Scleral Lenses for High Myopia and Astigmatism

Scleral lenses are a great solution that provides exceptional vision correction in patients with high myopia (above -5.00D) and astigmatism, whether by birth, due to post-refractive surgery, or other corneal procedures.

High Myopia (or short-sighted) is generally when your glasses prescription is above -5.00D.

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by irregular corneal curvature, resulting in blurred and distorted vision.

Scleral lenses allow high myopic and astigmatic patients to experience improved visual acuity and comfort while keeping eyes hydrated all day.

If you have been told that your high myopia or astigmatism is too severe to wear contacts, ask Dr. Alexa Ives about scleral contact lenses. At the Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville, we work hard to give each patient a superior contact lens fit and know that these lenses can truly make a difference in our patients’ lives.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

The abnormal cornea causes light to enter unequally onto the retina, which results in blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, squinting and eye irritation. People are either born with this condition or can develop it later in life.

This condition typically occurs with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) and can be easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam.

Can People With High Myopia and Astigmatism Wear Contact Lenses?

Yes!

Many times high myopia or severe astigmatism, the corneal distortion is too severe to be compensated for properly by soft or regular hard contact lenses, which simply conform to the irregular shape of the cornea.

Scleral lenses, on the other hand, sit on the sclera – not the cornea. They are rigid and maintain their shape regardless of the corneal dimensions. This allows the eye to properly focus light and thus ensures the sharp vision and exceptional comfort.

Furthermore, the liquid reservoir that is underneath the scleral lens ensures a comfortable fit whilst hydrating the eye.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses get their name from the way they fit on the eye. The sclera is the white part of the eye, and these lenses rest on the sclera while the lens itself vaults over the cornea.

Scleral lenses have become an important therapeutic strategy in the visual rehabilitation of patients with irregular corneas, such as high myopia and astigmatism. The liquid reservoir between the lens and the cornea neutralizes astigmatism and provides a continuous moist environment that protects the cornea from exposure to air and friction from blinking.

Scleral lenses offer better comfort, breathability and improved visual acuity due to their rigid optical surface and a shape designed specifically for each patient’s eye. We have found that for our patients with astigmatism, scleral lenses have proven to be the best solution in providing sharp and comfortable vision all day long.

Are Scleral Lenses Worth It?

Scleral lenses are custom-fit to each eye, and though the fees for fitting scleral and the cost of the lenses are higher than traditional lenses, their life span and benefits offset the costs.

Coverage rates and restrictions vary among providers, and if considered a medical necessity, many insurance companies will cover the cost of scleral lenses.

Specialized optometrists, such as Dr. Alexa Ives, are trained in fitting scleral lenses for excellent, effective vision correction, and help patients with high myopia and astigmatism and other corneal irregularities enjoy great vision and comfort with specialty lenses.

Our practice serves patients from Murrysville, West Newton, Delmont, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.

TESTIMONIAL:

“ I went to the Ives Eyecare Center for my astigmatism, and I’m so grateful to the staff and doctors for their thorough care! They meticulously fitted me for scleral lenses, and now I can not only see well, but I tend to forget I’m wearing lenses. They’re so very comfortable! “

Our practice serves patients from Murrysville, West Newton, Delmont, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.

Learn More About Scleral Lenses