For patients with keratoconus or severe dry eye, standard glasses and soft contact lenses may not always provide the vision or comfort they need. Irregular corneal shapes and an unstable tear film can lead to blurred vision, irritation, light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing traditional contacts. At Pilot Point Family Eye Care, we offer custom scleral lenses in Pilot Point, TX, for patients who need a more specialized approach to vision correction and ocular comfort.

How Keratoconus Affects Vision

Keratoconus occurs when the normally rounded cornea becomes thinner and develops a more cone-like shape. Because light can no longer focus evenly through the irregular corneal surface, patients may experience distorted or blurry vision, glare, halos, frequent prescription changes, and increased sensitivity to light.

Glasses may help during earlier stages, but as the corneal shape becomes more irregular, traditional correction may not provide consistently clear vision. Custom scleral lenses can create a smoother optical surface over the cornea to help improve visual clarity.

Why Scleral Lenses Are Different

Unlike standard contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera, which is the white portion of the eye. The lens vaults over the cornea instead of touching it.

Before insertion, the space between the lens and the cornea is filled with preservative-free saline. This design can provide several benefits, including:

•          More stable vision for irregular corneas

•          A fluid reservoir that continuously bathes the corneal surface

•          Reduced friction against sensitive corneal tissue

•          Improved comfort for patients with severe dry eye

•          A secure, customized fit for hard-to-fit eyes

Because scleral lenses create a new, smooth refractive surface, they can be particularly useful when keratoconus causes vision that fluctuates or remains distorted with glasses or traditional contacts.

Scleral Lenses for Severe Dry Eye

Severe dry eye can cause burning, grittiness, redness, fluctuating vision, and significant contact lens discomfort. When the corneal surface does not stay adequately lubricated, even routine activities such as working on a computer or spending time outdoors can become uncomfortable.

The saline reservoir beneath a scleral lens keeps fluid against the cornea while the lens is being worn. This can help protect the ocular surface and provide more consistent moisture throughout the day. For patients whose dry eye makes traditional contact lens wear difficult, custom scleral lenses may provide a combination of vision correction and surface protection.

A Customized Scleral Lens Fit Matters

Scleral lenses require more detailed measurements than standard contact lenses. We evaluate the shape and health of the cornea and ocular surface to determine how the lens should vault and where it should rest. Our technology includes corneal topography, which allows us to map the curvature of the eye and obtain detailed information for a more precise custom lens fit. We then evaluate vision, comfort, clearance, and lens positioning to fine-tune the design.

If keratoconus, severe dry eye, or an irregular cornea is making clear and comfortable vision difficult, schedule a contact lens exam with Pilot Point Family Eye Care to learn more about scleral lenses. Visit our office in Pilot Point, TX, or call (940) 248-9868 to book an appointment today.