UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I am considering trying scleral lenses. I am a bit concerned with the fitting process etc as i have taken a year to get a pair of RGP lenses and they're still not comfortable. I've had a lot of discomfort and my patience is wearing thin.

Hello Helen, and welcome to the group.

It does certainly sound like you could take to scleral lenses well.

I think it takes a practiced eye to prescribe a scleral lens, but I've found the process surprisingly quick and easy - look at the eye through the slit lamp, select a "trial" lens, insert it, check with the slit lamp and repeat until there's a slight clearance above the cone (if the lens doesn't touch the cornea, it won't hurt!). Then there's a normal style "refraction" with spectacle lenses in front of the scleral, and then the scleral trial lens comes out.

At least, that's how Ken Pullum does it!

Don't worry about the mouldings you may read about - they're hardly ever done these days, as the RGP material that modern sclerals are made of won't mould easily.

Let us know how you get on.

Hello Helen

What John describes re the fitting process was the same for me, more or less. I was lucky enough also to be made to wear a very fashionable yellow plastic apron, as I was going to get wet so I was told.
The experience itself was no worse for me than having RGP corneal lenses poked into my eye, if anything I would say it was more comfortable with the sclerals. The only down side I would say is having to get in a slightly undignified position, head down looking as close to the floor as possible whilst some relative stranger tries to get the lens in minus any air bubbles. However, if their bedside manner is right this should be ok my current chap is brilliant.
Which hospital will you be going to?

Let me know if you want to know anything else.

Best wishes
Susan

Hello Helen
I too have a pair of scleral lenses. I also have rgps so I can use either depending on my KC state! The fitting process was not a problem at all. The secret is to ensure that the person who fits them is EXPERIENCED in fitting sclerals. Before I found someone who was I was not so impressed. It could be the answer for you so make sure you have done your homework otherwise you could unnecessarily give up. I find them very comfortable although I still find getting them in myself a little difficult. It is a pleasure to go to someone who can expertly put them in for me! Good luck and do keep us posted.

Gillian makes a good point, someone who is EXPERIENCED but how do you know or find out? I find it unlikely they would tell you they were only just starting out or were relatively inexperienced and in fairness to them they all have to start somewhere and as it is not such a common lens to fit these days.
Maybe those of us who are more used to this sort of practise now should be guinea pigs?

Helen - don't let any of us put you off afterall if it means you can see when the new lenses are finally fitted it will all be worthwhile.

Susan

Hi Helen,
I LOVE MY SCLERALS! Fitting - a piece of cake for the patient - don't know about the optometrist! The apron is just to catch the overspill of saline, often with fluorescene (spelling?) added. I learnt to insert my lenses in about 5 mins, much easier than rgps or soft perms. Wore them 6 hours the first day. When they give you vision you haven't had for months/years, motivation is very high to make them work.
Sclerals are very comfortable, don't move around or fall out and rarely get dust etc under them.
Give them a try!
Janet

give sclerals a try - fitting not too bad.

when Ken fitted my sons the best bit was Kens tie being totally fluorescent by the end of the session!!

Dale has had sclerals for 20 months, built up lens time 3 hrs per day week one, 6 hrs week 2, 9 hrs week three and dead easy. He has only had 5 days ever when his eyes were mysteriously red and he didnt wear them. ind you , overdid new year a bit and looked wrecked this morning - settled for one lens not two today.

Dale had downs, so we have had to train carers to fit his lenses - he now has more than 20 trained slaves, even those who said theyd be too queasy for it - EVEN his Dad who is prone to faint in clinics!! So its not that hard!!

Go for it
kate and dale