Personal Perspective on Scleral Lenses
Can I play sports with scleral lenses? For many, the journey with vision challenges is a deeply personal one, and I am no exception.
Since August 2017, I’ve been relying on scleral lenses, not just as a means to see the world clearly but as an essential tool for daily functioning.
Living with keratoconus, a condition that has affected my vision for over three decades, has presented its fair share of challenges. But with the introduction of scleral lenses into my life, a new chapter began.
From the early days of wearing my first pair of glasses at the age of 6 to being diagnosed with keratoconus in 1988.
To using RPG lenses that were too uncomfortable for me to continue with, and to my cornea transplant in 1995-96.
My vision has been a central aspect of my life’s story. And while I’ve faced many obstacles along the way, the advent of scleral lenses has given me my life back.
Introduction to Scleral Lenses
What is a Scleral Lens?
A scleral lens is a type of contact lens designed to sit on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses that rest directly on the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye).
The scleral lens have a larger diameter and vault over the cornea, making contact with the sclera instead.
How Do Scleral Lenses Differ from Other Contact Lenses?
Answering the question can I play sports with scleral lenses leads us to the primary distinction between scleral lenses and other contact lenses lies in their design and positioning.
Traditional contact lenses, such as soft or corneal gas-permeable lenses, are smaller in diameter and fit directly on the cornea.
In contrast, scleral lenses are specially designed to cover a larger area, encompassing both the cornea and a portion of the sclera.
This unique design offers several benefits, especially for individuals with irregular corneas, like those with keratoconus.
By resting on the sclera and vaulting over the cornea, scleral lenses create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea.
This reservoir not only aids in comfort but also ensures that the eye remains continuously moistened, which can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive eyes.
Fit and Comfort of Scleral Lenses
Stability and Precision of Fit
One of the standout features of scleral lenses that allows us to play sports with scleral lenses is their stability on the eye.
Thanks to their unique design, when fitted correctly, the edges of these customized lenses tuck comfortably under the eyelids.
This ensures that they remain securely in place, even during rapid eye movements or physical exertion.
I can personally attest to this. I face-planted on my bike. Tore my face up, however, my scleral lenses stayed in. I was able to see my face skidding off the concrete.
Advantages for Athletes When Playing Sports with Scleral Lenses
For athletes, this stability is a game-changer. Whether you’re shooting hoops, sprinting down a soccer field, or executing a perfect gymnastic routine.
The last thing you want is for your contact lens to shift or fall out. With scleral lenses, athletes can have peace of mind knowing that their lenses will stay put. Allowing them to focus solely on their performance.
Sports like:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Hiking
- Hockey
- Rock Climbing
- Soccer
- Skiing
- Tennis
are all activities where rapid movements and potential contact with other players are common. In such scenarios, the stability of scleral lenses proves invaluable.
However, it’s essential to note that while scleral lenses are suitable for most sports, they might not be the best choice for all.
For instance, sports where facial injuries are common, such as wrestling, mixed martial arts, or boxing, might pose a risk. A direct hit to the eye while wearing a scleral lens can lead to severe eye injuries.
But for those who are keen on conditioning without contact, like zero-contact boxing or kickboxing classes, scleral lenses can still be a viable option.
With the fit and comfort aspects covered, let’s delve into why scleral lenses are often considered the optimal choice for sports enthusiasts, especially those with keratoconus.
Optimal Lens for Sports: The Scleral Lens
Unparalleled Stability on the Eye
Scleral lenses stand out in the world of contact lenses due to their unparalleled stability. Their design, which vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera, ensures that they remain firmly in place, even during intense physical activity.
This stability is crucial for athletes who play sports with the scleral lens. As it eliminates the worry of lenses dislodging during crucial moments in a game or performance.
Continuous Moisture and Comfort
Another significant advantage of playing sports with scleral lenses is the reservoir of saline solution. They create between the back surface of the lens and the front of the cornea.
This reservoir ensures that the eye remains moist throughout the day, reducing the risk of dryness or discomfort. This is a common complaint among athletes using other types of contact lenses.
Breathability for Eye Health While Playing Sports
The material used in scleral lenses is gas-permeable, ensuring that a sufficient amount of oxygen reaches the front of the eye.
Adequate oxygen supply is vital for maintaining corneal health, especially during prolonged physical activity when the eyes might require more oxygen.
But beyond the technical advantages, there’s another aspect to consider: the protection scleral lenses offer against environmental challenges athletes often face.
Protection from Environmental Challenges
Shielding the Eyes from External Elements
Athletes often find themselves in environments where they’re exposed to elements that can be detrimental to their eyes.
Dust on a baseball diamond, chalk in a gymnastics arena, sand on a beach volleyball court, or even the wind during an outdoor tennis match can all lead to discomfort. Especially for those wearing traditional soft contact lenses.
Scleral lenses, with their unique design, provide a seal over the eye’s surface. This seal acts as a barrier, protecting the eyes from these external challenges.
Whether it’s a gust of wind carrying sand or the fine dust from a pitcher’s mound, scleral lenses ensure that these irritants don’t come into direct contact with the eye.
While scleral lenses offer significant protection while playing sports, athletes can take additional measures to ensure their eyes remain safe during their sporting endeavors.
Additional Protective Measures for Athletes
Specialty Sports Eyewear
While scleral lenses provide a robust first line of defense, we can further enhance our eye protection by opting for specialty sports eyewear.
