When Did the Scleral Lens Become Popular? A Deep Dive for Keratoconus Patients
A Brief History of the Scleral Lens
Before we answer the question of when did the scleral lens become popular? lets have a brief look at the history. The scleral lens, a type of contact lens, has a storied past. Tracing its roots back to the late 19th century, it was initially made of glass.
However, it was only with the introduction of more comfortable and oxygen-permeable materials in the 20th century that the lenses truly began to gain traction.
When Did the Scleral Lens Become Popular for Keratoconus Patients?
Keratoconus and Vision Challenges
Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and begins to bulge, has posed challenges for eye care specialists for decades. Traditional contact lenses often provided inadequate vision correction for these patients.
Enter the scleral lens. In the latter half of the 20th century, these lenses offered an innovative solution for keratoconus patients.
Their unique design, which vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera, provided both comfort and clarity, making them increasingly popular.
The Scleral Lens: Changing Lives with Clear Vision
For countless individuals with keratoconus, the scleral lens has been a game changer. These lenses provide a stable fit, minimizing the discomfort and blurred vision that can accompany other lens types.
With the scleral lens, many patients have reported improved quality of life, increased confidence, and a newfound sense of freedom.
Changed My Life
I was diagnosed with keratoconus in 1988. By 1995 my keratoconus had reached the stage of severe keratoconus.
I underwent a full corneal transplant on my right eye to avoid other complications of keratoconus. CXL was not an option for us back then.
Before my transplant, I tried RPG contact lenses. However, due to comfort issues, I had to stop wearing them. I went decades with poor vision.
My vision was restored with the help of my practitioners and the scleral contact lens in August 2017.
To say the scleral lens had added to my quality of life with keratoconus would be an understatement. To put it differently, with my lenses, my vision has been restored to 20/20.
Without my lenses, I am legally blind with all the documentation from my cornea specialist. Glasses are of little help, I am completely reliant on sclerals to function outside the home.
Future Prospects: The Scleral Lens
Innovations on the Horizon
The medical field is always advancing, and the scleral lens is no exception. Researchers are exploring ways to make the scleral lens even more comfortable, durable, and adaptable.
Innovations in materials and design promise a brighter future for all scleral lens wearers, especially those with keratoconus.
Key Takeaways
- The scleral lens dates back to the late 19th century but gained popularity in the 20th century.
- For keratoconus patients, the scleral lens offers unparalleled vision clarity and comfort.
- The lens has significantly improved the lives of many with keratoconus. Continued research ensures the lens will evolve to meet future needs.
To Summarize
When did the scleral lens become popular? Its journey began over a century ago, but its transformative impact on keratoconus patients emerged more recently.
Offering a combination of comfort and clear vision, it stands out as a preferred choice for many including myself.
As research progresses, the scleral lens will only continue to revolutionize vision care for those with keratoconus.