Contact lenses come in many styles to accommodate different vision needs, and for some patients, standard soft lenses just don’t work. Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens designed for people with specific eye conditions or those who struggle with traditional contacts.
Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), rather than directly on the cornea. This design offers several advantages:
Improved stability and sharper vision, as they don’t move around as much as regular lenses.
More comfort, especially for people with dry eye disease, since they create a fluid-filled layer over the cornea.
Gas-permeable material, allowing oxygen to reach the eye, which is essential for long-term eye health.
Scleral lenses are particularly helpful for people with:
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
Since scleral lenses trap moisture between the eye and the lens, they can help keep the surface of the eye hydrated. This makes them a great option for people who struggle with dry, uncomfortable eyes in regular contacts.
2. Irregular Corneas
People with conditions like keratoconus or post-surgical corneal irregularities may not achieve clear vision with glasses or regular contacts. Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, allowing for sharper vision even in complex cases.
3. Other Challenging Vision Conditions
Patients with severe astigmatism, corneal transplants, or previous eye surgeries may also find scleral lenses to be a better fit than conventional options.
While scleral lenses offer significant benefits, they do require a longer fitting process and proper care. For those who need them, they can be life-changing in terms of comfort and vision clarity. If you have struggled with standard contacts or have been told you’re not a good candidate for them, scleral lenses might be the solution.
Contact Pecan Creek Eyecare to schedule a consultation and find out if scleral lenses are right for you.