How Do Scleral Lenses Help After Ocular Trauma?

Scleral lenses vault completely over the damaged or scarred cornea without touching delicate tissue. The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a continuous reservoir of sterile, preservative-free saline that bathes the eye in moisture, promotes epithelial healing, shields the ocular surface from eyelid friction and irritants, and creates a perfectly smooth optical surface that neutralizes post-traumatic irregular astigmatism.

What Types of Eye Trauma Can Be Managed With Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses, particularly custom scleral lenses, are used to manage a wide range of ocular trauma cases including deep corneal lacerations, blunt force trauma, foreign object penetration, chemical burns (alkali and acid), post-surgical corneal scarring, and traumatic iris defects (using prosthetic or tinted optics to alleviate photophobia).

When Can a Patient Be Fitted for Scleral Lenses After Eye Trauma?

Fitting typically begins once acute surgical repairs have stabilized, sutures have been evaluated or removed by the corneal surgeon, and the anterior segment is clear of active infection. During a comprehensive evaluation, the clinical team can capture up to 240,000 corneal and scleral elevation data points using the Pentacam AXL Wave to design a vault that avoids all trauma sites.

Ocular Trauma

Providing Vision and Comfort Solutions for Those Impacted by Ocular Trauma

Treating Ocular Trauma with Specialty Contacts in Charlotte

Where Advanced Technology Meets Compassionate Care

Ocular trauma encompasses a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from mild abrasions to severe injuries that can lead to vision loss. Causes include accidents, foreign object penetration, blunt force trauma, and chemical exposure. Swift and appropriate intervention is crucial to minimize damage and improve outcomes.

Our doctors are experienced in cases of ocular trauma, and the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute features advanced technology, longer than normal exam slots, and one-on-one interaction with the doctor. A common treatment option in cases of ocular trauma is a scleral contact lens.

We utilize advanced and specialized technology which collects up to 240,000 unique data points to design a fully customized scleral contact lens. Customized scleral contact lenses work well when ocular trauma has occurred, because the lens vaults entirely over the cornea without adding any pressure to it, while allowing the cornea to remain hydrated for ultimate healing and comfort.

Detailed clinical examination of ocular trauma and corneal injury

Patient consultation for custom scleral lenses following eye trauma

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Eyes With Ocular Trauma

Corneal Protection
Scleral lenses cover a larger portion of the eye, providing a protective barrier against environmental irritants and reducing the risk of further injury.
Pain Relief
The liquid reservoir between the lens and the cornea provides a soothing and lubricating effect, offering relief to patients experiencing pain or discomfort.
Visual Rehabilitation
Scleral lenses can help address irregular corneal surfaces caused by trauma, improving visual acuity for those with distorted or damaged corneas.
Stability and Comfort
Scleral lenses provide a stable fit, ensuring comfort and reducing irritation during the healing process.

If you have any questions about scleral lenses for the treatment of ocular trauma, we are available for a free phone consultation and can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.

Why Choose the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute for Optimizing Vision with Ocular Trauma?

The Team

The team at the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute are experts in correcting vision for patients where crisp vision has proven elusive. What some may call “difficult to fit” is our typical patient.

Advanced Technology

Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which greatly aid in the design of complex custom specialty contacts.

Unlimited Answers

We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.

We Focus on Unique Eyes

Our office is equipped to offer advanced specialty contact lenses to individuals who require tailored and custom-designed solutions.

Access to the Doctor

Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.

Affordability

We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept Cherry™, HSA, & FSA.

Doctor examining patient with corneal trauma at slit lamp biomicroscope

Summary

Our doctors are nationally recognized for their expertise in utilizing specialty contact lenses, and one use of specialty contact lenses is the management of vision in individuals with ocular trauma. Our doctors have focused their career on the latest applications and options for fitting specialty contact lenses and they regularly present to other doctors at both local and national meetings.

There are options for managing vision in cases of ocular trauma, including scleral contacts, RGP contacts, and cross-linking. During an initial comprehensive exam, the doctor will discuss all available options. One of the benefits of visiting the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is the amount of one-on-one time with the doctor, which allows for plenty of time to ask questions and evaluate all options.

If you have any questions about managing vision after ocular trauma, we can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.