UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello folks,

Well since my initial post, I have now seen my consultant and then been referred to the optician who after attempting to fit me for some new RGPs and deciding that I would still have problems tolerating them, referred me back to the consultant with a view to a graft on my remaining non-grafted eye. However when I saw the consultant he has referred me to City Hospital in Birmingham for a Sceleral lens fitting in preference to surgery.

Unfortunately I am not particularly familiar with scelerals and have an appointment for the middle of next month. Can anyone fill me in on the details, namely are they more comfortable, how do they compare for breathability, have sclerals and mini-sclerals become synonymous or are these two distinct types still in use, how are they fitted, cleaning, vision etc.?

Basically I am just after some general info so that when I do have my appointment I will be able to ask any relevant questions.

Thanks,

Richard

Hello Richard,

To answer some of your questions:

Sclerals are certainly different in terms of comfort to RGPs. You can probably always tell that they're there - there's a feeling of bulk. But because they're relatively huge, dust can't get under them, and the eyelids don't feel them, so many people rate them as more comfortable than RGPs.

They're pretty much as oxygen-permeable as RGPs. I think they're made of the same material these days.

Mini-sclerals are smaller than normal sclerals. Take a look at http://www.sclerals.com for more details on the differences.

Fitting is a cinch. It's a case of "try this lens... now let's try a slightly different size... Voila!" At least, that's how it's been for me.

Vision will generally be at the same level, or slightly worse, than RGPs, but much better than glasses. And cleaning is straightforward. They're actually stored dry, so there's no collection of chemicals in the bathroom.

Anyone care to add to this?

Thanks for the info John,

I'll have a look at that link now.

Richard

Hi

I have been wearing these for about 3 years now....so will give you my input

Can anyone fill me in on the details, namely are they more comfortable

Yes, Sclerals have been THE most comfortable lenses for me out of RGP, Rose K, Corneal Lens, Soft Perms, etc.

how do they compare for breathability

Excellent, and seems to be a non-issue...unlike say Softperms

have sclerals and mini-sclerals become synonymous or are these two distinct types still in use

No,, they are still in use. Basically as the name impies, Mini-Scl is just a small version


, how are they fitted, cleaning, vision etc.?

I get seen by Ken Pullum who seems to be an Authority on Scelerals....and so is VERY experience in fitting. Bascailly two areas that he looks at, the coning of the cornea and the size of your Scelera...thereafter its just playing with the lens steepness and difference sizes.

Cleaning, very easy usual Cleaning solutions work well

Vision - Same as RGP or slightly worse......in my opinion........but again I have seen and heard of people who have had improved vision from them..........