Scleral Lenses: A Custom Fit for Unmatched Comfort and Clarity
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses differ from traditional contacts because they never touch the sensitive cornea. Instead, they form a smooth, hydrated optical surface that protects the eye while correcting vision.
The lens vaults over the cornea and lands on the sclera, creating a fluid reservoir that cushions and hydrates the eye. This design masks corneal irregularities and delivers sharp vision.
Modern materials are highly oxygen-permeable, allowing the cornea to receive the oxygen it needs to stay healthy and white.
Advanced imaging tools such as corneal topography map every curve of the eye, enabling a lens that matches each patient’s unique anatomy for exceptional comfort.
Scleral lenses have been refined over more than a century. Today’s designs are thinner, lighter, and far more comfortable than their early predecessors, making many patients forget they are wearing lenses at all.
Benefits and Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Because of their unique design, scleral lenses provide several advantages over soft or standard gas-permeable lenses.
By vaulting the cornea and distributing pressure across a larger surface, these lenses minimize irritation and remain stable under the eyelids during blinking.
The uniform optical surface corrects irregular corneas caused by conditions like keratoconus, delivering crisp, reliable vision that stays steady all day.
The fluid reservoir constantly bathes the cornea in preservative-free saline, easing dryness, burning, and irritation while encouraging surface healing.
High oxygen transmission supports corneal health and reduces the risk of redness or long-term complications associated with low oxygen levels.
Scleral Lenses for Medical and Surgical Eye Conditions
For many complex eye problems, scleral lenses serve as both a vision aid and a therapeutic device.
These thinning disorders cause the cornea to bulge and distort vision. Scleral lenses create a new, smooth optical surface that sharply improves sight and comfort.
Irregularities after transplant surgery can make standard lenses ineffective. A scleral lens protects the graft and restores clear, stable vision.
Conditions such as Fuchs’ dystrophy lead to swelling and haze. The lens shields the cornea, maintains hydration, and enhances clarity.
Procedures like RK or LASIK may leave irregular corneal surfaces that blur vision. Scleral lenses mask these distortions for dependable sight.
When the eye heals from chemical exposure or burns, a scleral lens acts as a therapeutic bandage, protecting fragile tissue while vision improves.
Lagophthalmos, Bell’s palsy, or severe ptosis can leave the cornea exposed. Scleral lenses maintain constant lubrication and guard against irritation.
Scleral Lenses for Chronic Dry Eye Relief
For patients whose eyes feel gritty, burning, or painfully dry, scleral lenses offer soothing, round-the-clock moisture.
The integrated fluid chamber delivers long-lasting relief, reducing redness and improving day-to-day comfort.
This autoimmune condition lowers natural tear production. A scleral lens functions as a moisture chamber and protects delicate tissues.
Both disorders can cause extreme ocular dryness and inflammation. Continuous hydration from the lens eases pain and helps preserve vision.
Some patients experience chronic dryness after refractive surgery. Scleral lenses cushion the cornea and maintain sharp, stable vision.
Scleral Lenses for Everyday Vision Needs
Even without medical concerns, many people choose scleral lenses for everyday clarity, durability, and comfort.
Scleral lenses provide a stable, comfortable option that stays centered and clear during school and play.
The large diameter keeps the lens in place during rapid movement, reducing glare and preventing blur.
Those who face irritation or fluctuating vision with soft or conventional hard lenses often find lasting relief with sclerals.
Custom optics correct strong refractive errors and severe astigmatism that other lenses cannot fully address.
Scleral lenses are made from inert, breathable materials that minimize allergic reactions and maintain comfort.
Care and Maintenance of Scleral Lenses
Proper care keeps your lenses comfortable, clear, and safe for long-term wear.
Following a consistent routine protects both the lenses and your eyes.
- Use preservative-free saline to fill the lenses before insertion.
- Clean lenses daily with the solution recommended by your eye doctor.
- Store them in a clean case and replace the case as directed.
- Attend regular follow-up visits to monitor fit and eye health.
With practice and guidance, handling scleral lenses becomes quick and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy their benefits every day.
Partner With Our Eye Care Team
Scleral lenses open the door to comfortable, clear vision for many different eye conditions and lifestyles. Talk with our doctors at your next visit to learn whether these custom lenses are right for you. We look forward to helping you see your best.
very happy with the service looking forward to my next visit
Jim Bogar
Dr. Khan has taken care of me for many years.. He has been truly wonderful and give exceptional care.. I truly appreciate the care he and his office has always given and highly recommend him.
Warren Curtin
Right on time, friendly tech. Doctor explained procedure and answered my questions.
Dolores T.
I went to get evaluated and was a bit nervous, but everything was good. I recommend anyone who needs their eyes evaluated to relax, everything will be fine.
Francine Orsini
Dr. Arnett has provided excellent medical attention for my retina eye surgery and has a very professional and positive bedside manner. I would highly recommend him.
R. T