Scleral lenses and soft contact lenses each provide unique solutions for vision correction. Understand their differences to decide which option best suits your vision needs. Our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer and more comfortable vision.
Scleral lenses and soft contact lenses both offer vision correction, but they work very differently for various eye conditions. They have unique designs that make them more suitable for different corneal profiles and patient needs. Below, we explore how these lens types compare, what makes them distinct, and when one may be better than the other for your visual and comfort requirements.
Soft contact lenses are typically made from flexible, water-containing materials that conform to the shape of your cornea. They are well-known for their comfort and ease of adaptation, making them a popular choice for routine vision correction. Patients appreciate their quick insertion, simple removal, and the wide variety of prescriptions available to accommodate nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia.
These lenses come in different replacement schedules—from daily disposables to biweekly or monthly options—thus fitting different lifestyles and budgets. The materials used, such as silicone hydrogel, have improved oxygen transmission compared to earlier hydrogel lenses. This helps maintain corneal health during extended wear. However, soft contact lenses might not provide the best vision quality if you have an irregular cornea because they drape over the surface and can mirror the corneal irregularities.
Scleral lenses are larger, gas-permeable lenses that are specifically designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera—the white portion of the eye. This unique design creates a tear-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea, which serves both to cushion the eye and improve vision quality. By providing a smooth optical surface, scleral lenses can effectively mask corneal irregularities.
They are particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and post-surgical corneal changes. With a specialized fitting process, these lenses are custom-made to match your eye’s unique shape, ensuring optimal comfort and stable vision throughout the day. The tear reservoir they create also helps to alleviate dryness and irritation, which can be a significant issue for those with delicate or compromised ocular surfaces.
When dealing with an irregular cornea, the type of contact lens that most effectively corrects your vision is crucial. Soft contact lenses, especially the standard designs, are made to fit the average ocular dimensions and are very successful for the majority of eyes. However, about one-quarter of the patient population has a corneal size or shape that deviates from the norm.
For these cases, particularly if you have irregular astigmatism or other corneal abnormalities, specialized options may be required. Scleral lenses, with their custom designs and high-performing gas-permeable materials, are ideal for patients whose corneas do not conform to the standard shape. These lenses help by vaulting over the surface to create a uniform refractive interface, which significantly boosts visual acuity.
Before recommending a lens type, our eye doctors carefully assess your corneal profile using tools such as topography maps and anterior segment imaging. These examinations help decide whether a standard soft contact lens might be sufficient or if a custom or specialty design is necessary to achieve the best vision correction.
Here’s the thing: patient comfort and clear vision are the two main goals of any contact lens treatment. Soft contact lenses are renowned for their immediate comfort and ease of handling. They are perfect for daily wear and a straightforward solution when your corneas are relatively regular.
However, scleral lenses have their own distinct comfort advantages. Because they rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses minimize irritation and discomfort. They create a continuous layer of lubricating saline between the lens and the eye, which not only protects the corneal surface but also provides improved comfort for patients who have dry eye or ocular surface irregularities.
In terms of vision quality, scleral lenses tend to have a slight edge when addressing significant irregularities of the cornea. Their ability to create a uniform surface benefits patients who struggle with distorted vision from conditions that cause irregular astigmatism. That said, many individuals achieve excellent vision with soft contact lenses—particularly if they have only mild to moderate irregularities and good visual responses from refractive tests.
One major difference between these two lens types is the fitting process. Soft contact lenses generally follow a straightforward fitting procedure that most eye care practitioners are comfortable handling.
When considering a soft contact lens for an irregular cornea, our eye doctors review several key factors carefully:
For some patients, standard soft contact lenses—with preset base curves, diameters, and power options—are sufficient to manage their condition. In cases where the cornea’s irregularity is pronounced, custom soft contact lenses may be considered. These lenses offer a higher degree of personalization; parameters like diameter, base curve, optic zone, and center thickness can be fine-tuned to match your unique ocular measurements.
