Scleral Lenses for Corneal Disease
Designed to arch over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), scleral lenses create a soothing cushion of moisture that brings relief and clarity when other options fail.
Dr. Kiarash Bassiri and our team will fit each scleral lens and take the time to educate you on every step of the process. We’re not here to sell you products you don’t need. Fusion Eye Care conveniently in Raleigh is ready to help you see more clearly and comfortably.
What is the Cornea, and What Does it Do?
The cornea is the transparent outer layer of your eye that helps focus light. Think of it like the windshield of a car—transparent, protective, and essential for a clear view.
When your cornea is smooth and healthy, light enters your eye properly, and your vision stays sharp. But when it’s misshapen or damaged, things can get blurry, distorted, or even painful.
Corneal Conditions, Disorders, and Diseases
The cornea plays a significant role in how we see—it’s the clear, dome-shaped surface that helps bend and focus light. But when the cornea becomes misshapen, swollen, or damaged, it can disrupt your vision and comfort.
Some of the most common corneal conditions we treat include:
- Keratoconus: This progressive eye condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape. That distortion leads to blurry or fluctuating vision, often making standard glasses or soft contact lenses ineffective. Keratoconus typically starts in the teenage years or early adulthood and can worsen over time without proper treatment.
- Corneal Ectasia: Often confused with keratoconus, ectasia can also develop after refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK. It weakens the cornea and causes irregular curvature, resulting in distorted vision and light sensitivity. Early detection is key to managing its progression.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: This inherited condition affects the innermost layer of the cornea, leading to swelling, cloudy vision, and glare—especially in the morning. It often develops slowly and can impact comfort and visual clarity as it progresses.
- Corneal Scarring: Injuries, infections, or previous surgeries can leave lasting marks on the cornea. Even small scars can scatter light as it enters the eye, creating blurred or hazy vision.
- Post-Surgical Corneal Irregularity: Procedures like LASIK, corneal transplants, or radial keratotomy (RK) may cause irregular corneal shape. This can lead to persistent issues with glare, halos, or unstable vision—especially at night.
- Dry Eye-Related Surface Damage: Chronic dry eye doesn’t just cause discomfort—it can also damage the surface of the cornea over time. In severe cases, dryness leads to irritation, inflammation, and even tiny erosions that affect how well the eye can focus.
- Keratitis: This inflammation can come from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Neurotrophic keratitis, a more serious form, can lead to ulcers and perforations.
These conditions don’t just impact your eyesight—they affect how you feel, function, and have confidence in your vision.
Can Scleral Lenses Help Lower the Risks of Corneal Disease
Protecting your corneas starts with smart habits and proactive care. Here’s how scleral contact lenses fit into that picture:
- Barrier Protection: Their large size shields your eyes from dust, debris, and allergens.
- Moisture Retention: The built-in fluid reservoir keeps the corneal surface hydrated and protected.
- Less Friction: Because they don’t rest directly on the cornea, there’s less risk of rubbing or irritation.
- Stable Vision: By creating a smooth surface, scleral lenses reduce the visual distortion caused by irregular corneas.
Of course, not all corneal damage is preventable. But catching issues early and managing them with the right tools—like scleral lenses—can make all the difference.
How Scleral Lenses Help Treat Corneal Disease
Traditional contact lenses may no longer work when your cornea isn’t shaped as it should be—or has been damaged. That’s where scleral lenses come in.
They Vault Over the Cornea
Instead of sitting directly on the damaged corneal tissue, scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye. This vault creates a space filled with sterile saline that cushions the cornea all day.
They Create a Smooth Optical Surface
If your cornea is uneven (as with keratoconus or scarring), these lenses provide a consistent surface that helps you see more clearly. The light enters your eye the way it’s supposed to—no more distortions.
They Keep Your Eyes Moist
Each time you insert a scleral lens, you fill it with preservative-free saline. This acts like a mini moisture chamber, relieving dryness and protecting sensitive eye tissues.
They’re Custom Designed
Dr Bassiri uses advanced digital scans to create scleral lenses that match the unique shape of your eyes. We take multiple measurements to ensure the fit is right because comfort matters as much as clarity.
They’re Long-Lasting
Scleral lenses are made from durable gas-permeable materials that allow your eyes to breathe while resisting buildup and wear. With the proper care, they can last a long time—saving you time and stress.
Feel Comfortable in Your Vision Again with Scleral Lenses from Fusion Eye Care
If you’ve struggled with eye pain, blurry vision, or contact lenses that never seem to fit quite right, these gas-permeable contact lenses could be your answer. At Fusion Eye Care, we take a hands-on, thoughtful approach to fitting these lenses—because your eyes deserve more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Dr. Bassiri will walk you through every step of the process and take the time to answer your questions. From diagnosing complex corneal conditions to crafting a lens that feels like it was made just for you (because it was), we’re here to help you get back to seeing your best.
Our practice serves patients from Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Durham, North Carolina and surrounding communities.References:
- https://nkcf.org/about-keratoconus/how-the-human-eye-works/
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/corneal-conditions
