Scleral Lenses: Optimal Contact Lenses for Athletic Performance
What Are Scleral Lenses and How Do They Work?
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional soft or rigid gas permeable contacts. Instead of sitting directly on your cornea like standard lenses, they rest on the sclera, which is the tough white outer layer of your eye.
This design offers several key differences. The larger diameter creates a more stable fit, and the lens does not move around as much with blinking or eye movement. Athletes often notice the improved stability right away during their first trial.
When we fit you with scleral lenses, we create a small space between the back surface of the lens and the front of your cornea. This space is called the vault, and it ensures the lens does not touch your corneal surface at all.
- The vault protects sensitive or irregular corneas from direct contact
- It allows your cornea to maintain its natural shape without pressure
- The space gets filled with sterile saline solution when you insert the lens
- This design reduces irritation and promotes healthier corneal tissue
The sterile saline solution trapped between the lens and your cornea creates a fluid reservoir. This reservoir keeps your eye continuously hydrated, which is especially helpful during long training sessions or competitions.
Athletes who exercise in dry or windy conditions benefit from this constant moisture layer. The fluid cushion also helps wash away debris and provides optical clarity by smoothing out any corneal irregularities.
Scleral lenses can be used in many sports when water exposure is avoided or when tight-fitting goggles are worn. They work well for runners, cyclists, team sports players, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- High-impact sports where regular contacts might dislodge
- Outdoor activities with exposure to dust, pollen, or wind
- Endurance events requiring all-day comfortable wear
- Water-adjacent sports with tight-fitting goggles and a plan to remove and disinfect lenses after any water exposure
- Athletes with irregular corneas, keratoconus, or high astigmatism
Why Athletes Choose Scleral Lenses
One of the biggest frustrations athletes face with traditional contacts is lens movement or loss during intense activity. Scleral lenses address this problem by sitting securely on a stable part of your eye.
The larger diameter means the lens extends well beyond your cornea and tucks under your eyelids. This design keeps the lens centered and stable even when you jump, sprint, or make quick head movements.
Athletes need reliable vision to track fast-moving objects, judge distances, and react quickly. Scleral lenses can provide consistent optical quality because they create a smooth refracting surface over your cornea.
- The fluid reservoir corrects minor surface irregularities on your cornea
- Vision remains stable because the lens does not shift position
- Custom designs can address complex prescriptions including high astigmatism
- Many athletes report clearer vision than they achieved with glasses or regular contacts
When you wear scleral lenses, they act as a protective barrier for your cornea. The lens shields your eye surface from airborne particles, pollen, and other irritants you encounter during outdoor training.
This protection is particularly valuable if you have dry eyes or sensitive corneas. The fluid reservoir reduces evaporation and shields the corneal surface from wind, reducing discomfort during long rides or runs.
Many athletes train for several hours at a time or compete in all-day events. Scleral lenses maintain comfort throughout extended wear because the fluid reservoir keeps your cornea hydrated.
Unlike some traditional contacts that can dry out and become uncomfortable after a few hours, scleral lenses can provide steady moisture. We design your lenses to allow oxygen to reach your cornea, which supports healthy tissue even during long wear periods. Do not sleep or nap in scleral lenses. Prolonged wear increases the risk of corneal hypoxia and edema. Follow the maximum daily wear time your doctor recommends.
If you participate in swimming, surfing, or other water sports, scleral lenses are more resistant to dislodgement than smaller lenses, but they are not watertight and do not make water exposure safe.
- Scleral lenses are less likely to dislodge, but water can enter around the lens edges; wear tight-fitting swim goggles if you must be in water
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and showers while wearing any contact lenses when possible
- You can participate in activities where glasses would be impractical or dangerous
- Ask about UV-blocking lens materials. Still wear UV-rated sports sunglasses and a brimmed hat because the lenses do not protect your eyelids or surrounding skin
- The stable platform allows for specialty tints or filtering options if needed
Getting Fitted for Scleral Lenses
Your scleral lens journey begins with a comprehensive eye examination. We assess your overall eye health, measure your prescription, and evaluate the shape and condition of your cornea and sclera.
