FAQ’s By User Before Scleral Lenses Trial
1. How do scleral lenses work?
Most contact lenses sit on the corneal surface itself, scleral lenses are larger and wider resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). The lens then vaults over the cornea leaving a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the surface of the eye. This design helps hydrate the eye and compensates for irregularities in the shape of the corneal surface.
2. Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Initially, there may be a sense of awareness with scleral lenses or “knowing that the lens is there”. It can take some time to acclimate to this feeling, especially if you have never worn a contact lens before. In the long run most patients report that scleral lenses are more comfortable than other types of rigid lenses to the point where they are hardly noticeable. The design of scleral lenses helps reduce corneal irritation and keeps the eye hydrated and healthy. They are also custom-designed to fit the unique shape of each individual eye, factors that provide for all-day comfort.
3. Can I wear my scleral lenses overnight?
While some specialty contact lenses are suitable to wear overnight, scleral lenses are not. It is advised to remove them before going to bed each night.
4. How long will my scleral lenses last?
The answer to this question can vary depending on how vigilant you are about following your lens care regimen. In most cases, scleral lenses should have a similar lifespan to standard rigid contacts, which usually last between 3 to 4 years.
5. Are there any complications associated with wearing scleral lenses?
Any contact lens brings with it a risk of eye infections. However, these complications—when they do occur—are almost always a result of poor lens care or lens hygiene, rather than the fault of the lenses themselves. If you follow necessary lens care habits recommended by eye care practitioner you should have no reason for concern.
6. Any trouble while using scleral lenses during outdoor activities?
NO, there is no dust awareness during outdoor activities as scleral lenses cover the cornea completely (the coloured, most sensitive part of the eye) without touching it and rests on the sclera (the strong, white part of the eye).
7. Can scleral lenses fall out of the eye during outdoor/sports activities?
NO, scleral lenses gets attached to the sclera (white part of the eye) and create suction. Hence they don’t fall out or get displaced during any physical activities unless you are actively trying to remove them.
8. Can scleral break on falling out or during the cleaning process?
NO, scleral lenses cannot break after falling out on the floor until you step on them or apply extensive pressure on the lens during cleaning.
9. Any trouble with water splashes during face wash?
NO, the scleral lenses are attached and sealed at the sclera, hence there is no likelihood of lens displacement due to water splashing.
10. Can I rub the eyes while wearing scleral lenses?
NO, eye rubbing is not at all recommended as it may cause serious damage especially when you are wearing any type of rigid lenses. But yes, wearing scleral lenses will definitely reduce the itching sensation thereby reducing urge to rub the eyes, as it maintains a tear pool over the cornea, providing a soothing effect.
11. How many hours a day can I wear my scleral lenses?
Can I sleep with them?
Most patients wear their lenses all day, i.e., from the time they wake up until they prepare to go to sleep. Sleeping with the scleral lenses on for whole night is not at all recommended as it may leads to lack of oxygen to the cornea, congestion on the sclera and will turn the eye red. Changing the saline at specific intervals is recommended.
12. What is the life of a scleral lens, How do I know if I should replace them?
All Scleral lenses can last for many years (4-5 or more) if you take good care of them. You can replace them when your prescription changes, when they get badly scratched or your eye shape changes. Many patients replace them when they break or crack or gets scratched while cleaning the lenses.
13. Is there any dryness/itching problem while using scleral lenses?
NO, using scleral lenses will minimise the dryness and itching to the extent that it will not bother you and helps to improve the ocular health
14. How about my existing headache will react while using lenses?
There will be a drastic and immediate change in headache/strain incase it is related to your eyes condition.
15. Can scleral lenses be worn while working in the kitchen?
Working in kitchen, or next to stove or fire should not be a major concern.
16. Are my lenses visible on the eye to an observer?
Yes, on close observation scleral lenses can be identified.
17. Can I use my scleral lenses in swimming pool?
NO, any contact/scleral lenses are not at all recommended while swimming in the pool. As swimming pool water contains chlorine and dangerous bacteria which may affect serious ocular health.
18. Can I use scleral lenses during water sports/water park, sea beaches or scuba diving?
However, lenses can be used once in a while for water sports, scuba diving and rock climbing. Extra attention must be paid to hygiene and disinfection post activities.
19. Can I take shower with the lenses on?
YES, you can, but try to avoid it if not necessary. Regular contact of water with your lenses may invite deposition on lens surface and may affect lens performance.
20. Do I need to continue with my existing medication/eye drops along with lens wear?
YES, any prescribed eye drop is related to your ocular health not the lens wear. If you require eye drops for conditions such as glaucoma or allergies, it is recommended to be instilled at least 20-30 minutes prior to application of the lenses or after lenses are removed. Eye drop schedule may vary, please check with your eye care practitioner.
21. Does prolonged use leads to redness or irritation?
Once you are adapted to the lens, it will be comfortable and should not cause any such issues. However, in case of anything unusual, please contact your eye care practitioner.
22. Can I use make-up or lotions with my lenses?
YES, but insert the lenses prior to using makeup or facial products. If these products come in contact with the lens surface, it can disrupt the quality of vision. (Make up product should not be oil based, they should be water based). There are certain eye makeup products which have no reaction with your lens wearing, please check with your eye care practitioner.
23. I have small eyes. Will I have a problem during insertion and removal of scleral lenses?
All of our scleral lenses are truly customised for each individual eye. You will not have any difficulties during insertion and removal of your scleral lenses. We allow a great deal of time in not only fitting these unique lenses but also instructing our patients on the proper lens insertion and removal techniques.
24. Can I use scleral lenses while rock climbing or during extreme weather conditions?
YES, scleral lenses can be used during any weather conditions. It protects the most sensitive cornea from various environmental conditions.
25. Do I need to put my glasses over the lens?
A. NO, it is not necessary, but putting a zero number glasses/sunglasses over the lens while driving two wheeler will protect the lens surface dryness and maintain the lens moisture and wearing comfort.
B. YES, incase of lenticular astigmatism (cylindrical powers-which cannot be incorporated in lens surface) can be prescribed in a spectacle over the lens to enhance visual quality. But in such case your dependancy of spectacles will not be there.
26. Why do scleral lenses cost so much?
Scleral lenses are an investment as they last for 3-4 years. Part of the cost lies in the lens manufacturing technology, software, research and material itself.
27. What happens incase of change in my current prescription (which changes
frequently)? Do i need to get a new pair of scleral lenses?
The aim of prescribing scleral lenses is not to get rid of your spectacles. Scleral lenses reshape the irregular corneal surface by maintaining a saline reservoir over the cornea and the required power will be incorporated in the lens as per the requirement on the day of examination. Any change in refractive power (which could be after one year or more) can be prescribed in spectacle over the scleral lens.