Seeking a competent Opthalmologist for scleral lens fitting

[tugnutt]

I'm a newbie, have been a lurker here in the past!  I had surgery in October 2015, and, like many of you, I'm now deaf in my left ear, and have some facial paralysis, which includes my left eye.  I have a gold weight in my eyelid for blink support.  My primary frustration is - as many have identified - care for the eye.

I haven't yet found a doctor that will even consider a scleral lens, yet I see so many reports here of success!  I am eager to take the next step with being fitted for a scleral lens, but would (of course!) like to find someone relatively local to help me. I live in Northern Virginia - any suggestions? 

Thanks tons! 

[Kerrybr92]

I was in the same situation as you back in 2011.  I have a weight in my lid and no tears are produced so I have terrible dry eye.  I was fitted with a scleral lens at the Boston Foundation for Sight in Needham, MA.  They are amazing.  They have several satellite locations with exceptional doctors trained in the process.  It has truly changed my life having the lens.  See if you can locate an office near you or consider traveling for the fitting.

[tugnutt]

Thanks, Kerry!  I'll start researching them now.  I saw one ophthalmologist in VA who said a scleral lens couldn't be used for dry eye.  By everything I read here, it sounds like that is one of the benefits of the lens!

[Kerrybr92]

Ok so that is certainly the wrong Doctor.  This lens is ideal for dry eye.  It is an oversized hard contact lens that you fill with saline in order the bathe your cornea all day. 

So keep looking. You will not regret it.

Good luck.

[saralynn143]

Funny thing. Ophthalmologists are less likely to embrace scleral lenses than optometrists. At any rate, I wrote some weblog posts about my scleral experience. The first one is at http://www.sarahartman.com/the-eyes-have-it/ and there are links to subsequent posts at the bottom. The first post contains links to a number of scleral lens brands. Many of the sites have lists of practitioners.

Good luck.

[tugnutt]

Thanks, saralynn!  I'll check out the info.  I so appreciate everyone's help. 

[tugnutt]

So, I have been doing some research on scleral lens providers.  As I live in Northern Virginia, the closest facility that appears to have scleral lens expertise is Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  Has anyone been seen there for a scleral lens?  I have an appointment in November to see Dr Boahene about surgery for my facial paralysis, as I have heard good things about him on this (incredibly helpful!!) forum. 

I would like not to waste any more time - I can travel to MA if that's necessary, just trying to get a little intelligence about Johns Hopkins. Here are some names:

Anisa I Gire, Laura DiMeglio,

Thanks!!

[Jill Marie]

While you're researching the scleral lens you might want to try a less expensive lens to see if it will help you.  I had a lens for about 3 years that was similiar to the scleral, didn't have to have it fitted so I took it home with me on the first visit.  My regular eye doctor sent me to an eye doctor that specialize in dry eye issues.  He told me not to bother making an appointment because she probably couldn't help me.  I was at my wits end so he referred me to her but sent information rather than making an appointment.  She told me she could help me, I got my Jupiter 15 lens and was very happy with it.  The lens is a hard contact lens like the scleral lens but not as big.  After about 3 years I couldn't wear the lens anymore, not sure why, perhaps I became allergic to it.  Anyway, my eye doctor then had me try using a daily use contact lens.  I use the Acuvue Oasys, it just came out this time last year.   I love it, can't tell it's in my eye and I don't have to use all the cleaning solutions I did with the scleral lens.  Depending on your Insurance it can be a bit costly, the lens costs about a dollar a day.  For me it's wonderful, before the daily use lens and the Jupiter lens I spent over $4,000. a year on eye ointment, that's not a typo.  There is something out there that will work for you, keep researching and don't stop because a doctor says it won't work for you.  Good luck and keep us updated!  Jill

[tugnutt]

Thank you, Jill Marie. 

Just a question - I've been a soft contact lens wearer for many years, and I use Oasys lenses.  They are lovely!  But I do it in monovision - my right eye is the unaffected eye, and I wear the lens in that eye to improve my distance vision.  I haven't needed correction in the left (and that's the affected eye, no blinking!!).  Is your lens for correction as well as for the dry eye? And I am assuming the lens does a fine job keeping your eye moist - you'd be pretty uncomfortable otherwise!

Thanks for your recommendation.  As I see time and again on this page, there are a variety of possible solutions for our predicaments, and they are all good options to pursue. 

[tugnutt]

Has anyone used the Willmer Clinic at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore MD?  Any recommendations for a scleral lens fitter there?  Thanks!

[Kerrybr92]

It appears as though there is a Boston Foundation for Sight affiliated clinic there.  They offer the PROSE scleral lens.  That is the one that I have worn for 5 years.  I would look into getting an appointment for a consult there.

[tugnutt]

Done!  I see a Wilmer Eye Institute optometrist - Dr Goldman - in two weeks.  I hope this works out.  Thanks for the support.

[Jill Marie]

Hi again,

I don't have any correction in the lens, I could if I wanted to.  I only use the lens to help with the dry eye issues.  The lens is so comfortable that last night I went to bed with it in, then I remembered to take it out, was exhausted from the Labor Day weekend.  The Oasys lens is different then the other Acuvue lenses, so I'm told.  I've recommended it to those that have the scleral lens so they could use it when they don't want to worry about loosing there scleral lens because of the cost.  Some people like to scuba dive, surf, etc and are worried about loosing an expensive lens.  Others like me worry about leaving it somewhere or thinking it's in the case at night and it's actually in the drain of your camp trailer, lost power camping and flashlight let me down.  Anyway it's a good back up lens too! 

Glad to read that you have an appointment to get fitted for the scleral lens, hope all goes well!  Jill Marie

[Kerrybr92]

Oh I am so glad you have an appointment with them. 

I first had a consult and then I returned for the fitting.  The lens and fitting is certainly more expensive than a "normal" lens. My insurance covered some of it since the doctor was able to state that it was medically necessary for me.  I have had the lens now for five years.  The only extra cost for the lens is the cleaning and inserting supplies.  In the end it has been quite economical.  I literally could not live with out it. 

Let us know how it goes.

[nancyann]

Hi tugnutt:  I have my scleral lens since 2/2013 with Dr. Kenneth Maller in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  He is a specialist in scleral lenses, really changed my life for the better.  Don't know what I'd do without the lens...  Wishing you all the best (sorry for the late response, haven't been onthe site for awhile).