We use advanced imaging technology to map the curves and dimensions of your eye surface. These detailed measurements allow us to design lenses that fit your unique anatomy precisely, which is essential for both comfort and optimal vision.
Every eye has a different shape, so we custom-design your scleral lenses based on your individual measurements. The fitting process involves selecting the right diameter, vault height, and edge design for your eyes.
- We start with diagnostic lenses to evaluate the fit on your eye
- Our eye doctor checks the vault clearance and edge alignment
- We assess how the lens centers and moves with blinking
- Adjustments are made to optimize comfort and vision
- Final lenses are ordered based on the successful trial fit
Inserting and removing scleral lenses requires a different technique than you may have used with smaller contacts. We provide thorough training to ensure you can handle your lenses safely and confidently.
During your training session, we teach you to fill the lens bowl with sterile saline, position the lens on your eye using a small plunger or your fingers, and remove it gently at the end of the day. Most athletes master these techniques within a few practice sessions.
You may notice some initial awareness of the lenses during your first few days of wear. This sensation typically decreases quickly as your eyes adapt to the new lenses.
We recommend gradually increasing your wearing time, starting with a few hours and building up to full-day wear. Many athletes are able to resume their normal training schedule within the first week, though we may suggest waiting until the fit is fully optimized before high-intensity competition.
After you receive your custom scleral lenses, we schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. These appointments allow us to check the lens fit, evaluate your corneal health, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Your first follow-up typically occurs within one to two weeks of lens delivery
- We examine the vault clearance and edge alignment with special instruments
- Vision quality and comfort are assessed during various activities
- Additional modifications may be ordered if needed to perfect the fit
Scleral lenses are not right for everyone. We carefully evaluate your individual situation before recommending them.
- Active eye infection or significant eyelid disease not yet treated
- Inability to handle lenses safely or poor hygiene access
- Severe allergy flares or giant papillary conjunctivitis
- Significant conjunctival elevations, for example large pingueculae, without design modifications
- History of corneal hypoxia or edema with contact lenses
- Need or intent for overnight wear
Caring for Your Scleral Lenses During Athletic Activity
Proper lens care is essential to maintain eye health and lens performance. We recommend a daily cleaning routine that removes protein deposits, lipids, and other debris that accumulate during wear.
Each evening, clean your lenses with the approved cleaner we recommend, rinse them thoroughly, and store them in fresh disinfecting solution overnight. In the morning, rinse the lenses with sterile saline before insertion to remove any residue from the storage case.
- Use a daily surfactant rub to remove deposits before disinfection
- A hydrogen peroxide system is often recommended for disinfection of scleral lenses; follow the full neutralization time
- Never expose lenses, plungers, or cases to tap water. Do not rinse lenses or cases with water
- Fill the lens bowl only with non-preserved sterile saline. Do not use multipurpose solution in the bowl
- Clean insertion and removal plungers with mild soap and water or hydrogen peroxide, air-dry, and replace them regularly
Before athletic activity, make sure your hands are completely clean and dry. Fill the lens bowl with non-preserved sterile saline solution, checking that no air bubbles are trapped under the lens.
- Insert lenses in a clean environment before heading to your training venue
- Check that the lens is centered and comfortable before starting exercise
- Bring extra saline solution in case you need to remove and reinsert a lens
- Pack your lens case and supplies in your athletic bag for emergencies
- If you use hand sanitizer, wait until your hands are completely dry before handling lenses
During most athletic activities, your scleral lenses should remain stable and comfortable without special attention. If you do experience any irritation or vision changes, take a moment to blink fully several times.
If water or debris gets under the lens, stop activity as soon as it is safe. Wash and dry hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer until fully dry, remove the lens, rinse with sterile non-preserved saline, refill the bowl, and reinsert. If the lens was exposed to non-sterile water, disinfect with your recommended system or replace with a backup lens or glasses.
- Carry single-use vials of non-preserved sterile saline and a travel insertion and removal kit
- Use only non-preserved sterile saline in the bowl; do not use multipurpose solution to fill the lens
- If symptoms persist after reinsertion, stop wearing the lens and contact our office
After training or competition, remove your lenses as soon as practical. Clean them immediately to prevent protein and debris from hardening on the lens surface.
Always use fresh disinfecting solution in your case, never topping off old solution. Store your lenses in a clean, dry case and replace the case regularly according to our recommendations to prevent contamination. Empty and air-dry the case face down on a clean tissue. Replace the case at least every 1 to 3 months.
Scleral lenses are designed to last longer than soft contact lenses when properly cared for. Most athletes can expect their lenses to last one to two years, depending on wear patterns and care habits.
- Replace lenses if you notice scratches, cracks, or warping
- Vision changes or decreased comfort may indicate it is time for new lenses
- We will evaluate lens condition at your regular checkups
- Always have a backup pair available for athletes who depend on their lenses daily
- Your prescription may change over time, requiring new lenses
- Replace insertion and removal plungers if they become worn, sticky, or every 1 to 3 months
Sport-Specific Considerations and Performance Tips
If you participate in contact sports like basketball, soccer, or martial arts, scleral lenses offer advantages over glasses or smaller contacts. However, we still recommend protective eyewear when there is a risk of eye injury.
Sports goggles or face shields can be worn over your scleral lenses to guard against direct trauma. The combination provides both excellent vision correction and safety protection for your eyes. Scleral lenses are not protective equipment. Use certified sports eye protection as allowed by your sport's rules.
We recommend avoiding water exposure with contact lenses. If you must participate, wear sealed swim goggles and remove and disinfect your lenses immediately afterward. Chlorinated pool water, ocean water, and fresh water can all carry microorganisms that may lead to eye infections.
- Consider wearing swim goggles to minimize water contact with your lenses
- Remove and clean your lenses soon after leaving the water
- Never store lenses in tap water or rinse them with non-sterile water
- If water gets under the lens or you develop pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision after water exposure, remove the lens and seek same-day care
- Consider prescription swim goggles or daily disposable soft lenses that are discarded immediately after swimming as safer alternatives
Outdoor athletes face changing environmental conditions throughout their training and competition seasons. Scleral lenses perform well in diverse weather because the fluid reservoir protects against dryness.
In very cold conditions, make sure the saline filling solution is at a comfortable temperature before inserting lenses. In hot weather, the moisture barrier helps prevent the irritation that can occur when sweat runs into your eyes. Use UV-rated sports sunglasses even if your scleral lens material has UV blocking, and keep a hat or helmet visor for additional protection.
Marathon runners, triathletes, and ultra-endurance athletes often wear lenses for many hours at a time. Scleral lenses are well-suited for these demands because they maintain hydration and comfort during extended periods.
If you will be wearing lenses for more than 12 to 14 hours, talk with our eye doctor about your planned schedule. We can assess whether your eyes tolerate extended wear and provide guidance on safe wearing limits for your individual situation. Plan a midday break to remove the lenses, refresh the fluid reservoir, and allow the cornea to re-oxygenate if you wear them for many hours.
Athletes who train or compete at high altitudes or in extreme environments may experience additional challenges with contact lenses. Lower humidity and increased UV exposure are common at elevation.
- The scleral lens fluid reservoir helps with dryness, but low oxygen at altitude increases hypoxia risk; consider shorter wear time and a midday break
- We may recommend lenses with UV protection for mountain sports
- Bring extra supplies for extended backcountry trips
- Practice lens care procedures that avoid using tap water or non-sterile sources
- Watch for redness, halos around lights, haze, or decreased vision; if these occur, remove the lenses and contact our office
Scleral lenses are one of several options we may recommend depending on your needs, prescription, and sport demands. We can help you evaluate which solution best fits your goals.
- Daily disposable soft lenses for hygiene and convenience
- Custom soft toric lenses for high astigmatism
- Hybrid lenses for select corneal shapes
- Orthokeratology for overnight corneal reshaping in appropriate candidates
- Laser vision correction options, for example LASIK, PRK, SMILE, with a referral when appropriate
- Prescription sports goggles and sunglasses for impact protection and UV
Recognizing Problems and When to Seek Care
During your initial adaptation period, you may experience minor discomfort or awareness of the lens edge. These sensations usually improve as your eyes adjust to the new lenses.
