About mini scleral contacts
By Renee Dietz
April, 2004
Scleral contact lenses were
among the first contact lenses ever
produced. These lenses rest on the sclera of
the eye, the white part that surrounds the
cornea, while regular lenses rest on the
more sensitive cornea. Scleral lenses offer
many benefits, especially to people who
suffer from keratoconus, a disease that
causes the cornea to become cone shaped.
Keratoconus sufferers experience a gradual
loss of sight, and many are eventually
forced to receive cornea transplants. Other
patients who benefit from scleral contact
lenses are those who are recovering from
injuries to their cornea.
Scleral contact lenses cover the entire
sclera and form a bridge over the cornea.
The advantages of this design are many.
Because the scleral contact lens extends
underneath the eyelid, the wearer will not
feel any discomfort when blinking. Modern
scleral lenses are gas permeable, which
ensures that the eye receives an adequate
supply of oxygen. Those who suffer from
corneal injuries of keratoconus often have
very sensitive corneas, and scleral contact
lenses provide relief because they cover the
cornea without actually touching it;
instead, a layer of tears underneath the
contact lens allows helps improve the
wearer's vision and shields the cornea.
Mini scleral contact lenses offer the same
benefits, but are easier to fit and insert.
Because they are smaller, more patients are
able to use them, especially over badly
misshapen corneas. They are also extremely
useful for applying medication evenly over
damaged corneas. You would "load" the
interior of the lens with medication, and
then you simply insert the lens as usual.
The layer of tears over the cornea helps to
deliver the medication evenly.
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