CONTACT LENS

A contact lens refers to either a soft or gas permeable lens that rests on the front surface of the eye. Many corneas with conditions such as keratoconus, post-refractive surgical complications, chronic dry eyes and many other corneal conditions, cannot support this type of lens.

CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY

Corneal Topography is a non-invasive imaging technology for mapping the curvature of the front surface of the eye. The three-dimensional map produced is invaluable in diagnosing many corneal conditions such as keratoconus and chronic dry eye. In addition, this technology helps us to determine the proper treatment needed for a particular eye as far as specialty lenses are concerned.

THE CORNEA

The cornea is the very front surface of the eye. It is the structure that a contact lens rests on. It is also the strongest refractive structure of the eye. Small changes in the curvature of the cornea can bring about dramatic changes in vision. That is the purpose of refractive eye surgery- to alter the shape of the cornea to bring about a reduction in the refractive condition of the eye.

GVR SCLERAL LENS

The GVR Scleral lens is a gas permeable lens that we design using proprietary software unique to our specialty lens practice. The GVR Scleral lens does not come in contact with the cornea, therefore it is not a contact lens. So many of the corneas that we see are damaged from refractive eye surgeries, disease and trauma. These corneas are unable to support a conventional contact lens and eyeglasses are not an option for good vision. The GVR scleral lens vaults over the compromised cornea and rests on the white portion of the eye known as the sclera. The space between the back surface of the lens and the front surface of the eye is filled with saline solution. In other words, the cornea is always in a liquid environment. This lens was named the GVR Scleral lens after our specialty lens practice (Global Vision Rehabilitation Center). Besides providing excellent vision and comfort, the liquid environment that baths the cornea promotes healing.

KERATOCONUS

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory thinning and protrusion of the cornea. It is a slowly progressive condition that usually starts sometime after puberty and ceases to progress after an active period of about 5 years. As the cornea protrudes and thins, visual acuity diminishes. If the keratoconus reaches an advanced state, the best course of action will be to consider either hybrid contact lenses or gas permeable scleral lenses. Over the years, after having taken care of thousands of keratoconus patients, less than 1% of my keratoconic patient population ever needed to consider corneal transplant surgery.

POST-LASIK ECTASIA

Post-LASIK Ectasia is one of the most serious adverse events or complications resulting from LASIK. I have treated over 1000 post-LASIK patients suffering from ectasia and feel that it is more common than is reported in the medical literature. This complication can occur weeks to years following LASIK surgery. LASK surgery thins out the cornea and results in a weakened corneal "wall". Because of this, over an extended period of time, the cornea can "buckle" or protrude. The result is severely compromised vision along with a distorted cornea. There is no surgical or medical cure for post-LASIK ectasia. The only technology that will allow a patient with ectasia to see clearly and comfortably once again is a gas permeable scleral lens.

POST-REFRACTIVE SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS

This refers to the unanticipated loss of vision and comfort following refractive surgeries such as LASIK, Radial Keratotomy, PRK and other corneal surgeries. These complications include fluctuating vision, chronic dry eyes, glare and halos around lights, reduced vision at night and indoors, vitreous floaters and a host of other debilitating vision and comfort issues.

THE SCLERA

The sclera is the white portion of the eye. Over the sclera lie several layers of clear transparent tissue known as the conjunctiva.

SLIT LAMP OR BIOMICROSCOPE

This instrument is used to examine the anterior or front ocular tissues of the eye under very high magnification. It is invaluable in helping us to diagnose and determine the proper course of action needed to treat many ocular conditions.

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