Are Scleral Lenses the Best Contact Lenses for You?

Many people who couldn't wear regular contacts find scleral lenses much easier to tolerate. The liquid layer under the lens acts as a constant cushion, protecting your eye from irritation. Since the lens rests on the less sensitive sclera and vaults over the cornea without touching it, you won't feel the scratchy sensation that bothers some contact lens wearers. Most people can wear them comfortably for 12 to 16 hours or more each day. Studies show that 75 to 82 percent of scleral lens wearers use their lenses for most or all of their waking hours.

Scleral lenses are excellent at correcting vision problems that glasses and regular contacts cannot, especially irregular astigmatism from conditions like keratoconus or complications from previous eye surgery. By creating a perfectly smooth optical surface, they can dramatically improve vision. Studies show that 8 out of 10 people with keratoconus achieve vision of 20/30 or better with scleral lenses, allowing them to drive without restrictions or read small print easily. Many patients report gaining one to two additional lines of vision on the eye chart.

If you suffer from dry eyes, scleral lenses can be life-changing. The liquid reservoir constantly bathes your cornea in a soothing, preservative-free saline solution throughout the day. This keeps your eyes moist all day long, providing significant relief from dryness, burning, irritation, and redness, even in challenging environments like air-conditioned offices or windy outdoor conditions. Our ophthalmologists often recommend scleral lenses as part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan.

Unlike soft contacts that can move around on your eye and cause fluctuating vision, scleral lenses stay in the same position all day. Their large size and stable fit mean your vision stays consistently clear whether you're looking up, down, or to the side. This stability is a major benefit for athletes, drivers, and people with active jobs who need reliable vision in all situations.

If you have corneal scars, scratches, or other damage to the front of your eye, scleral lenses act as a protective shield. The lens creates a barrier that shields your cornea from the environment, dust, wind, and other irritants that might cause pain or further damage, all while promoting a healthy healing environment. For some patients with persistent corneal defects or exposure issues, this protective function can be critical for healing and comfort.

For patients with progressive conditions like keratoconus, scleral lenses may help delay or even avoid the need for corneal transplant surgery. Research has shown that people with keratoconus who use rigid gas-permeable lenses, including sclerals, have an 81 percent lower risk of needing a corneal transplant compared to those who don't wear these lenses. This makes scleral lenses an important long-term management option for preserving your natural cornea.

Most people feel an initial awareness of the lens for the first few days, often described as a feeling of fullness or slight pressure, but it should not be painful. This sensation usually goes away within a week or two as your eyes adjust and your eyelids get used to the lens edge. If you experience any sharp pain, significant discomfort, or persistent redness, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately, as this may indicate an improper fit or other issue.

Most people adapt to scleral lenses within one to two weeks of regular wear, though some adjust more quickly. Your doctor will likely recommend you start by wearing them for a few hours a day and gradually increase the time as your eyes get used to them. By the end of the adaptation period, most wearers can comfortably use their lenses for 12 hours or longer without significant awareness.

For many eye conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, or irregular astigmatism, scleral lenses provide much better and sharper vision than glasses can achieve. They also offer a wider, unobstructed field of view without frames in the way, and they don't fog up, get wet in the rain, or slide down your nose. However, the best choice always depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Our ophthalmologists can help you compare your options.

No, you should always remove your lenses before swimming, showering, using a hot tub, or having any water contact with your eyes. Water from pools, lakes, showers, and tap sources can introduce harmful bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms into the lens reservoir and may change how the lens fits on your eye, increasing your risk of a serious and potentially sight-threatening eye infection like Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Scleral lenses provide superior vision correction for irregular corneas and offer the best relief for severe dry eye due to the constant fluid reservoir. Soft lenses are simpler to use, require less training, and work well for mild prescriptions on healthy, regular corneas. Hybrid lenses, which have a hard center with a soft outer skirt, can be a good option for some people but may not provide the same level of comfort, corneal protection, or stability as a full scleral lens, especially for more complex conditions.

Yes, children and teenagers with conditions like keratoconus or other corneal irregularities can be successfully fitted with scleral lenses. Success depends on the child's maturity level and ability to handle the insertion, removal, and cleaning process responsibly, which often requires initial help and close supervision from a parent or guardian. Many young patients do very well with scleral lenses once they master the technique, and the improved vision can significantly help with school performance and confidence.

If your lens falls out, find it carefully and rinse it thoroughly with preservative-free saline before inspecting it closely for any cracks, chips, or damage. If it fell on a dirty surface like a bathroom floor or outdoor area, you must clean and disinfect it using your normal cleaning routine before reinserting it. If the lens falls out frequently during normal activities, the fit may need to be adjusted by your doctor, as this is not typical for a properly fitted scleral lens.

Yes, but you should always insert your lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off. This prevents cosmetics from getting trapped under the lens or contaminating it. Use oil-free, hypoallergenic products when possible and be careful not to get makeup particles in your eyes. Avoid applying eyeliner to the inner lid margin, also called the waterline, as this can introduce debris or bacteria into the tear film and lens reservoir.

Yes, scleral lenses are an excellent solution for improving vision and comfort for patients who have complications after LASIK, PRK, or other corneal refractive surgeries. These complications can include irregular astigmatism, ectasia, persistent dry eye, or corneal nerve pain. The scleral lens creates a smooth optical surface over the surgically altered cornea to restore clear, comfortable vision that glasses often cannot provide.

After the initial fitting period, you should plan on visiting your eye doctor every 6 to 12 months for routine checkups. These visits are essential for monitoring your eye health, checking for any complications like corneal changes or blood vessel growth, assessing the lens condition for wear or damage, and ensuring the fit is still optimal. More frequent visits may be needed if you have an active eye condition or experience any problems with your lenses.