several Scleral Lens questions

[wetEyes]

Hello,
I have a few questions about scleral lenses because they seem to be an attractive treatment option to me.

1) Why are they not used more frequently for patients with "just" dry eye?

2) What are the risks / negative aspects / side effects of scleral lenses? Are they more or less risky to wear than normal contact lenses?

3) Are Boston Scleral Lenses the best there are? How do you know?

I can't wait for your comments.

[Rebecca Petris]

Hello,
1) Why are they not used more frequently for patients with "just" dry eye?

Cost, inconvenience (travel, time, maintenance, etc), most doctors are not aware of this application, and there are not many places that are prepared/willing to fit them for this purpose as opposed to the classic application of keratoconus.

2) What are the risks / negative aspects / side effects of scleral lenses? Are they more or less risky to wear than normal contact lenses?

I think they are less risky than other contact lenses because they do not come in contact with the cornea. From the medical literature infections or other complications are very rare but I don't know statistics to compare.

Most negative aspects are as mentioned above (cost/inconvenience) plus potential failure to achieve a comfortable fit or to alleviate discomfort sufficiently. As regards ongoing maintenance, insertion, removal etc. for highly motivated patients with a successful fit this is usually not considered a negative in the long term but for everyone else it certainly could be.

3) Are Boston Scleral Lenses the best there are?

There has been a great deal of discussion about this on the board already and I would ask that you read the previous threads in this forum and the open forum rather than ask for more input.

[wetEyes]

And can you please tell me if sclerel lenses (in general, not just those from the Boston Foundation for Sight) are still being improved? Or are they basically the same since 10 or 20 years?

Also, can you be unable to wear them for some reason? If so, what reasons are there?

[Rebecca Petris]

Like all other contact lens technologies they are constantly improving. I think there has probably been more improvement in the last 5 yeas than at any other time.

Yes, you can be unable to wear them. I don't know offhand what all the possible reasons are. There are certain eye conditions and eyelid conditions which could make them unsuitable. Only a doctor can tell you though for sure.

[wetEyes]

Thank you Rebecca for your reply! Would you mind giving me a few details about the improvements of the last 5 years?

Also, I would like to support this site somehow, e.g. by being a moderator. If there's any way I can help, please contact me.

[gz9gjg]

Hello weteyes,

I suggest you check into the cost of sclerals - they are really expensive.

If you are employed in the U.S., you may be able to set up a Flex savings account to put pre-tax money into for expense of the lenses, cleaning solutions, drops, etc. That saves you about 30%. Typically you have to sign up for a Flex account in November so you might want to get that estimate now so you could use the Flex account to pay the lenses next calendar year. (But, if you can't use the money for medical expenses you lose it.) Some states are fairly lenient on the definition of medical necessity of custom contact lenses, so in those states you might be able to get them for your regular lens co-pay.

Good luck,

Lynne

[wetEyes]

Thank you gz9gjg for the information but I live in Europe and wouldn't care too much about paying the equivalent of a couple of thousand dollars as long as it has a positive impact on my ability to work and enjoy my leisure time.

[Stanza]

you could just go to Ken in Hertford, UK there's usually cheap flights to Stanstead and I can recommend a nice B&B I stayed at

I think you get to the point where it's worth trying...

[ricmerry]

wouldn't care too much about paying the equivalent of a couple of thousand dollars

I think this would be a low price for the Boston lens. Last I checked a single was $5500.
I think in the long term for me this would be a good financial investment if it got me off all the doctor visits, OTC drops, Rx etc.

[wetEyes]

Ric, please tell me: What caused your eyes to be dry? If it was LASIK, when was the surgery?

[ricmerry]

Ric, please tell me: What caused your eyes to be dry? If it was LASIK, when was the surgery?

Who knows for sure but I've had 2 bone marrow transplants so graft vs. host, chemotherapy or full body radiation after effects are all culprits.
I've had dry eyes at least since my last transplant 12 years or so ago , they've been very bad for only the last 3 months or so.
-Ric

[ricmerry]

Who knows for sure but I've had 2 bone marrow transplants so graft vs. host, chemotherapy or full body radiation after effects are all culprits.
I've had dry eyes at least since my last transplant 12 years or so ago , they've been very bad for only the last 3 months or so.
-Ric

"Or so..." seems to be my standard line when referring to time or dates.
This stems from a phenomenon coined "chemobrain".
When I think something happened last month or last year I'm generally closer to reality if I double my estimation.