In this final installment of our scleral lens series, we explore how scleral lenses combined with Ovitz technology can correct high-order aberrations, offering a new level of visual clarity for complex vision issues, especially when combined with EyePrintPRO lenses. By using custom wavefront-guided lenses, this advanced approach enhances precision and comfort, providing tailored solutions for those seeking the highest quality of vision correction.
Part 3: Correcting High-Order Aberrations with Scleral Lenses and Aberrometer
Introduction: For many patients, vision issues extend beyond simple refractive errors like nearsightedness or astigmatism. High-order aberrations (HOAs) are complex imperfections in the optical system of the eye, often leading to visual distortions such as halos, glare, and reduced clarity. Fortunately, with advancements in specialty contact lenses, scleral lenses, and aberrometry technology, these issues can now be precisely addressed.
What Are High-Order Aberrations?
HOAs refer to more intricate irregularities in the eye’s optical pathway that cannot be corrected with conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. These aberrations can distort vision in ways that lower-order corrections, such as spherical or cylindrical lenses, cannot address. They are typically caused by irregularities in the cornea, lens, or even previous surgical procedures, and they can have a profound impact on visual quality.
Common Symptoms of High-Order Aberrations:
- Glare and Halos: Especially noticeable around bright lights at night.
- Blurred or Distorted Vision: Even with glasses or contact lenses.
- Reduced Contrast Sensitivity: Difficulty distinguishing fine details, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Challenges with Night Vision: Vision quality decreases significantly in darker environments.
Types of High-Order Aberrations
There are several types of high-order aberrations, each affecting vision in distinct ways:
- Spherical Aberration: This occurs when light rays entering the eye at different distances from the center of the pupil do not focus at the same point. It leads to blurry or distorted vision, especially in low light.
- Coma: Coma aberration occurs when light rays entering the eye off-center create a comet-shaped blur, usually more noticeable when looking at point sources of light, like streetlights or stars.
- Trefoil: Similar to coma, trefoil aberration causes three-pointed star-shaped distortions, which can make lights appear stretched or distorted.
- Other HOAs: These can include more complex patterns like quadrafoil, which is an even higher-order distortion, and other less common aberrations that affect overall image quality.
The Role of Aberrometry in Managing HOAs
Aberrometry is the technology used to measure these complex optical distortions. Devices like the OVITZ xwave™ aberrometer use wavefront technology to map out the eye’s refractive errors in minute detail. This comprehensive wavefront analysis detects even the smallest imperfections in the visual pathway, enabling more precise corrections.
How Scleral Lenses Correct High-Order Aberrations
- Wavefront-Guided Design: With the detailed data from the aberrometer, scleral lenses can be customized to counteract both lower and high-order aberrations.
- Fluid-Filled Vault: Scleral lenses create a liquid-filled gap between the cornea and the lens, which smooths out the irregularities on the corneal surface. This design is particularly effective for addressing HOAs that arise from corneal irregularities.
- Stable Optical Surface: The stability of scleral lenses helps maintain a consistent optical surface throughout the day, which is crucial for reducing the visual distortions caused by high-order aberrations.
Fitting Scleral Lenses with Aberrometry
When fitting scleral lenses to address HOAs, the process involves:
- Comprehensive Wavefront Analysis: Using aberrometry to map the patient’s visual aberrations.
- Custom Lens Design: The scleral lens is crafted based on the wavefront data to ensure the most accurate correction possible for both HOAs and lower-order errors.
- Lens Testing and Adjustments: The lenses are fine-tuned based on feedback and additional testing to achieve the best possible visual clarity.
Benefits of Combining Scleral Lenses with Aberrometry
- Personalized Vision Correction: Corrects a wider range of refractive errors, offering solutions to even the most complex visual distortions.
- Improved Night Vision: Scleral lenses reduce glare and halos, which are often exacerbated by HOAs, making nighttime driving and other low-light activities much safer and more comfortable.
- Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Custom-fitted lenses stay securely in place throughout the day, providing consistent vision correction without the issues of shifting lenses or unstable vision.
Who Can Benefit from This Combination?
Patients with a variety of conditions can experience improved vision through this advanced combination of scleral lenses and aberrometry. Some examples include:
- Corneal Irregularities: Caused by conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, or post-surgical complications.
- Post-Refractive Surgery Aberrations: Patients who have undergone LASIK or other refractive surgeries often experience residual HOAs that can now be effectively corrected.
- Unresolved Visual Disturbances: Individuals who continue to struggle with visual distortions, despite having tried traditional glasses or contact lenses, may find relief with this advanced technology.
Success Stories with Scleral Lenses and Aberrometry
Patients who have combined scleral lenses with aberrometry have reported dramatic improvements in their visual clarity, particularly in challenging situations such as night driving or working in dimly lit environments. Many individuals describe a newfound sense of freedom, with vision that feels sharper and clearer than they ever thought possible.
Prpic Eyecare Centre: Leading the Way in Canada
Prpic Eyecare Centre is proud to be one of only two clinics in Western Canada that offer OVITZ high-order aberration custom scleral lenses. Our doctors have received specialized training in fitting these advanced lenses, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care and the most precise vision correction possible. We are committed to bringing cutting-edge technology to our patients, providing them with innovative solutions that improve both their vision and quality of life.
Caring for Scleral Lenses
Like other scleral lenses, those designed to correct high-order aberrations require proper care to maintain their effectiveness and prolong their lifespan:
- Daily Cleaning and Disinfection: Follow prescribed cleaning routines to keep lenses free from debris and proteins.
- Proper Insertion and Removal: Handle lenses with care to avoid damage or discomfort.
- Regular Eye Exams: Ensure that your lenses are still fitting properly and providing the best correction by attending regular check-ups with your eye care provider.
Conclusion
The combination of scleral lenses and advanced aberrometry represents a major leap forward in vision correction. By precisely targeting high-order aberrations, we can offer patients clearer, more comfortable vision, even in complex cases. If you’ve been dealing with unresolved visual disturbances, glare, or halos, the team at Prpic Eyecare Centre is here to help. We use state-of-the-art aberrometry technology, including the OVITZ xwave™, to design custom scleral lenses tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how this cutting-edge technology can transform your vision and quality of life.
I hope this article has provided insight into the powerful combination of scleral lenses and Ovitz technology in correcting high-order aberrations, bringing unparalleled clarity to complex vision challenges. Whether you’re managing keratoconus, severe dry eye, or other corneal conditions, these custom solutions offer exceptional precision and comfort. For more information on how Prpic Eyecare Centre can support your ocular health with personalized scleral lens options, call 604-337-2575 or email us at info@prpiceyecare.com.