Sports goggles, for instance, are designed to shield the eyes from potential trauma, especially in high-contact sports.
These goggles are made with impact-resistant materials and are tailored to fit securely, ensuring they don’t dislodge during activity.
For those who play sports like basketball, soccer, or hockey. Where there’s a risk of flying objects or accidental/intentional elbow to the face. Sports goggles can be of help.
Not only do they protect the eyes from direct trauma, but they also prevent any potential damage to the scleral lenses.
Celebrating Athletes with Keratoconus
Professional Athletes Leading the Way
When answering the question. Can I play sports with scleral lenses? It’s inspiring to know that several professional athletes have not let keratoconus deter them from reaching the pinnacle of their sports. These individuals serve as beacons of hope and motivation for others diagnosed with the condition.
For instance, Steph Curry, renowned as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, has been open about his journey with keratoconus.
His exceptional skills on the basketball court are a testament to the fact that with the right treatment for keratoconus and determination, one can overcome the challenges posed by keratoconus.
Similarly, Brandon Williams, a formidable presence in the NFL, has also dealt with keratoconus. His performance on the field. Coupled with his advocacy for awareness about the condition, has made a significant impact.
The Message They Send
The success stories of these athletes send a powerful message when answering the question. Can we play sports with scleral lenses?
Keratoconus is a hurdle, not a full stop. With the right treatment, support, and determination, individuals with keratoconus can pursue their dreams, be it in sports or any other field.
Moreover, their stories highlight the transformative power of treatments like scleral lenses.
By restoring vision and ensuring comfort, these lenses have played a pivotal role in helping athletes focus on their game without being hindered by their condition.
The Scleral Lens: A Game-Changer in Sports
Beyond Vision Restoration
While the primary purpose of scleral lenses is to restore vision, especially for those with conditions like keratoconus, their benefits extend far beyond that.
For athletes, in particular, these lenses offer advantages that can significantly enhance their performance on the field or court.
Consistent Clarity and Focus
In sports, every split second counts. Athletes need their vision to be sharp and consistent. The stability of scleral lenses, combined with the moisture reservoir they create makes the scleral lens an excellent choice to play sportts with.
Ensures that vision remains clear, even during prolonged physical exertion. There’s no risk of the lens drying out or getting dislodged, allowing athletes to stay focused on their game.
In conclusion, for athletes with keratoconus or other vision challenges. The scleral lens is not just a means to see clearly; they are a tool that can elevate their performance. Ensuring that they can compete at their best, irrespective of their condition.
The Therapeutic Power of Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is more than just a means to stay in shape; it’s a therapeutic tool, especially for individuals living with conditions like keratoconus.
Engaging in sports or regular physical activity can offer a plethora of benefits, both physical and mental.
For many, sports serve as an escape, a way to disconnect from the daily challenges posed by keratoconus.
The adrenaline rush, the sense of accomplishment after a good game or workout, and the camaraderie with teammates or fellow fitness enthusiasts can all contribute to a positive state of mind.
Keratoconus: A Challenge, Not a Limitation
Keratoconus, while challenging, should not be seen as a limitation. With the right treatments, like scleral lenses, and the right mindset.
Individuals with keratoconus can lead active lives, participating in a wide range of sports. Whether it’s a casual game of tennis with friends, a hike in the mountains, or training for a marathon, the possibilities are endless.
Moreover, staying active can also help individuals cope better with keratoconus. Regular physical activity is known to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.
This can be especially beneficial for those dealing with the stress and anxiety associated with vision challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Scleral Lenses and Sports: Scleral lenses are not just vision restoration tools; they are game-changers in the world of sports, especially for those with keratoconus.
- Unique Design Benefits: The design of scleral lenses, which allows them to sit on the sclera and vault over the cornea, provides stability, comfort, and protection against environmental irritants.
- Safety in Sports: While scleral lenses offer stability and protection, it’s essential to be cautious in high-contact sports. Opting for additional protective gear, like sports goggles, can provide an added layer of safety.
- Professional Athletes with Keratoconus: Several professional athletes, like Steph Curry and Brandon Williams, have not let keratoconus deter their sports careers, serving as inspirations for many.
- Physical Fitness and Well-being: Engaging in sports and physical activity can be therapeutic for those with keratoconus, offering both physical and mental health benefits.
To Summarize
Can I play sports with scleral lenses? Yes we can. For sports enthusiasts, an answer to the question, can we play sports with the scleral lens offer a chance to engage in their favorite activities without compromise.
Their unique design ensures stability, comfort, and protection, making them ideal for various sports.
However, it’s essential to approach certain high-contact sports with caution and consider additional protective measures.
Moreover, the stories of professional athletes thriving in their careers despite keratoconus serve as a beacon of hope. They underscore the message that with the right tools and determination, keratoconus can be a hurdle, not a barrier.
Lastly, embracing physical fitness can offer numerous benefits, from boosting mental well-being to fostering a sense of community. For those with keratoconus, sports can be a way to cope, heal, and thrive.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from poor vision see a qualified professional ASAP. Early detection is still our best defense against keratoconus.
Discover More About Keratoconus
Don’t stop your journey here! Here is a brief article from Dr. Elise Kramer OD, FAAO, FSLS on this topic from the Miam Contact Lens Institute.
Dive into a world of knowledge and resources that can empower you in managing keratoconus effectively. Your vision for a clearer future starts with one click.