On the other hand, scleral lenses are custom-fitted based on the ocular sagittal height and horizontal visible iris diameter. Since a proper fit is essential to prevent issues like tear debris accumulation or lens decentration, our eye doctors invest in specialized diagnostics, such as Scheimpflug imaging and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), to achieve the best outcome.
The financial and maintenance aspects of your contact lenses are important factors when choosing between scleral and soft options. Soft contact lenses tend to be more affordable, making them accessible for many patients. They are also available in multiple replacement schedules, which adds to their convenience and reduces the overall cost over time.
Scleral lenses, because they are custom-made and require a more detailed fitting process, typically come with a higher initial cost. However, many patients find that the benefits—such as superior vision correction, durable performance, and lasting comfort—justify the expense. Moreover, scleral lenses are designed to last one to three years when cared for properly, which can balance out the cost differences over time.
When it comes to maintenance, both lens types require regular cleaning and proper care. With soft contact lenses, daily or biweekly disposables often reduce the maintenance burden, while reusable soft lenses demand a diligent cleaning routine to prevent protein buildup and other deposits.
Scleral lenses, due to their larger size and the unique tear reservoir they create, typically require more thorough cleaning. The care routine includes ensuring that the saline solution used is preservative-free so that the reservoir remains pure and does not irritate your eye. Thus, while the upkeep for scleral lenses might be more intensive, the rewards in terms of enhanced comfort and clearer vision can be significant for the right patients.
Scleral lenses can be a game changer for patients who suffer from conditions that cause an irregular corneal surface or who have trouble with dry eyes. Their design is particularly beneficial for people with:
For these patients, scleral lenses not only assist with achieving superior visual acuity but also ease symptoms that might otherwise interfere with daily activities. The tailored fitting process and use of diagnostic imaging ensure that the lens conforms perfectly to the unique contours of your eye. Consequently, the result is a comfortable, stable lens that significantly improves your quality of life.
Standard soft contact lenses continue to be an excellent choice for many individuals. They offer convenience, ease of use, and affordability that make them a dependable option for routine vision correction. Soft lenses are particularly suitable when:
Many patients who do not experience severe corneal irregularities or significant discomfort with conventional lenses find soft contact lenses to be viewed as a “first-line” option. Additionally, modern soft lenses made of high-oxygen permeable materials, especially silicone hydrogel, have significantly improved in both comfort and performance compared to earlier designs.
For those with mild corneal variations or who have been successfully completing eye examinations with glasses, soft contacts can still provide excellent vision correction. They are especially useful if you appreciate the simplicity of a routine dispensation and the ease with which you can switch between replacement schedules without the need for custom fittings.
Your eye health and comfort are at the forefront when deciding between scleral lenses and soft contact lenses. Here are the main factors to consider:
Soft contact lenses are inherently comfortable and familiar for many patients, but scleral lenses offer added comfort for those with sensitive eyes or irregular corneas by providing a cushion of fluid beneath the lens.
Although both lens types correct refractive errors effectively, scleral lenses often deliver superior vision for irregular corneas by neutralizing corneal aberrations.
If you're considering scleral lenses or soft contact lenses, reach out to our experienced eye doctors. They will help determine which lens type fits your unique visual needs and lifestyle, ensuring you achieve the best possible vision. Schedule a consultation today!
Soft lenses come with a simple and standardized fitting process, while scleral lenses require a more customized approach with advanced imaging technology to achieve the best fit and performance.
Soft contact lenses are generally more affordable due to their mass production and ease of replacement. In contrast, scleral lenses involve higher initial costs, which can be worthwhile for patients who experience substantial benefits in vision clarity and eye health.
Soft contact lenses, especially the daily disposables, offer a minimal-care routine. Scleral lenses, while requiring a more detailed cleaning process, provide long-term comfort and protection against corneal complications.
