Corneal ectasia—often a side effect of LASIK or naturally occurring conditions like keratoconus—can cause the cornea to warp, creating vision that feels like you're constantly looking through a funhouse mirror.
At The Contact Lens Institute of Nevada in Las Vegas, we design custom scleral lenses that vault over the cornea, restoring stable, clear vision. Our practice has served professional athletes, celebrities, and everyday people who just want to see clearly again.
What Is Corneal Ectasia?
Corneal ectasia is a condition where the cornea begins to thin and bulge outward. This irregular shape disrupts the way light enters the eye, leading to distorted and blurry vision. It may develop on its own, as in keratoconus, or after refractive surgery, such as LASIK or radial keratotomy (RK).
Symptoms can range from mild blurring and sensitivity to light to severe vision distortion, making everyday tasks like reading or driving difficult. As the cornea continues to change shape, traditional glasses or soft contact lenses often become ineffective, prompting people to seek a more effective solution.
How Scleral Lenses Help Treat Corneal Ectasia
Scleral lenses are a game-changer for people with corneal ectasia. Instead of sitting directly on the cornea, these rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses vault over it and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The space between the lens and the eye is filled with a liquid reservoir that smooths out corneal irregularities, improves comfort, and provides clear, stable vision throughout the day.
1. Smooth Optical Surface
Since the cornea is misshapen, vision is often scattered and unclear. The fluid-filled vault of a scleral lens conceals the irregular front surface, providing the eye with a consistent, uniform surface to see through.
2. Long-Lasting Comfort
Many people with ectasia struggle with irritation or lens discomfort. Because scleral lenses rest on the less sensitive sclera and don't touch the cornea directly, they’re more comfortable—even for all-day wear.
3. Protection for a Fragile Cornea
Ectasia can make the cornea fragile and prone to further damage. Scleral lenses act as a shield, protecting the eye from exposure, friction, and environmental irritants.
4. Stability for Active Lifestyles
Unlike smaller gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses don’t pop out easily. Whether you're sitting at a desk or on the go, they stay put and keep your vision clear.
When to Get Scleral Lenses for Corneal Ectasia
If you’ve been dealing with fluctuating vision or your current contacts no longer feel comfortable, it may be time to consider a scleral lens evaluation. At The Contact Lens Institute of Nevada, we use cutting-edge tools like the sMap 3D corneo-scleral topographer to design lenses tailored to your exact eye shape—even down to over 3 million data points. You might be ready for scleral lenses if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with corneal ectasia or keratoconus
- Your glasses or soft contacts no longer correct your vision well
- You’ve had LASIK surgery or other corneal surgeries and now experience irregular vision
- You’ve developed corneal scarring or thinning
- You experience contact lens discomfort or frequent dislodging
- Your vision keeps worsening despite treatment
- Your lifestyle requires stable, reliable vision correction
Restore Clear Vision in Las Vegas With Scleral Lenses That Fit Right
You don’t have to settle for unclear vision or uncomfortable contact lenses. At The Contact Lens Institute of Nevada in Las Vegas, we take a personalized approach to treating corneal ectasia with advanced diagnostic technology and specialty lenses.
Our scleral lens fitting process is led by Dr. Stephanie Woo, a nationally recognized expert in the field of contact lenses. If you’re ready to see better and feel more confident in your daily life, we’re here to help. Book your eye care appointment, and we'll build you a lens that actually works.
