Breakthrough for Corneal Scarring: Personalized Scleral Lenses with ESP Scleral Topographer for Enhanced Vision and Comfort

Corneal scars—often caused by corneal infections, injuries, or post-surgical complications—not only block vision but also deform the cornea, making its surface irregular. This leads to light scattering, glare, and significant visual impairment. Traditional glasses or regular contact lenses are often ineffective for correcting vision problems caused by corneal scarring.

The patient’s corneal scars distorts the image on the corneal topography, demonstrating corneal irregularity

The corneal scars significantly affect the patient’s vision

Limitations of Corneal Scar Surgery (PTK)

While corneal scar patients may consider surgical options such as PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy), which uses an excimer laser to smoothen the corneal surface and reduce superficial scarring, PTK has its limitations:

  • Only suitable for superficial corneal scars: PTK cannot fully remove deeper or larger corneal scars.
  • Cannot correct corneal irregularity: Even if some scarring is removed, the corneal surface may remain irregular, so blurry vision and glare often persist.
  • Surgical risks and recurrence: Some patients may experience corneal haze or scar recurrence after surgery, and ideal vision may not be maintained in the long term.

As a result, many patients who have undergone PTK or other corneal scar surgeries still require additional methods for vision correction.

The patient’s pinguecula. The elevated lesion on the sclera poses difficulty on fitting traditional scleral lenses

Why Are Scleral Lenses Effective for Corneal Scar Vision Correction?

Scleral lenses are particularly effective for correcting vision in patients with corneal scars for several reasons:

  • Creates a smooth optical surface: Scleral lenses are vaulted and do not rest directly on the sensitive, irregular cornea. Instead, they maintain a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This fluid layer fills in all corneal irregularities, creating a new, smooth optical surface so that light can focus accurately on the retina, dramatically improving visual clarity.
  • Masks optical defects caused by corneal scars: Even if the scar is in the visual axis, scleral lenses can "mask" the scattered lights, restoring vision from "looking through frosted glass" to nearly normal.
  • High stability and comfort: Scleral lenses are larger in diameter and rest on the white of the eye (sclera), not the cornea. This means they remain stable and comfortable during blinking and eye movement, providing consistent vision throughout the day.
  • Continuous hydration and corneal protection: The fluid reservoir under the lens keeps the cornea hydrated all day, reducing dryness and discomfort, and protecting the cornea from further injury or irritation. It also promotes corneal healing.

Therefore, for patients whose vision is impaired by corneal scars and who cannot be helped by traditional correction methods, scleral lenses can not only significantly improve vision, but also provide long-term comfort and corneal protection—making them one of the most effective non-surgical vision correction solutions available today.

ESP Scleral Topographer can be used to make scleral lenses with customized curves. The free-form technology allows the scleral lens to vault over obstacles on the sclera

OCT scan can visualize the depth of the corneal scar, and the tear fluid between the scleral lens and the cornea

Case Study: Dramatic Improvement in Vision and Comfort

A patient with corneal scarring from a previous infection, and pinguecula on the sclera had severely impaired vision. Although the patient wore a traditional scleral lens, the comfort and vision correction were only mediocre. After being fitted with a personalized scleral lens designed with the ESP Scleral Topographer, the vision improved from 0.1 (without the lens) to 0.9 (with the lens), nearly reaching normal levels. The patient also reported that the personalized scleral lens was extremely comfortable, with almost no sensation of wearing a lens—far superior to any lens the patient had ever tried.

How Scleral Lenses Improve Vision for Corneal Scar Patients

  • Effectively corrects blurred vision and glare caused by corneal scars
  • Custom-designed with the ESP Scleral Topographer to vault over pinguecula and other obstacles
  • Uses advanced free-form technology for optimal fit and comfort
  • Provides significant vision improvement and long-term comfortable wear for corneal scar patients

If your vision is impaired by corneal scars and traditional glasses or contact lenses are not effective, consider personalized scleral lenses designed with the ESP Scleral Topographer. Regain clear and comfortable vision—contact us today to book a scleral lens trial fitting assessment and learn more about corneal scars, scleral lenses, and the ESP Scleral Topographer. Let us help you find the best vision correction solution!

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