Scleral lenses are large-diameter hard lenses that rest on the sclera, the white outer wall of the eye, rather than directly on the cornea. This design is key to their effectiveness. By vaulting over the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled reservoir that fills in the irregularities and provides a new smooth surface for light focusing. Here’s the thing: that reservoir not only neutralizes the refractive error but also keeps your eyes comfortably hydrated throughout the day.

When traditional lenses fail to adequately correct the refractive error due to significant corneal irregularities, scleral lenses provide a stable alternative that corrects vision.

These conditions cause the cornea to thin or bulge. Here, scleral lenses create a new front optical surface that minimizes distortion and improves visual clarity.

After procedures such as LASIK, corneal transplants, or injuries, the eye’s surface can be irregular, making standard lenses difficult to fit. Scleral lenses avoid direct contact with these sensitive areas, offering a soothing yet effective vision correction.

The fluid reservoir of scleral lenses continuously bathes the cornea with moisture, helping to alleviate the discomfort associated with dry eyes and enhancing overall eye health.

If you belong to any of these groups or have experienced discomfort with other lens types, it’s worthwhile to explore whether scleral lenses are the right solution for you.

One of the most significant benefits of scleral lenses is the customization process. Our eye doctors begin with a thorough consultation and eye examination, utilizing advanced imaging techniques like corneal topography and scleral profilometry. This meticulous evaluation ensures that the lens fits perfectly and functions ideally.

The fitting process typically includes the following key steps:

• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Cutting edge imaging using advanced technology such as corneal topography are used to map the unique contours of your eye. This technology helps identify the precise dimensions and curvatures that need correction.
• Trial Lens Fitting: During the fitting session, a series of trial lenses are placed on your eye to assess the initial comfort and visual acuity. This trial period is critical for making the necessary adjustments.
• Customized Adjustments: Once the trial lenses provide acceptable performance, our eye doctors customize the final lenses to perfectly match your eye’s shape, ensuring optimal fluid reservoir formation and stability throughout the day.

Your comfort and satisfaction remain our top priority during this process. Many patients find that an initial adjustment period is necessary, but with regular follow-up appointments, any minor discomfort can be quickly addressed and fine-tuned.

Clear, stable vision is not merely about improved eyesight—it enhances your overall quality of life. With seamless vision correction, everyday activities become more enjoyable and less stressful. This is particularly important for those with high astigmatism, where even minor fluctuations in lens positioning can cause blurry or distorted vision.

Scleral lenses deliver a significant advantage by providing a consistent refractive surface. The tear-filled space created by the lens design acts as a natural buffer against corneal irregularities, ensuring the light is uniformly focused on the retina. This not only results in sharper vision but also minimizes distortions that can lead to eye strain and headaches.

Imagine being able to see the details of a busy street sign or enjoy a scenic view without the constant worry that your vision might blur with each blink. That’s the difference scleral lenses can make, providing reassurance and clarity in your day-to-day life.

One of the standout aspects of scleral lenses is their focus on maintaining a comfortable environment for your eyes. The design creates a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea.

• Consistent Moisturization: The continuous presence of tear fluid keeps the cornea well-hydrated, which can alleviate dryness and irritation that many experience with standard lenses.
• Reduced Friction: Blinking no longer results in harsh contact between the lens and your cornea, reducing discomfort and potential abrasions.
• Improved Overall Comfort: With the cornea gently bathed in moisture, even extended hours of lens wear can remain comfortable. This is particularly important for individuals who spend long days reading, working, or engaging in other close-up tasks.

Soft lenses are popular for their ease of use; however, they conform to the cornea’s shape. For individuals with irregular or severe astigmatism, this conformity means that the underlying irregularities are not corrected, potentially resulting in blurred or unstable vision.

Soft toric lenses are popular for mild astigmatism, correcting for astigmatism well. However for patients with high astigmatism or irregular astigmatism, the soft lens design fails at providing the best vision correction. Two common issues with soft toric lenses is that by being soft, they naturally conform to the contours of the eye, and they lack the stability of scleral lenses, causing fluctuating vision as they move during the day. 

RGP lenses can provide excellent vision by maintaining their shape, but they are typically smaller and rest on the cornea. This can lead to discomfort and a longer adaptation period, especially for those who have a history of wearing soft contacts. In contrast, the larger design of scleral lenses often enhances both comfort and visual stability.

Hybrid lenses combine the clarity of a rigid center with the comfort of a soft skirt. While they may work well for some patients, they still might not deliver the same level of stability or hydration provided by scleral lenses, particularly for high astigmatism cases.

We know that cost and adjustment concerns are important considerations when deciding on any vision correction method. While the price point for custom scleral lenses is higher than standard options, many patients find that the benefits—improved clarity, enhanced comfort, and long-lasting performance—provide excellent value over time.

Consider your daily activities and the importance of clear, stable vision in your life. If blurry or fluctuating vision has ever interfered with your ability to enjoy life fully, then the investment in scleral lenses may be well worth it. Our eye doctors are happy to discuss financing options and provide clear explanations of the benefits, so you can make an informed decision based on your lifestyle and needs.