Scleral Lenses: Restoring Comfort, Hydration, and Clarity
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault completely over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). The space between the back surface of the lens and the cornea is filled with a sterile saline solution that stays in place all day. This liquid reservoir provides continuous moisture, creating a smooth, protective surface that restores comfort and clear vision—especially for those with chronic dryness, keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, or other irregularities that standard lenses cannot correct.
Exceptional Comfort and Ocular Protection
One of the most transformative benefits of scleral lenses is their ability to shield the cornea from the external environment. The constant hydration they provide reduces friction, protects against irritants, and allows the corneal surface to heal. Many patients who previously could not tolerate conventional soft or rigid lenses find scleral lenses remarkably comfortable once properly fitted.
These lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with severe dry eye disease, exposure keratitis, or ocular surface disorders, as they create a mini “moisture chamber” over the eye. This stable liquid cushion not only relieves discomfort but also supports tissue repair and reduces dependency on artificial tears throughout the day.
Unmatched Vision Stability and Customization
Unlike standard contacts that move with each blink, scleral lenses stay centered and stable throughout the day. This design eliminates fluctuations in vision and minimizes glare or halos. Every pair of scleral lenses is custom-mapped to the patient’s eye using advanced imaging technology, ensuring an exact vault over the cornea and a comfortable fit on the sclera.
For patients with irregular corneas caused by keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, or corneal scarring, scleral lenses often deliver sharper vision than glasses or soft contacts can provide. Because the front surface of the lens acts as a new, smooth optical surface, it neutralizes distortions caused by corneal irregularities, allowing for crisp and consistent clarity.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are suitable for a wide range of conditions beyond traditional refractive needs. They are frequently prescribed for patients with:
- Severe dry eye syndrome or ocular surface disease
- Keratoconus and other irregular corneal shapes
- Post-surgical or post-trauma corneas
- Exposure keratitis or incomplete eyelid closure
- Extreme contact lens intolerance
Therapeutic and Optical Benefits
Scleral lenses not only restore functional vision but also promote healing and comfort. Their sealed fluid layer prevents evaporation, reducing redness, burning, and foreign-body sensation. For many patients, they serve as both a vision correction and therapeutic device—improving quality of life while protecting long-term ocular health.
The Fitting Process
Scleral lens fitting is a highly customized procedure. During your fitting, the optometrist maps the surface of the cornea and sclera using topography or 3D imaging to design a lens that matches the unique contours of your eyes. After initial insertion and evaluation, adjustments are made for vault depth, edge alignment, and comfort. Once finalized, the lenses provide long-term comfort and visual stability, with routine follow-ups to ensure the health of the ocular surface.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Caring for scleral lenses involves cleaning with approved solutions, filling them with preservative-free saline before insertion, and disinfecting them each night. With proper hygiene, scleral lenses can last one to two years while maintaining excellent clarity and safety.
Long-Term Outcomes
When properly fitted and maintained, scleral lenses not only improve visual performance but also enhance ocular surface health over time. Patients often report dramatic relief from dryness and irritation, along with improved vision stability and endurance for daily tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Scleral Lenses
- Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear?
Yes. Despite their size, most patients find scleral lenses extremely comfortable after adaptation because they do not touch the sensitive corneal surface.
- Who is a good candidate for scleral lenses?
They are ideal for individuals with dry eye, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or contact lens intolerance who need both protection and visual correction.
- Do scleral lenses require special care?
Yes. They must be cleaned daily, filled with preservative-free saline before wear, and disinfected nightly to maintain clarity and eye health.
- Can scleral lenses improve vision better than glasses?
For patients with corneal irregularities, scleral lenses can provide sharper, more stable vision by creating a smooth optical surface over the cornea.
- How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care, a pair typically lasts one to two years before replacement is needed.