Scleral Lenses For Post-LASIK, Post-PRK And Post-RK Surgery
LASIK, PRK and RK are common refractive vision surgeries that correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism by altering the shape of the cornea using a laser. While these surgeries have a high success rate, eye complications can occur, such as Post-LASIK, Post-PRK and Post-RK ectasia, a corneal distortion or irregularity that causes the cornea to weaken and bulge.
Those with surgery complications develop vision problems that cannot be fully corrected using glasses or soft contact lenses, as their newly shaped cornea often causes the lenses to easily dislodge. For those people, scleral lenses are the ideal option for clear and comfortable vision.
Have you experienced complications following your laser eye surgery? Speak with our optometrists at Thompson Optics to find out how scleral lenses can help you see clearly and comfortably again.
Why Wear Specialty Contact Lenses For Post-Surgery Complications?
Post-LASIK, Post-PRK, and Post-RK patients with eye complications tend to experience poor, distorted vision, resulting in an inability to wear standard contact lenses due to their sensitive cornea. In fact, attempting to wear soft contact lenses can be extremely painful and can further damage the cornea.
Scleral lenses provide clear vision and all-day comfort to those with corneal aberrations, whether due to existing eye conditions or following corneal surgery. These customized hard lenses are larger in diameter than standard contact lenses and because the lenses vault over the cornea, they spread their weight over a much greater, less sensitive area. These specialty contacts are made of highly oxygen permeable materials and provide a soothing bath of artificial tears that hydrate the ocular surface all day long.
Getting Fitted For Scleral Lenses
Once you have been properly fitted for scleral lenses, you can expect to see significant improvements in clarity, color and contrast between multiple images and objects within your visual field. The comfort you’ll experience allows you to wear your custom-made scleral lenses all day long so that you can keep doing all the things you love.
Does Collagen Cross-Linking Correct Post-LASIK Ectasia?
Patients with corneal ectasia resulting from LASIK surgery complications may be advised to undergo collagen cross-linking — a new method in treating advanced cases of keratoconus and diseased corneas.
Note that many patients who undergo collagen cross-linking may still require specialty contact lenses to achieve clear vision. Speak with your eye doctor to learn more.
Can a Second LASIK Surgery Repair My Ectasia?
Certain LASIK surgeons may recommend a follow-up enhancement procedure to improve your vision. This may lead you to undergo several corrective LASIK surgeries, potentially leaving you with scarred corneas and even poorer vision.
The safest and best option is to wear scleral lenses, as they correct astigmatism, farsightedness and hyperopia, and are perfectly safe on corneas. Our patients who got fitted for custom-designed scleral lenses report feeling thrilled with how sharp and comfortable their vision has become.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact Thompson Optics today.
Our practice serves patients from Edmonton, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and Leduc, Alberta and surrounding communities.
