Contact Lenses After Corneal Transplant in Beverly Hills

A corneal transplant replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. After the eye heals, many patients still have blurry vision because the new cornea is not perfectly smooth or evenly curved. Specialty contact lenses can correct this and help patients get more use out of their transplant. Visioncare Associates offers custom scleral lens fittings for patients who have had a corneal transplant, and Dr. Shily has sub-specialty training in specialty contact lenses.

Vision After a Corneal Transplant

The stitches and healing process after a transplant can leave the cornea with an uneven shape. This can lead to:

• High astigmatism

• Irregular astigmatism

• A large difference in prescription between the two eyes

• Blurry vision that glasses cannot fully correct

Because of these changes, many transplant patients need a rigid or specialty contact lens to see clearly.

When Contact Lens Fitting Can Begin

Contact lens fitting usually begins once the eye has healed and the corneal surgeon has cleared the eye for lens wear. Dr. Shily reviews the patient’s surgical history and current eye health before starting the fitting.

Contact Lens Options After a Corneal Transplant

Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye, so the lens does not press on the transplant. The fluid layer behind the lens covers the uneven surface of the cornea and keeps it moist. Scleral lenses are often used after corneal transplants.

Gas Permeable Lenses
Corneal gas permeable lenses keep their shape on the eye and can correct irregular astigmatism. They may be an option when the transplant has a regular enough shape for the lens to sit well.

Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses have a rigid center for clear vision and a soft outer skirt for comfort. They can work for some patients after a transplant.

Who These Lenses Can Help

Post-transplant contact lenses may help patients who:

• Have blurry vision after a corneal transplant

• Have high or irregular astigmatism from the transplant

• Cannot see clearly with glasses

• Had a transplant for keratoconus, corneal scarring or another corneal condition

The Fitting Process

Fitting a contact lens over a corneal transplant takes careful measurement and follow-up.

1. Consultation and Exam
Dr. Shily reviews the patient’s surgical history and checks the health of the transplant with a Haag-Streit biomicroscope.

2. Corneal Mapping and Imaging
The office uses Zeiss Atlas corneal topography and Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT imaging to map the shape of the cornea and the transplant.

3. Custom Lens Design and Trial
Dr. Shily designs or selects a lens based on the measurements and checks the fit, clearance and vision with a trial lens.

4. Ongoing Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits allow Dr. Shily to monitor the health of the transplant and adjust the lens as needed.

Insurance for Post-Transplant Contact Lenses

Some vision and medical plans cover specialty contact lenses when they are medically necessary after a corneal transplant. Coverage varies by plan. Call the office at (310) 271-3937 to ask about your benefits.

Schedule a Post-Transplant Contact Lens Consultation

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