Posted by: Baymeadows Vision Center in Corneal Conditions, Keratoconus, Scleral Contact Lenses on August 5, 2010

Baymeadows Vision Center has launched the North Florida Corneal Rehabilitation Center to help patients with distorted corneas find alternatives to invasive surgical procedures.

North Florida Corneal Rehabilitation Center is the region’s only facility dedicated to treating damaged corneas with specialized contact lenses that are effective and comfortable.

Founded by Optometrist Brian Armitage, North Florida Corneal Rehabilitation Center specializes in treating patients with contact lenses that are supported by the white portion of the eye (sclera). Because scleral lenses vault over damaged corneas, they often help patients when other lenses have failed, such as with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal ectasia resulting from Lasik surgery, distorted corneal transplants and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

“With the latest in contact lens technology, adequate vision and excellent comfort is possible without the need for a corneal transplant,” said Armitage, formerly head of worldwide clinical research for VISTAKON, a contact lens manufacturing division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.

Armitage can restore a patient’s vision by filling the space between the scleral lens and the eye with contact lens solution. The solution fills the cornea’s irregular surface, allowing vision to be restored comfortably. This cushion of solution also provides oxygen to the cornea, allowing the eye to heal.

Made of a highly permeable polymer, scleral lenses fit beneath the eyelids, making them easy to wear and hard to dislodge. “Due to the increased stability of these lenses over conventional gas permeable lenses, comfort and vision are usually excellent,” Armitage said.

Armitage uses advanced technology to custom fit the lens to the eye. This allows a patient to retain vision and comfort as their eye changes.

Learn more about how we can help you. Or for more information on scleral lenses and the North Florida Corneal Rehabilitation Center go to: http://www.baymeadowsvision.com/.