VisionPlus India

benefits for individuals with irregular corneas and severe dry eye, offering superior comfort, improved vision, and hydration. Proper fitting and care are essential for optimal outcomes. Collaborating with an experienced eye care professional allows patients to enjoy clearer vision and enhanced comfort daily. Step 4: Training and Follow-Up Once fitted, patients are trained on inserting, removing, and caring for their scleral lenses, which require specific handling techniques. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor eye health and ensure the lenses maintain their proper fit over time. Scleral contact lenses provide transformative THE FITTING PROCESS Fitting scleral contact lenses requires expertise and precision, as an improper fit can lead to discomfort, poor vision, and even damage to the eye. The fitting process is highly individualised and involves several key steps: Step 1: Eye Examination Before fitting scleral lenses, the optometrist or ophthalmologist performs a thorough eye examination. This includes assessing the corneal shape, ocular surface health, and tear film production. Specialised diagnostic equipment, such as corneal topography, is used to map the corneal surface, allowing the practitioner to create a custom lens that fits the unique curvature of the patient’s eye. Step 2: Lens Selection and Trial Fitting Scleral lenses come in various diameters and curvatures, so the practitioner will select an initial trial lens based on the patient's corneal measurements. The lens is then placed on the eye, and the fit is assessed using a slit lamp, a microscope that allows the practitioner to examine the eye under magnification. The practitioner will check the lens's alignment, ensuring it vaults properly over the cornea without bearing too much weight on the sclera. They will also assess the amount of fluid between the lens and the cornea, as too little or too much can affect both comfort and vision. Step 3: Adjustments And Customisation Based on the initial fitting, the practitioner may make adjustments to the lens's curvature, diameter, or edge design. Some patients may need multiple trial lenses to achieve the optimal fit. Customisation is key, as a perfectly fitted scleral lens ensures both comfort and visual clarity. 54 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION