoir that keeps your eyes consistently hydrated throughout the day, making them an excellent solution for chronic dry eye conditions.
- Irregular Corneas: Whether from surgery, injury, or other conditions, if your cornea has an irregular shape, these lenses can provide better vision correction than traditional contact lenses or glasses.
Optometrists vs. ophthalmologists: who does what?
When it comes to prescribing specialized lenses, both optometrists and ophthalmologists can provide this service, but they need specific training and expertise in specialty contact lens fitting. Most scleral lens fittings are performed by optometrists who have completed additional training in specialty contact lenses, though some ophthalmologists also offer this service.
What are optometrists?
Optometrists are primary eye care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage various eye conditions and vision problems. We complete a four-year doctoral program in optometry after earning our undergraduate degree. When it comes to scleral lenses, many optometrists pursue additional training to become specialists in this area. Here are our main responsibilities:
- Performing comprehensive eye examinations
- Diagnosing and treating eye conditions
- Prescribing and fitting all types of contact lenses
- Managing chronic eye conditions
- Providing pre-and post-operative care
- Prescribing medications for certain eye conditions
What are ophthalmologists?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. They complete medical school followed by a residency in ophthalmology, making them qualified to perform eye surgery in addition to providing comprehensive eye care. Their main responsibilities include:
- Performing eye surgery
- Diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases
- Prescribing medications
- Conducting scientific research on eye conditions
- Providing comprehensive eye care
- Treating trauma and injuries to the eye
Required Expertise for Prescribing Scleral Lenses
Prescribing these lenses requires specialized knowledge and equipment beyond what’s needed for standard contact lens fittings. Eye care professionals who fit scleral lenses must have extensive experience in managing complex corneal conditions and understanding the unique challenges of gas-permeable lens fitting.
- Advanced Corneal Mapping Technology: Providers must be proficient in using corneal topographers and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) devices to create detailed maps of your eye’s surface for proper lens fitting.
- Gas-Permeable Lens Fitting Experience: Extensive experience with rigid gas-permeable lenses is crucial, as these lenses require precise fitting techniques and parameters.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Each patient’s eyes are unique, requiring the ability to troubleshoot fitting issues and make precise adjustments to achieve optimal comfort and vision.
- Understanding of Ocular Surface Disease: Knowledge of various corneal conditions and how they affect lens fitting is essential for successful outcomes.
- Ongoing Education: Providers should regularly participate in continuing education specific to specialty contact lenses to stay current with the latest developments and techniques.
Visiting a Scleral Lens Specialist
When it comes to scleral lenses, working with a specialist can make all the difference in your vision outcomes. As someone who has helped many patients through this process, I can tell you that specialists have the advanced training and equipment needed to properly fit these complex lenses. They understand the nuances of corneal conditions and can provide personalized care that addresses your specific vision needs.
Signs You Should Get Scleral Lenses
- Failed Traditional Contacts: If you’ve struggled with conventional contact lenses due to discomfort or poor vision, scleral lenses might offer a better solution.
- Recent Corneal Surgery: After procedures like corneal transplants or LASIK, your cornea may require the protection and vision correction that scleral lenses provide.
- Progressive Vision Changes: Conditions like keratoconus can cause your vision to deteriorate with standard corrective options, making scleral lenses a necessary alternative.
- Chronic Eye Dryness: If you experience persistent dry eye symptoms that aren’t relieved by traditional treatments, the moisture reservoir in scleral lenses could provide significant relief.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first visit for scleral lenses involves several important steps to ensure you get the perfect fit. As a specialist who has guided countless patients through this process, I want to help you feel prepared and comfortable. The initial consultation typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours, as we need to perform comprehensive testing and measurements to create your custom lens design.
- Comprehensive Eye Examination The process begins with a thorough eye exam to evaluate your overall eye health and vision needs. I’ll review your medical history and examine your corneas for any conditions that might affect your scleral lens fit.
- Corneal Mapping Using advanced technology like corneal topography and OCT imaging, I’ll create detailed maps of your eye’s surface. These precise measurements help me design scleral lenses that perfectly match the unique shape of your eyes.
- Diagnostic Lens Fitting I’ll select initial diagnostic lenses based on your measurements and have you try them on. This helps determine the ideal lens parameters for your eyes and allows you to experience how scleral lenses feel.
- Vision Assessment Once the diagnostic lenses are in place, we’ll evaluate your vision and make any necessary adjustments to the prescription. This ensures your scleral lenses will provide the clearest possible vision.
- Training Session I’ll teach you proper insertion and removal techniques using your diagnostic lenses. We’ll practice together until you feel confident handling your lenses independently.
- Care Instructions You’ll receive detailed instructions about cleaning, storing, and maintaining your scleral lenses. I’ll demonstrate proper care techniques and provide you with written guidelines to reference at home.
- Ordering Custom Lenses Based on all the data collected, I’ll order your custom scleral lenses. The manufacturing process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up Schedule We’ll set up a series of follow-up appointments to check the fit and comfort of your new lenses. These visits are crucial for ensuring your eyes are adapting well to the lenses and making any necessary adjustments.
Caring for Your Scleral Lenses: Tips and Guidelines
Proper care of your scleral lenses is crucial for maintaining both lens performance and eye health. As your eye care provider, I emphasize that following the recommended cleaning and maintenance routine will extend the life of your lenses and prevent potential complications. Regular maintenance helps ensure your scleral lenses continue to provide clear vision and optimal comfort.
Tips and Guidelines
- Daily Cleaning: Use only approved solutions to clean and disinfect your lenses every day. I recommend a preservative-free saline solution for filling the lens bowl before insertion.
- Proper Handling: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Use lint-free towels to dry your hands to avoid contamination.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended to monitor your eye health and lens fit. These visits allow me to address any concerns before they become problems.
- Storage Solutions: Store your lenses in fresh solution every night, and never reuse the solution or top off old solution.
- Replacement Schedule: Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your specific lenses to maintain optimal vision and comfort.
Conclusion
Finding the right eye care professional is crucial for achieving better vision and eye health. As a specialized contact lens provider, I understand the impact that properly fitted scleral lenses can have on your quality of life. The right care and maintenance routine will ensure long-lasting success with your lenses.
I encourage you to schedule an appointment with Vision i Care to discuss whether scleral lenses are right for you. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay connected for more eyecare health tips and strategies. Your journey to better vision starts with finding the right care partner.