Some athletes notice slight fogging or cloudy vision after several hours of wear. This can occur if the fluid reservoir becomes depleted or if debris accumulates under the lens. Removing, cleaning, and reinserting the lens with fresh saline typically resolves the issue. Midday fogging can result from debris in the reservoir. A midday remove, clean, and refill often helps; your doctor can adjust the landing zone if it persists.
A well-fitted scleral lens should feel comfortable and provide clear, stable vision throughout the day. If you notice persistent discomfort, redness, or vision fluctuations, the fit may need adjustment.
- Excessive edge awareness or irritation at the lens edge
- Vision that becomes progressively blurry during wear
- Visible cracks, chips, or scratches on the lens surface
- Lenses that seem loose or move excessively
- Difficulty removing the lens due to strong suction
- Persistent conjunctival blanching or vessel compression where the lens lands
- Recurrent suction or difficulty breaking the seal during removal
Certain symptoms indicate you should remove your lenses and contact our office the same day for evaluation. We take these concerns seriously to prevent potential complications.
If you develop sudden eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or discharge, take out your lenses immediately. Other warning signs include sudden vision loss, rainbow halos around lights, or a feeling that something is stuck under the lens that does not resolve with removal and cleaning. Symptoms that start after water exposure, including pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, require same-day evaluation.
True eye emergencies need urgent medical attention, even if it means going to an emergency room. Do not wait for a regular appointment if you experience severe symptoms.
- Sudden, severe eye pain that does not improve after lens removal
- Significant trauma to the eye during sports activity
- Sudden complete vision loss or large areas of missing vision
- Chemical exposure to the eye
- Foreign object embedded in the eye that you cannot safely remove
Even when your lenses are performing well, regular checkups are important. We monitor your corneal health, verify the lens fit remains optimal, and update your prescription if needed.
Most athletes visit our office every six to twelve months for routine scleral lens evaluations. If you have an underlying condition like keratoconus or if you are a high-performance athlete with demanding visual needs, we may recommend more frequent monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, scleral lenses are particularly effective for correcting astigmatism and irregular corneas, which makes them ideal for athletes with these conditions. The rigid lens material and the fluid vault work together to create a smooth optical surface that masks corneal irregularities and provides crisp vision during any sport.
With proper care and handling, scleral lenses typically last between one and two years for most athletes. Your specific lifespan may vary based on how often you wear them, your care habits, and whether you expose them to challenging conditions. We check lens condition at your regular visits and let you know when replacement is advisable.
Scleral lenses themselves are safer than traditional contacts for these sports because they are less likely to dislodge, but any contact sport carries risk of eye injury. We strongly recommend certified protective eyewear over your lenses when participating in boxing, martial arts, or any activity where direct strikes to the face may occur.
While scleral lenses are more resistant to washing out than smaller lenses, we generally advise minimizing direct water contact when possible to reduce infection risk. If you choose to swim while wearing your lenses, consider using tight-fitting goggles, and always remove and properly disinfect your lenses immediately after swimming to reduce the chance of contamination. If water contacts your lenses, remove them as soon as possible and disinfect or replace them before reinsertion.
Insurance coverage for scleral lenses varies widely depending on your plan and the medical reason for the lenses. If you have a diagnosed condition like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or significant astigmatism, your medical or vision insurance may provide partial or full coverage. We can provide documentation and work with you to maximize any available benefits.
No. Do not sleep or nap in scleral lenses. Overnight wear increases the risk of corneal hypoxia and infection.
If you notice a crack or break in your lens during athletic activity, remove it immediately to prevent eye injury from sharp edges. Always carry a backup pair for situations like this, and have your glasses available as a secondary option. Contact our office as soon as possible to order a replacement lens so your training is not significantly interrupted.
Getting Help for Scleral Lenses: Optimal Contact Lenses for Athletic Performance
If you are ready to explore whether scleral lenses can improve your athletic performance and eye comfort, schedule a consultation with our eye doctor. We will evaluate your eyes, discuss your sport-specific needs, and determine if scleral lenses are the right choice for you.