Both lens types have their merits, and the choice largely depends on your individual eye condition and lifestyle preferences. For patients with significant corneal irregularities or those suffering from severe dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses may be the best solution to enhance comfort and achieve optimal vision. Meanwhile, if your eyes are relatively regular and you value convenience, soft contact lenses can meet your vision correction needs efficiently.
When discussing lens options, it’s important to note that not every patient’s eyes respond identically to a particular lens design. Even with the advantages of soft contact lenses, there may be cases where their “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t provide full coverage of the cornea, especially if the eye is irregular. This is where the customizability of scleral lenses shines.
For instance, when a patient’s corneal topography reveals uneven astigmatism or skewed radial axes in the central vision zone, our eye doctors carefully consider whether a soft lens will meet the visual requirements. In those instances, a diagnostic lens fitting helps determine if a custom soft lens or scleral lens would yield a superior outcome. By evaluating the extent of lens rotation, decentration, and coverage, our specialists can pinpoint the lens modality that will provide the most stable and crisp vision.
Advanced imaging and measurement of the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) and sagittal depth enable our practice to tailor the lens design precisely. With these parameters, a scleral lens can be designed to extend beyond the limbus, ensuring that the tear reservoir is effective while maintaining proper alignment and adequate lens movement, which collectively enhance both vision quality and comfort.
Choosing between scleral and soft contact lenses can feel like a significant decision, but you are not alone in this process. Our eye doctors are dedicated to helping you understand the benefits and challenges of each lens type. They work with you to interpret the diagnostic findings and to explain how each lens may improve your visual experience.
It is essential to have an open conversation with your eye care professional about your daily routines, comfort needs, and vision goals. During your consultation, you may be guided through the following assessments:
Determining the shape and curvature of your cornea to see if a soft lens can be effective or if the vaulting design of a scleral lens is necessary.
A thorough refraction check ensures that the chosen lens will provide the desired clarity, whether through standard soft lens designs or the customized approach of scleral lenses.
Especially for scleral lenses, trial fittings allow you to experience the difference in comfort and vision before making a commitment.
Considering factors such as your work environment, duration of lens wear, and maintenance routines to select the most practical and effective lens type.
Through these assessments, our eye doctors can design a lens prescription that not only corrects your vision but also enhances your overall eye comfort. Whether you choose a soft contact lens for its simplicity or a scleral lens for its advanced visual correction, the aim is always to improve your quality of life with a solution tailored to your needs.
The decision between scleral lenses and soft contact lenses goes beyond just a matter of prescription—it directly affects your daily life. Imagine waking up every morning to crystal-clear vision and the freedom to enjoy activities without the irritation or discomfort that sometimes comes with less tailored lens options. For many patients with keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, or dry eye, scleral lenses offer a significant quality-of-life improvement.
On the other hand, if your lifestyle demands a lens that is low-maintenance and versatile enough to handle a range of vision correction needs, soft contact lenses might be perfectly suited for you. The evolution of soft lens technology, including advancements in oxygen permeable materials and enhanced comfort features, means that even patients with mild irregularities can benefit from a reliable and accessible vision solution.
The ultimate goal is to help you experience life with improved clarity and comfort. When your eyes are well taken care of, you’re better able to focus on what matters most—whether it’s work, leisure, or spending time with family. Our approach is always patient-focused, understanding that your eyes are as unique as you are, and the lens solution should reflect that individuality.
Both scleral lenses and soft contact lenses offer distinct advantages depending on individual needs. Our eye doctors will evaluate your corneal profile, lifestyle, and vision goals through a customized fitting process. Contact our office for personalized guidance toward achieving clearer, more comfortable vision.
If you're considering scleral lenses or soft contact lenses, reach out to our experienced eye doctors. They will help determine which lens type fits your unique visual needs and lifestyle, ensuring you achieve the best possible vision. Schedule a consultation today!
Scleral lenses and soft contact lenses serve different needs for vision correction. Discover their differences and find the best option for your eyes.
