If you’re struggling with vision difficulties after refractive surgery, you’re not alone. Many patients experience complications that can hinder visual clarity and comfort. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our eye doctors specialize in offering scleral lenses that can effectively address these issues, helping you achieve the sharp, stable vision you deserve.
Understanding Post-Refractive Surgery Challenges
Refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK, and RK have revolutionized vision correction; however, they can sometimes lead to complications that affect the corneal surface. One common issue is corneal ectasia, a condition where the cornea becomes weakened and begins to bulge or distort. Patients may experience residual astigmatism, aniseikonia (a significant difference in perceived image size between the two eyes), glare, halos, and persistent dry eye, all of which can lead to decreased visual quality after surgery.
Even with top surgical success rates, many patients find that glasses or standard soft contact lenses no longer provide satisfactory correction. Traditional lenses may struggle to compensate for the irregularities of a reshaped cornea, leaving patients with distorted images and discomfort. Here’s the thing: if you’re facing these challenges, scleral lenses can offer a viable pathway back to clear vision and comfort.
Mechanism and Function of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses differ significantly from conventional contact lenses in their design and function. Rather than sitting directly on a delicate, altered corneal surface, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera – the white, less sensitive part of the eye. This creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea that smoothes out any irregularities on the eye’s surface.
The fluid reservoir not only offers a stable optical surface but also continuously bathes the cornea in saline. This constant lubrication is particularly beneficial in addressing post-surgical dry eye syndrome, a frequent complication following laser vision correction procedures. In essence, by providing smooth optics and hydration, scleral lenses correct residual refractive errors while protecting and healing the ocular surface.
Benefits and Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses deliver a range of benefits that make them an excellent option for patients encountering vision issues after refractive surgery. These include:
Customized Fitting for Optimal Lens Performance
Ideal Candidates for Scleral Lenses
- Many patients wonder if scleral lenses are the right choice after undergoing refractive surgery. Here’s a practical answer: if you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it might be time to consider a consultation with our eye doctors:
- Persistent visual distortions such as glare, halos, or double vision, especially in low-light conditions.
- Residual refractive errors or irregular astigmatism that glasses or standard soft lenses fail to correct.
- Chronic dry eye symptoms that remain unresponsive to conventional treatments after laser surgery.
- Overall discomfort with traditional contact lenses due to an irregular corneal surface.
For those with post-refractive surgery complications, the fitting of scleral lenses is often considered once the cornea has sufficiently stabilized after the procedure, usually within a few months. This waiting period allows for the eye to heal and the sutures, if any, to be removed. Close follow-up with our eye doctors is key to determining the optimal time for lens fitting and ensuring the best outcomes.
Scleral Lens Considerations Based on Surgery Type
By tailoring the scleral lens design according to the type of refractive surgery performed and the resultant corneal changes, our eye doctors can optimize both vision correction and ocular health. During your consultation, the specifics of your surgery, along with the unique shape of your cornea, will be carefully evaluated to determine the ideal lens parameters.
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
Some patients encounter issues like post-LASIK dry eye, glare, halos, and residual refractive errors that can lead to visual disturbances. The vaulting design of scleral lenses addresses these distortions without exerting pressure on the newly shaped cornea.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
In PRK, the corneal surface is more directly affected since the outer layer is removed. The protective fluid reservoir of the scleral lens is particularly beneficial for reducing post-operative discomfort and promoting a smoother optical interface.
Radial Keratotomy (RK)
Although less common today, RK can result in significant corneal irregularities and instability due to the surgical incisions. In these cases, larger scleral lenses that can easily accommodate irregular topographies have proven effective in restoring clear and consistent vision.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
SMILE creates an intrastromal lenticule removal via a small incision. Although flap‑free, SMILE can still induce higher‑order aberrations or residual myopia/astigmatism. Scleral lenses mask these subtle irregularities and deliver stable vision.
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
LASEK combines features of LASIK and PRK by creating an epithelial flap. Post‑LASEK healing may be slower, with persistent surface irregularity. Scleral lenses protect the delicate epithelial flap and maintain a hydrated tear reservoir.
Insertion and Removal
The journey to clear vision with scleral lenses doesn’t stop at the fitting appointment. It is an ongoing process of adaptation, monitoring, and care. Initially, you might experience a short adjustment period as your eyes adapt to the new lens system—this is normal and expected. Our eye doctors will guide you through personalized instructions on how to insert and remove the scleral lenses safely, ensuring that you avoid any undue pressure or suction forces that could stress the delicate post-surgical surface.
Daily Care and Hygiene
Cleanliness is key when handling any contact lens, more so after surgery. You will be provided with recommended solutions for cleaning and reservoir preparation, along with tips to maintain proper hygiene.
The Highest Rated Advanced Eye Care Center In Orange County
What Our Patients are Saying
“I love this office! The staff is so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Dr. Lam has helped with my dry eye symptoms and myopia and takes the time to explain things thoroughly. I never feel like she is rushing me out of the office to see the next patient. She is extremely knowledgeable and I feel very well cared for. I highly recommend this office!”
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Elaine N.
“More recently I had an issue with super dry eyes and they provided me multiple solutions and care instructions to heal them quickly. What I like is that it’s not all about just solving the issue, they taught me about long term care and what to change to ensure my eyes get the hydration they need.”
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Maria M.
Gradual Increase in Wear Time
Initially, your lenses might be worn for a few hours each day, gradually increasing to full-day wear as your eyes build tolerance and adjust to the lens fit
Regular Check-Ups and Follow-Ups
Continuous monitoring of your ocular surface health is essential. Regular examinations will help identify any early signs of corneal edema or other complications, allowing timely interventions and adjustments. Adapting to scleral lenses can be a rewarding journey as you notice a remarkable improvement in visual clarity, comfort, and overall ocular health, even in cases where standard lens options fell short post-refractive surgery.
Reclaim Your Clear Vision with Scleral Lenses
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we understand the challenges faced by patients after refractive surgery. Our eye doctors are here to guide you through the benefits of scleral lenses, providing comfort and clarity to your vision. Don’t let discomfort and visual distortions linger, explore the transformative effects of scleral lenses with us today. Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards enhanced vision.
Experience Clearer Vision After Cataract Surgery with Scleral Lenses at Insight Vision Center Optometry in Costa Mesa, CA
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients who have undergone cataract surgery and are seeking improved vision and comfort. As a leading eye care clinic in Orange County with over 600 five-star reviews, our skilled optometrists offer personalized care using the latest in scleral lens technology. We focus on restoring your vision with customized solutions that address post-surgical complications like irregular corneas or dry eye.
Schedule a consultation today at Insight Vision Center Optometry in Costa Mesa and discover how scleral lenses can enhance your post-cataract vision.
Call us at (714) 942-1361 to book your appointment, or schedule online.
