For those of us dealing with keratoconus and other refractive error diseases, understanding our treatment options is crucial.
One such option is the scleral contact lens. But what is the lifespan of a scleral contact lens? Let’s find out.
Understanding Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are a type of gas-permeable contact lens. They vault over the irregular cornea and rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera), creating a tear-filled vault over the cornea.
This feature makes them an ideal solution for those with irregularly shaped corneas. The fact that the lens vaults over the cornea without touching it is what makes the scleral a viable choice in the vision restoration phase of our treatment for keratoconus.
Lifespan of a Scleral Contact Lens
Typically, a well-cared-for scleral lens can last between 1 to 3 years. However, with proper maintenance and barring any significant changes in your prescription, our scleral lenses could last up to 3 to 5 years.
How Maintenance Affects Scleral Lens Lifespan
The longevity of our scleral lenses significantly depends on how well we maintain them. Following proper cleaning and storage protocols can help extend their life.
Always wash your hands before handling your lenses and clean them thoroughly after each use with approved solutions.
Avoid using tap water as it may contain microorganisms harmful to your eyes. Also, keep them in a clean case when not in use.
Adjusting for Keratoconus Progression
Keratoconus, is a chronic progressive eye disease and may can progress over time. As our conditions changes, our scleral lens prescription might need adjustment.
Regular check-ups with our eye doctor is crucial to track these changes and update our prescription as needed.
Keeping Your Lenses Longer with Care
If our prescription doesn’t change significantly, and we follow all recommended cleaning and care procedures, your scleral contact lens could serve us well for 3 to 5 years.
It’s a substantial investment in both time and resources, but one that can provide us with improved vision, comfort and quality of life with keratoconus.
Lifespan of my Scleral Lenses
As an example, I got my vision restored in August 2017 after decades of poor vision due to keratoconus. The scleral lens restored my vision to 20/20.
Without my lenses, I am legally blind and glasses are of little help. I am reliant on my lenses to function. If I had to change my lenses every year it would be a substantial expense.
In terms of care for my lenses, I am meticulous with my routine. In the six years I have had my lenses I had to change them only once due to prescription change.
As someone reliant on their lenses, I can say if done right and barring no changes in our prescription they can last for years as in my case.
Key Takeaways
The typical lifespan of a scleral lens is 1 to 3 years but can last up to 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Regular maintenance of your scleral lenses is crucial to prolong their lifespan.
Keratoconus progression may require changes in your scleral lens prescription.
With a stable prescription and good lens care, your scleral lenses could last between 3 to 5 years.
To Summarize
When asking “What is the lifespan of a scleral contact lens?”, it’s important to consider several factors.
Lifespan can vary depending on maintenance, changes in prescription due to keratoconus progression, and individual eye health.
With proper care, our scleral lenses can last for several years, providing a viable and long-term solution for managing refractive error diseases.
Discover More About Keratoconus
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