Most people can achieve clear vision with standard glasses or contact lenses. However, there are certain eye conditions where these traditional options fall short. If you’ve been told that your vision can’t be corrected with regular eyewear, you may be dealing with more complex issues like keratoconus, corneal transplants, or severe dry eye. At Arlington Vision Source, we specialize in advanced vision correction options like scleral lenses, designed to help patients with these conditions see clearly again.
Understanding Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface of your eye) gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape. This distortion causes blurry and distorted vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or regular contact lenses. As keratoconus progresses, patients often experience increasing difficulty with tasks like reading or driving, as their vision becomes more impaired. Traditional lenses are not effective because they cannot accommodate the irregular shape of the cornea.
How Scleral Lenses Help: Scleral lenses are specially designed for people with keratoconus. These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea, creating a smooth optical surface while resting on the less sensitive white part of the eye (the sclera). The space between the lens and cornea fills with tears, providing both comfort and sharp vision. Scleral lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each patient's eyes, making them an ideal solution for those who have struggled with other forms of vision correction.
Corneal Transplants and Vision Challenges: Patients who have undergone a corneal transplant may also find that their vision cannot be fully corrected with traditional glasses or contacts. Following surgery, the new corneal tissue may heal unevenly, leading to irregular astigmatism. This condition can cause distorted or blurred vision. Like keratoconus, these patients can benefit from scleral lenses, which provide a stable, comfortable solution that corrects the irregularities caused by corneal transplants.
Severe Dry Eye and Vision Problems: Severe dry eye is another condition where traditional contacts or glasses might not be enough. For patients with dry eye, wearing regular contact lenses can be painful, and glasses might not address all of their visual needs. Scleral lenses not only correct vision but also act as a barrier, protecting the surface of the eye and providing a continuous reservoir of moisture, which can be particularly helpful for those suffering from dry eye symptoms.
At Arlington Vision Source, our experienced optometrists specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients with keratoconus, corneal transplants, severe dry eye, and other complex conditions. If you’ve been told that regular glasses or contacts can’t fully correct your vision, schedule an appointment with us today to explore advanced treatment options that can help restore your sight and improve your quality of life.