Scleral lenses provide innovative solutions for those with unique eye conditions. Experience enhanced comfort, stability, and clarity of vision with scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses are custom-made to match the precise shape of your eye. Using advanced imaging and mapping, the lens is crafted to the unique contours of your cornea and sclera. This tailored fit ensures optimal lens alignment, resulting in maximum comfort and superior clarity of vision for the wearer. In practice, this means fewer issues with lenses shifting or causing pressure points, since the lens conforms closely to your eye’s anatomy. The precise customization not only enhances comfort but also helps deliver sharper vision than one-size-fits-all contacts, particularly important for complex prescriptions or corneal irregularities.
Unlike regular contacts that sit on the cornea, scleral lenses are designed to vault over the cornea entirely and rest on the less sensitive sclera. Because the lens doesn’t touch the corneal surface, it avoids aggravating any irregular or sensitive areas on the cornea. This greatly reduces irritation and light sensitivity that some people experience with standard lenses. By minimizing direct contact with the cornea, scleral lenses provide enhanced comfort even for those with conditions like keratoconus or corneal scarring. The vaulting design also creates a consistent optical surface, contributing to more stable and clear vision since the uneven corneal shape is effectively bypassed.
One of the hallmark benefits of scleral lenses is the liquid reservoir that sits between the back of the lens and the cornea. Before inserting a scleral lens, it is filled with sterile saline solution. When the lens is on the eye, this fluid layer forms a continuous cushion of moisture over the cornea. The result is that the eye’s surface stays hydrated throughout the day, which protects against dryness and discomfort. This is especially advantageous for individuals with severe dry eye syndrome, patients with conditions such as sjorgens and lupus, and those with damaged corneas. Additionally, the fluid cushion can aid in healing or protecting a damaged cornea by providing constant lubrication and a smooth refractive surface.
Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you to discuss if scleral lenses are the best option for your vision needs.
Scleral lenses are noticeably larger than standard soft or gas-permeable contacts, often spanning 15 to 20+ millimeters in diameter (versus ~9-14 mm for regular lenses). This larger size serves a purpose: it anchors the lens more securely on the eye. The broad diameter distributes pressure evenly and prevents the lens from moving around or popping out easily. Thanks to this design, scleral lenses offer greater stability, remaining centered over the cornea even during blinking or quick eye movements. For patients with irregular corneas, this stability helps maintain a consistently clear optical pathway, reducing visual distortions. Moreover, the combination of stability and the continuous hydration from the fluid reservoir means many users can comfortably wear scleral lenses for extended periods. Scleral lenses are designed for longer wear times, with many patients finding they can wear them all day without discomfort. The enhanced stability and moisture also make them ideal for athletes, first responders, pilots and others that want to maintain an active lifestyle or need reliable vision correction throughout their workday.
Scleral lenses provide an improved level of comfort because they bypass the sensitive cornea. Unlike many gas‐permeable lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the sclera, reducing friction and minimizing discomfort. Soft lenses, while comfortable upon insertion, may not always provide the optimal correction for patients with severe corneal irregularity or dry eye issues. This is why many patients find that scleral lenses offer a refreshing alternative when traditional lenses prove too abrasive or unstable.
One of the standout features of scleral lenses is their ability to deliver consistently clear vision. Because they are designed to maintain a stable fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, they help to smooth out irregularities and offer steady visual acuity. For patients with conditions like keratoconus or high astigmatism, this feature can mean the difference between a frustrating experience with moving lenses and a stable, reliable correction throughout the day. In contrast, standard rigid gas‐permeable lenses may shift with every blink, potentially causing blurred vision or discomfort.
The design of scleral lenses helps in shielding the cornea from dust, smoke, and other environmental irritants. Because they create a seal over the eye and provide a protective layer of moisture, they serve as a barrier against debris that might otherwise irritate the eye. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who work in environments with high levels of airborne particulate matter or who experience irritation from everyday exposure to dust and pollutants.
Scleral lenses are particularly advantageous for patients with specific eye conditions such as:
In these cases, the tailored design of scleral lenses often makes them a superior choice, offering both visual clarity and comfort that may not be achievable with regular contacts.
Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you to discuss if scleral lenses are the best option for your vision needs.
Scleral lenses offer unmatched comfort and clarity. Discover if these specialized contact lenses are right for your vision needs.
