The Power of Scleral Lenses: Overcoming Vision Loss from Keratoconus

Overview

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the transformative power of scleral lenses, a revolutionary solution for individuals suffering from Keratoconus. We explore the mechanics of Keratoconus, a debilitating eye condition, and the significant role scleral lenses play in providing relief and restoring vision. We also shed light on the pioneering work of Dr. Edward Boshnick in the realm of scleral lenses. Get ready to embark on a journey to understanding how innovations in optometry can bring about life-changing vision correction.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Keratoconus
3. Introduction to Scleral Lenses
4. Scleral Lenses and Keratoconus: A Perfect Match
5. Dr. Edward Boshnick: An Innovator of Scleral Lenses
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to an enlightening journey where science meets ingenuity, and lives are forever transformed. Today, we unravel the magic of scleral lenses in the treatment of a progressive eye disease – Keratoconus. This condition, characterized by a conical protrusion of the cornea, distorts vision and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

In our ceaseless pursuit of knowledge, we turn to cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions that can restore lost vision. Among these life-altering innovations is the groundbreaking development of scleral lenses – contact lenses designed to vault over the irregular cornea and rest on the sclera, or the white part of the eye. Scleral lenses offer a new lease of life to those with keratoconus by dramatically improving their vision.

This in-depth guide will walk you through the basics of Keratoconus, the intricacies of scleral lenses, and the phenomenal impact of these lenses on the lives of individuals with Keratoconus. We’ll also delve into the significant contributions of Dr. Edward Boshnick, a trailblazer in the world of scleral lens technology.

With scleral lenses, the possibilities are endless. Whether you or a loved one are grappling with Keratoconus or you’re a health professional keen on expanding your knowledge, this guide provides invaluable insights into the revolutionary world of scleral lenses.

As you navigate through this informative piece, be sure to visit our About Us page to learn more about our commitment to pushing the boundaries of vision correction. You can also explore our detailed sections on Keratoconus and Scleral Lenses for an even more in-depth understanding. We’re excited to share this journey with you. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus, derived from the Greek words “kerato” meaning cornea, and “konos” meaning cone, is a degenerative eye disorder that causes the cornea to thin and gradually bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This deformation disrupts the light’s path into the eye and the retina, leading to distorted and blurry vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism, and light sensitivity.

This progressive eye disease generally manifests in the early teens to the late twenties, subtly deteriorating vision. The exact cause of Keratoconus remains uncertain, although it’s believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors plays a significant role. The onset can be associated with incessant eye rubbing, allergies, or it may be passed down genetically.

For an individual suffering from Keratoconus, daily tasks like reading, driving, or even recognizing faces can be daunting. It’s not just a matter of clarity; it’s about a gradual loss of life’s details, colors, and vibrancy.

While Keratoconus affects everyone differently, common symptoms include progressively worsening vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, and double vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, a thorough examination by an experienced optometrist is recommended. You can learn more about the condition on our dedicated Keratoconus page.

Now that we’ve delved into the essence of Keratoconus, let’s illuminate the beacon of hope that comes in the form of Scleral Lenses. How do they work, and why are they the perfect match for this complex corneal condition? Read on to discover the fascinating details.

Introduction to Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses, named for the sclera, or white part of the eye, are a specialized contact lens designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). Due to their size and shape, they function differently from regular contact lenses. Rather than interacting with the cornea, scleral lenses create a tear-filled vault over it. This unique design allows scleral lenses to correct vision irregularities caused by conditions like Keratoconus by providing a smooth refractive surface, which corrects the distorted vision caused by an irregular cornea.

These innovative lenses are made of highly oxygen-permeable materials and have a diameter larger than typical contact lenses. They provide superior comfort as they do not touch the cornea, reducing the risk of corneal abrasions and discomfort. Additionally, the tear reservoir trapped beneath the lens can help soothe and hydrate a dry eye, offering relief to individuals experiencing dry eye syndrome.

Scleral lenses are custom-fit for each individual’s unique eye shape and vision needs. The fitting process involves detailed measurements of the eye surface and careful lens selection to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and visual acuity. For a closer look at this process, you can refer to our Scleral Lenses page.

Beyond doubt, Scleral lenses serve as an exceptional vision correction tool, yet their efficacy is exceptionally apparent in cases of corneal irregularities, like Keratoconus. Let’s examine this intriguing correlation further in the following section.

Scleral Lenses and Keratoconus: A Perfect Match

Look How Easy It Is To Insert A Scleral Lens

Keratoconus creates a unique set of challenges when it comes to vision correction. Traditional methods like eyeglasses and regular contact lenses often fall short because they cannot adapt to the irregular corneal surface that typifies this condition. Enter scleral lenses – a ground-breaking solution that’s changing the game for individuals grappling with Keratoconus.

Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea, avoiding direct contact. This design ensures that the lens’s back surface mirrors the irregularities of the cornea, while the front surface remains perfectly smooth. The result is dramatically improved vision since light can now enter the eye without being distorted by a misshapen cornea. As the lens is filled with a saline solution before insertion, it also provides a continuous bath of fluid to the eye, increasing comfort, particularly for those who experience dry eyes – a common symptom associated with Keratoconus.

