Revolutionary Scleral Lens Technologies in 2024

Scleral lens technology has undergone significant transformations. Initially used to manage complex corneal conditions, these lenses now offer enhanced comfort and vision clarity, thanks to technological advancements. Modern methods have improved how scleral lenses fit and function.

In 2024, new technologies have emerged that revolutionize the fabrication of scleral lenses. These advances address previous limitations and expand the benefits of wearing these lenses. This guide explores the innovative technologies that have recently shaped the scleral lens industry.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a special type of contact lens that is larger in diameter than traditional soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. They vault over the cornea, the clear dome-shaped front part of your eye, and rest on the sclera, the white part of your eye.

• Scleral lenses are made from a rigid gas-permeable material that allows oxygen to reach the cornea.

• They create a fluid reservoir between the back of the lens and the front of the cornea, which helps to keep the cornea hydrated.

• Because they don't touch the cornea, scleral lenses can be a good option for people with corneal irregularities, dry eyes, or other eye conditions that make traditional contact lenses difficult to wear.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Here are some of the benefits of scleral lenses:

• Improved comfort: Because they don't touch the cornea, scleral lenses can be more comfortable to wear than traditional contact lenses.

• Sharper vision: Scleral lenses can provide sharper vision than traditional contact lenses by creating a smooth optical surface over the cornea.

• Increased stability: Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses, which makes them more stable on the eye.

• Improved eye health: Scleral lenses can help to improve the health of the cornea by providing a moist environment.

Applications of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses can be used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including:

• Keratoconus: A condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward.

• Pellucid marginal degeneration: A condition that causes the thinning of the cornea at the edge.

• High astigmatism: A condition that causes blurred vision at all distances.

• Dry eye: A condition that causes the eyes to feel dry and irritated.

• Corneal scarring: Scarring on the cornea can cause blurred vision.

• Post-surgical eyes: Scleral lenses can be used after corneal transplant surgery to help the eye heal and improve vision.

Hypoallergenic and High Oxygen Permeable Materials

Researchers have developed novel, hypoallergenic materials and highly permeable to oxygen, which are ideal for scleral lenses. These materials include:

• Silicone hydrogels: These materials are highly oxygen-permeable and resistant. Making them suitable for extended wear scleral lenses.

• Fluorosilicone acrylates: These materials combine the oxygen-permeability of silicone with the wettability and deposit resistance of fluorinated monomers. Resulting in improved comfort and vision for scleral lens wearers.

Customization Through Biometric Scanning

Today's tools let us create scleral lenses that perfectly match each person's eyes. Here's what that involves:

• Mapping the clear front layer: A process called corneal topography takes a detailed map of the front of the eye. This map helps make a scleral lens that fits just right and doesn't touch the front part of the eye too much.

• Scanning the eye's sclera: A scan called scleral topography (profilometry) gets an exact shape of the eye's sclera or the white part of the eye. This helps make scleral lenses sit more securely and feel more comfortable.

• Checking the edge of the clear front layer: By looking at where the front layer meets the sclera, we can gently make a scleral lens that eases into this area. This avoids pressing too hard against the eye or causing dents in the surrounding tissue.

Technological Advancements in Lens Fitting

Technological advancements in lens fitting have revolutionized the way we achieve optimal vision correction. Here are some key areas of progress:

Digital Mapping and 3D Corneal/Scleral Imaging

In the past, we used simple tools to measure the eye, but now we have digital machines that make detailed 3D maps of the front part of the eye. This is really helpful for fitting special contact lenses called scleral lenses. These maps show the exact shape of the eye, especially the white part. This information makes sure the scleral lenses fit perfectly and are comfortable.

Virtual Fit Technology and Predictive Models

Nowadays, special computer programs can look at the 3D maps of the front part of your eye and suggest the best shape and details for a contact lens. This smart technology can also predict how well a lens will work for you. This makes choosing the right lens easier, especially for special contact lenses like scleral lenses, which need to fit very well.
 

Vision Correction Breakthroughs

The vision correction breakthroughs in the field of scleral lenses include:

Multifocal Scleral Lenses

Multifocal scleral lenses are special contacts made for people with trouble seeing things near and far, a condition called presbyopia. These lenses help you see clearly at all distances and in a different light. They're a big step forward in helping people see better and feel comfortable at the same time.

Scleral Lenses for Complicated Eye Problems

Scleral lenses help tough eye issues like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and severe dry eyes. They work differently by sitting above the cornea (the front part of the eye) instead of making contact with it. This creates a smooth layer for seeing through and holds a layer of liquid underneath to keep the eye moist and safe.

Empowering Users Through Smart Technologies

Smart technologies have revolutionized our interaction with the world around us. By integrating innovative features and functionalities, these technologies have the potential to enhance the daily lives of individuals with low vision significantly.

Adaptive Optics for Dynamic Visual Enhancement

Smart scleral lenses can incorporate adaptive optics to provide dynamic visual enhancement. These lenses can adjust their magnification and focus in response to the wearer's needs. They can switch between normal view for central and peripheral vision and magnified view for central vision, making them useful for patients with age-related macular degeneration and low vision rehabilitation.

Biodegradable Material Innovations

Contact lens manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Some are using bio-based acetate, a material derived from renewable resources like cotton and wood pulp, which significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.

Reusable and Long-life Scleral Lens Options

While daily disposable lenses are convenient, reusable scleral lenses can reduce waste. Scleral lenses are larger than regular contacts and vault over the cornea, resting on the white part of the eye. They are designed to be worn for extended periods, often months or years, before replacement. This minimizes the environmental impact compared to frequently discarded daily lenses.

Recycling Programs and Environmental Impact Reduction

Major contact lens manufacturers have implemented recycling programs to reduce waste. Bausch + Lomb's One by One Recycling Program in the U.S. has recycled 2.5 million used lenses and packaging as of 2018, diverting 14,000 pounds from landfills. Alcon has policies to recycle and minimize waste, reducing water consumption by 8% and recycling 79% of operational waste.

Eyewear brands are also embracing recycling. Maui Jim recycles production scraps into compact briquettes for repurposing or eco-friendly disposal. LOOL Eyewear minimizes waste through advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.

Conclusion

In 2024, scleral lens technologies have made notable advancements. These lenses now offer improved comfort and vision correction for complex eye conditions. People with serious eye problems find these lenses life-changing.
 

Looking ahead, scleral lenses will play a key role in eye care. They promise better solutions for patients who need them the most. We all should welcome these innovations with open arms. They mark a significant step forward in helping everyone see the world more clearly.