If regular contact lenses have never felt quite right, or your vision still isn’t sharp even with a current prescription, you’re not alone. Many people find that standard lenses don’t hold up well against dry eye, sensitive corneas, or irregular eye shapes.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera, and vault over the cornea without touching it. That space between the lens and the cornea fills with a saline solution, creating a fluid-filled reservoir that keeps the eye surface hydrated. Each lens is custom-fitted using detailed eye mapping technology, so the fit is tailored specifically to your eye’s shape.
The Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses offer a different approach that can make a noticeable difference for the right person.
Comfort and Stability
Because scleral lenses rest on the sclera rather than directly on the cornea, they sit on less sensitive tissue. This can reduce the irritation that some people feel with traditional contact lenses. They also stay centered on the eye during blinking and movement, keeping your vision consistent all day without the lens moving around.
Dry Eye Relief and Corneal Protection
The fluid reservoir beneath a scleral lens acts as a constant moisture source, keeping your eye surface hydrated even in environments like air-conditioned offices or dry climates. The lens also forms a physical barrier between your cornea and outside irritants like dust and wind, which can be a big relief if your eyes are sensitive.
Vision Correction for Irregular Corneas
For people with conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, or complications following LASIK surgery, standard lenses often can’t provide clear, stable vision. Scleral lenses vault over these irregular surfaces and create a smooth optical surface in front of the eye. The result could be a sharper, more consistent vision that other lens options may not be able to match.
Potential Downsides to Consider
Understanding the drawbacks helps you make a confident decision about your eye care.
Cost and the Fitting Process
Scleral lenses may come with a higher upfront cost compared to standard contact lenses. The fitting process is more involved, too. It requires specialized imaging, multiple steps, and sometimes more than 1 appointment to get the lens dialed in correctly. For some people, that investment of time and money is well worth it, but it’s worth knowing what to expect going in.
Care and Handling
Scleral lenses require daily cleaning and proper storage to stay safe for your eyes. Insertion and removal take a bit more practice than with smaller lenses because you need to fill the lens bowl with saline solution before placing it on the eye. Most people get the hang of it with time, but there is a learning curve, especially in the first few weeks.
How OVITZ Technology Can Improve Vision
OVITZ technology measures higher-order aberrations, subtle distortions in the eye’s optical system that often can’t be corrected with glasses or standard contact lens prescriptions. These irregularities can contribute to symptoms such as glare, halos, ghosting, and reduced visual clarity.
What the Fitting Process Looks Like
During the fitting process, your optometrist evaluates your corneal shape and scleral profile to understand exactly what your eye needs. OVITZ measurements can help your optometrist better understand your unique visual needs. Trial lenses are then used to test comfort and vision quality, and adjustments are made along the way until everything feels right. It’s a gradual process, but each step brings the fit closer to what works best for your eyes.
Who Are Scleral Lenses a Good Fit For?
These lenses can be a good option for people managing specific vision challenges. Talk to your optometrist if you experience any of these common issues:
- Keratoconus or irregular corneas
- Persistent dry eye that makes regular lens wear uncomfortable
- Corneal scarring from a previous procedure
- Blurry vision that doesn’t improve with standard prescriptions
They’re also worth exploring if you’ve tried multiple types of contacts and still haven’t found a comfortable, clear solution.
Get a New View on Contact Lenses
If your current contacts aren’t giving you clear, stable vision, or dry eye makes wearing them a daily struggle, it may be time to ask about scleral lenses. Contact lenses should make your life easier, after all.
Our optometrists at Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs are here to provide a thorough, personalized fitting to support your eye health. Schedule an exam and find out if specialty lenses are right for you.
Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs takes a thorough, personalized approach to contact lens fittings. If you’re ready to explore whether scleral lenses could work for your eyes, reach out to the team to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