What makes this pairing even more powerful is the custom-fit design of scleral lenses. Advanced technology, such as the Visante Optical Coherence Tomographer, allows eye care professionals to capture precise measurements of the eye’s surface. This data is then used to design a lens that provides an ideal fit, optimizing vision correction and comfort. To understand this technology better, visit our Visante Optical Coherence Tomography page.

Real-world experiences and research underscore the effectiveness of scleral lenses for Keratoconus. Patients report significant improvements in visual acuity, quality of life, and lens comfort. Scleral lenses have shown to be a stable, safe, and reliable form of vision correction for individuals with Keratoconus, marking a significant advancement in the field of optometry. In fact, in many cases, scleral lenses have helped patients avoid invasive procedures, such as corneal transplants, representing not only a non-surgical alternative but one that offers exceptional visual results.

Dr. Edward Boshnick: An Innovator of Scleral Lenses

When it comes to pioneering work in the field of scleral lenses, one name that deserves special recognition is Dr. Edward Boshnick. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Boshnick has devoted his professional life to providing state-of-the-art vision correction solutions, specializing in hard-to-fit cases such as those with Keratoconus.

Based in Miami, Dr. Boshnick has built a reputation for his expertise in utilizing and innovating scleral lens technology to treat complex corneal conditions. His work goes beyond merely prescribing scleral lenses. Dr. Boshnick has been instrumental in leveraging advanced technologies like the EyePrintPRO, a device that creates a 3D model of the ocular surface to create custom-molded scleral lenses with an unparalleled fit.

His passion for advancing the field of optometry has made him a recognized authority in scleral lens fitting, evidenced by the numerous accolades and invitations to lecture both nationally and internationally. As part of his practice at Global Vision Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Boshnick has helped restore clear and comfortable vision to thousands of patients with Keratoconus from around the world, helping them reclaim their quality of life.

Dr. Boshnick’s commitment to excellence and innovative spirit continues to drive the evolution of scleral lenses. His work has not only offered hope and practical solutions to those grappling with Keratoconus but has also redefined standards in optometry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vision correction.

Keratoconus Patient Testimonials with Scleral Lenses

Patient with keratoconus wearing scleral lenses – For many years this patient has suffered from poor vision due to keratoconus. We recently fit both of her eyes with scleral lenses which are providing her with clear (20/20) comfortable vision once again

Patient With Keratoconus Wearing Scleral Lenses – This patient has struggled with her vision for many years due to keratoconus. 7 years ago she underwent Intacs surgery in an attempt to improve her vision. 4 years ago we fit both of her eyes with scleral lenses which are providing her with clear (20/20) comfortable vision with all day lens wear.

Patient With Advanced Keratoconus Wearing Scleral Lenses – Last year, this patient traveled from the Middle East seeking help with his vision loss due to keratoconus. We fit this patient with computer designed scleral lenses which are providing him with clear (20/20) comfortable vision for the first time in many years. Honored and privileged to have been able to help him.

Conclusion

The journey from being diagnosed with Keratoconus to finding an effective vision correction solution can be challenging. However, with innovations in scleral lens technology, individuals suffering from this condition have reason to be optimistic. Scleral lenses provide a practical, effective solution, improving visual acuity and comfort.

The work of professionals like Dr. Edward Boshnick showcases the dramatic advancements in this field. Through innovative use of technology and a deep understanding of Keratoconus, vision rehabilitation is not only possible but also accessible. To explore more about scleral lenses and their role in treating Keratoconus, visit our dedicated Scleral Lenses page.

The narrative of scleral lenses and Keratoconus is an ongoing one. With continual advancements in technology and our understanding of the eye, there is potential for further improvements in the treatment of Keratoconus, promising an even brighter future for individuals living with this condition.

To further bolster your understanding of Keratoconus and scleral lenses, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that many people have about these topics.

1. What are the early signs of Keratoconus? Early signs of Keratoconus can include blurring and distortion of vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty driving at night. It may often be mistaken for any other refractive error. For more information, visit our Keratoconus page.

2. Can Keratoconus lead to blindness? While Keratoconus can significantly impair vision, it rarely leads to total blindness. However, it can make it impossible to achieve clear vision with glasses or standard soft contact lenses.

3. What makes scleral lenses suitable for Keratoconus? Scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea, landing on the white part of the eye (the sclera), providing a smooth refractive surface that improves vision. Additionally, they are more stable on the eye and more comfortable than traditional contact lenses.

4. How are scleral lenses fitted? Scleral lenses are custom-fitted to your eyes using high-tech devices like the EyePrintPRO and Visante Optical Coherence Tomography.

5. Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear? Yes. Since scleral lenses don’t touch the cornea and are instead supported by the sclera, they’re often more comfortable than standard rigid lenses, especially for sensitive or irregularly shaped corneas.

6. Can I sleep with my scleral lenses in? No, you should always remove scleral lenses before sleeping. Sleeping in your lenses can lead to serious complications, including microbial keratitis.

7. Who is a good candidate for scleral lenses? Scleral lenses can benefit people with a variety of eye conditions, not just Keratoconus. They’re especially useful for those with severe dry eye, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Sjogren’s syndrome, or those who’ve had a corneal transplant.

8. How long do scleral lenses last? Scleral lenses typically last one to three years, depending on care and handling. Regular check-ups are important to ensure the lenses are still fitting well and providing the best possible vision.