Specialty Contact Lenses in Lombard, Illinois
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Our eyes are complex organs. They control the way light passes through to reach the retina so that a clear image is displayed. This image is then transformed into electric impulses, which will eventually reach our brain to ultimately create our vision.
While the visual process depends on numerous factors, the initial step relies on the cornea to center the rays of light toward the retina, however, when the corneas shape, curvature, or angle is irregular, our vision becomes distorted.
Scleral Lenses & Hybrid Lenses Can Help!
While standard refractive errors can be corrected with prescription lenses, whether through plus or minus powers (depending on nearsightedness or farsightedness), an irregular cornea as a result from an eye disease like keratoconus will often prevent prescription eyeglasses from directing the light to the cornea effectively.
However, through the usage of specialty contact lenses like scleral lenses or hybrid lenses, Dr. Matthew S. Hendrickson can correct the vision of an irregular cornea to ensure the light passing through the eye reaches its target, the retina. With various options available, we have fitted numerous specialty contact lenses for maximum comfort, clarity, and care.
Have distorted vision? Been told you can’t wear contacts?
Contact Dr. Matthew S. Hendrickson at Clarity Eye Care.
Patients from Village Park, IL and across Illinois travel to our practice for a specialty contact lens consultations.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Vision from scleral lenses is far better and more comfortable than glasses or contact lenses. The shape of your cornea determines how clearly you see, and glasses or regular lenses don't fix or reshape the cornea. These lenses, however, mask the cornea, giving you excellent vision.
If you've been told in the past that you cannot wear contact lenses because of an irregular cornea or other problems, you may want to get a second opinion and ask Dr. Matthew S. Hendrickson of Clarity Eye Care about scleral contact lenses.
The Most Comfortable Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
Scleral contacts are large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses specially designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the "white" of the eye (sclera). These extra large contacts replace the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface in order to correct vision problems caused by corneal irregularities like keratoconus. Also, the space between the cornea and the back surface of a scleral lens acts as a fluid reservoir to provide comfort for people with severe dry eyes who otherwise could not tolerate contact lens wear.
More complex conditions, including advanced keratoconus, pathologically dry eyes or severe ocular surface disease that might require a large tear reservoir, often are fitted with larger scleral lenses, as they have more capacity to hold fluid or bridge large changes in corneal curvature.
During your contact lens exam and fitting, your eye care professional will determine the best scleral lens type and size for your specific needs.
Scleral Lenses - Best Contacts for Keratoconus
Many optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend scleral contact lenses for a variety of hard-to-fit eyes, including eyes with keratoconus.
Because scleral lenses are designed to vault the corneal surface and rest on the less sensitive surface of the sclera, these lenses often are more comfortable for a person with keratoconus. Also, scleral lenses are designed to fit with little or no lens movement during blinks, making them more stable on the eye, compared with traditional corneal gas permeable lenses.
Most insurance programs do not automatically cover the full cost of scleral contact lenses. In some cases, vision insurance may reduce the cost of your lenses and/or fitting fee. In other instances, contacting your medical insurance provider and inquiring what steps are necessary to obtain coverage can be helpful. Ask the eye doctor’s office for details.