What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are large diameter, hard lenses, that vault over the cornea or clear tissue of the eye and fitting onto the sclera or white tissue of the eye.

Vaulting the cornea creates a liquid chamber that serves to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable providing relief from dry eyes. The lens also creates a smooth optical surface giving the patient wearing these lenses very crisp and stable vision.

Scleral contact lenses are uniquely designed for each individual patient to eliminate any irregularities of the shape on the front surface of the eye to correct vision.

These lenses are made of materials that allow oxygen to pass through the lens while maintaining a thin cushion of fluid that stays between the lens and eye. This makes the lenses more comfortable than any other type of contact lens and creates a healthy environment for the eye and reduces redness and discomfort.

Scleral lenses area available to correct multiple prescription requirements including distance vision, astigmatism, and even multifocal corrections.

Dry Eye Related Complications of Graft vs. Host Disease

WHAT IS GRAFT VS. HOST DISEASE?

What is graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) is a complication that occurs after stem cell or bone marrow transplant. The cells in the body of the transplant recipient regard the new cells as being foreign, causing the new cells to attack the body of the recipient. This can be a sudden onset (acute) problem or it can be a chronic complication. The person suffering with GVHD will usually have many complications with their eyes.

CAN GVHD BE CURED AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is currently no preventative treatment for GVHD and there is no cure, symptoms however can be managed. Patients need to use lubricant drops and ointments, goggle-type eyewear, warm compress with eyelid scrubs, and Omega-3 supplementation. In very severe cases, prescription anti-inflamatory medications and punctal plugs can be added to therapy.

In a study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, researchers found using scleral lenses to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe dryness and inflammation of the eyes as a result of GVHD.

BENEFITS TO PATIENTS WITH GVHD

 Create a regular and smooth optical surface to provide clear / crisp vision
 Lenses to fit beneath the eyelids to rest on the sclera offering exceptional comfort and stability
 Maintain layer of tears between the lens and surface of eye
 Over 78% of patients experience improved comfort and vision, Over 87% satisfaction