– Mini-scleral Lenses –
Unfortunately, there are some eye diseases that affect the shape of the cornea, which is the clear domed tissue that covers the coloured part (or iris) of the eye’s surface. If this tissue is damaged (scarred) or thinned (from a disease like keratoconus), it loses its round shape and becomes asymmetrical. This irregular corneal shape will distort vision and, unlike being short-sighted or long-sighted, this vision blur cannot be corrected with glasses.
In order to rehabilitate vision, a contact lens made from a rigid material is fitted to the eye. Clear vision is restored because the tear film trapped under the lens neutralises the corneal irregularity and the perfect symmetrical round shape of the rigid contact lens provides a clear image for the retina once more.
What are Mini-Scleral Lenses?
Mini-scleral lenses are large diameter rigid lenses that are used to rehabilitate vision when the corneal shape is distorted from disease, scarring or after a corneal graft procedure. These lenses are bigger than the cornea, usually about 15-18mm in diameter, and fitted flush on the sclera (the white of the eye), vaulting the damaged or distorted cornea.
Mini-scleral lenses are inserted with special non-preserved fluid beneath them, which stays trapped beneath the lens all day. This is also of great benefit to those who have dry eyes, as this trapped reservoir of tears beneath a mini-scleral lens can alleviate dry eye symptoms and be used to help treat this often-debilitating eye condition as well.
Like other rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, mini-scleral lenses are highly customised to achieve optimum vision, comfort and ocular health, and are only fitted in practices that have a special interest in contact lenses. Fitting mini-scleral lenses can be a complicated process and require multiple fitting appointments and sometimes lens exchanges. They also required different handling techniques to insert and remove the lenses compared to smaller RGP or soft lenses.
The process to fit mini-scleral lenses and the techniques involved in handling these lenses will all be discussed with you in detail at the time of your first fitting appointment. By the time your final lens is dispensed, you can trust that we will achieve together the very best vision and comfort that our latest technology can provide.
