Striking a balance between the benefits and potential complications of wearing scleral lenses for extended periods is key. Proper lens maintenance, appropriate wearing time, and regular check-ups with your eye care practitioner can all contribute to maintaining your ocular health.
Understanding Scleral Lenses and Ocular Diseases
Scleral lenses are a vital tool for those of us suffering from ocular service conditions like keratoconus, providing a pathway to improved vision.
But, the question arises, “What happens if you wear your scleral lenses too long?” Let’s dig deeper.
Scleral Lenses: A Lifeline for Keratoconus
Keratoconus, which causes a cone-like bulge in the cornea leading to distorted vision, can be effectively managed with scleral lenses. Their unique design creates a smooth optical surface, improving vision and ensuring comfort.
Consequences of Wearing Scleral Lenses Too Long
Going beyond the recommended wearing time for scleral lenses can lead to unwanted complications. Here are some possible scenarios.
Delving Deeper into Potential Risks after Cornea Transplant
I underwent a full corneal transplant in the mid 90’s. Those of us who’ve had a cornea transplant due to keratoconus need to exercise caution.
Extended wear of scleral lenses can put undue pressure on the transplanted cornea, resulting in discomfort and potential damage to the delicate tissue.
The biggest concern when wearing scleral contact lenses is the lack of oxygen to our cornea.
Post-transplant, your eyes might be prone to dryness. Wearing your scleral lenses for extended periods might worsen this dryness, causing discomfort and irritation.
Prolonged lens wear could also increase the risk of graft rejection, where the immune system attacks the transplanted cornea.
Therefore, adhering to your practitioner’s advice on the wear schedule of your scleral lenses is of utmost importance.
The Downside of Improper Lens Maintenance and Risk of Infection
Proper lens maintenance is as crucial as adhering to recommended wearing time. If scleral lenses aren’t cleaned and stored correctly, overusing them can introduce harmful bacteria into the eye.
This can lead to severe complications such as bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea that can cause pain, redness, and even potential vision loss if left untreated.
Therefore, following the recommended cleaning and storage procedures for your scleral lenses is non-negotiable for maintaining eye health.
The Dangers of Sleeping in Your Scleral Lenses
Sleeping with your scleral lenses in can be a risk to your cornea’s health. It can lead to a reduced oxygen supply, causing inflammation, redness, and in severe cases, a painful condition called corneal neovascularization.
Discovering Your Comfortable Wear Time
Every individual’s eyes are unique, and so will the duration they can comfortably wear scleral lenses. It’s vital to monitor any discomfort, redness, or vision changes and report them promptly to your eye care practitioner.
As an example, I have decided for my situation that 10-13 hours is comfortable wear time for me. Anything wear time over that is possible however redness and comfort issues start to arise.
Key Takeaways
To Summarize
Overwearing your scleral lenses can lead to discomfort, potential damage, especially post-cornea transplant, and the risk of infection with poorly maintained lenses.
It’s important to find your comfortable wear time and avoid sleeping with your scleral lenses in. Scleral lenses are an invaluable tool for vision restoration, but their usage should be balanced with appropriate care and precaution.
Remember, getting our vision restored is invaluable – treat it well!