Standard contact lenses work well for many people, but some eyes need a more customized fit. Irregular corneas, complex prescriptions, and chronic dry eye can make traditional lenses uncomfortable or leave vision less clear than expected.
At Newton Optometry Clinic, a comprehensive eye exam with a specialty contact lens assessment can help determine whether scleral lenses are a good fit for your eyes.
How Do Scleral Lenses Work?
Unlike standard contacts that sit directly on the cornea, scleral contact lenses extend beyond it and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye.
The space between the lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This fluid reservoir stays over the corneal surface while the lens is worn.
Because the lens does not rest directly on the cornea, it can also be more comfortable for some people with sensitive or damaged corneal surfaces.
When to Consider Specialty Contact Lenses
Scleral lenses are often considered when regular glasses or contact lenses are not providing enough clarity or comfort.
Irregular Corneas
A healthy cornea has a smooth shape that helps focus light clearly. Conditions that change its shape can create irregular astigmatism and make vision harder to correct with standard glasses or soft contact lenses.
Scleral lenses create a new, smooth optical surface over the cornea. They may be used for people with:
- Keratoconus
- Corneal ectasia
- Irregular astigmatism
- Corneal scarring
- Changes following corneal surgery or injury
Research has found that scleral lenses can improve visual acuity in patients with corneal irregularity and complex refractive problems.
<H3>Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms
For people with moderate to severe dry eye, the fluid beneath a scleral lens can help keep the cornea hydrated throughout wear.
The lens also shields the corneal surface from direct exposure to air, which can be helpful when dryness, irritation, or surface damage continues despite other treatments.
Clinical reviews have reported improvements in comfort, vision, and corneal surface health among patients using scleral lenses for ocular surface disease and severe dry eye.
Why These Lenses Need a Custom Fit
Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all contacts.
The lens must clear the cornea properly, align with the eye's curvature, and rest evenly on the sclera. Small changes in diameter, curvature, or landing position can affect comfort and vision.
A lens fitting may involve detailed measurements and multiple visits as the fit is adjusted. Research on scleral lens fitting emphasizes factors such as corneal clearance, limbal clearance, compression, and lens-edge alignment.
Once the correct fit is found, you will also learn how to fill, insert, remove, and care for the lenses.
Find Better Contact Lens Options in Surrey
If standard contacts have been uncomfortable or your vision remains unclear due to an irregular cornea, scleral lenses may offer another path forward.
At Newton Optometry Clinic, we assess your eye shape, corneal health, prescription, and symptoms before recommending a specialty lens option.
Book an eye exam to find the right vision correction option for your unique eyes.
Scleral Lens FAQ
Are Scleral Lenses Comfortable?
Many people find scleral lenses comfortable because they rest on the sclera instead of directly on the cornea. Comfort still depends on proper fitting and individual eye health.
Are Scleral Lenses Only for Keratoconus?
No. They may also be used for other irregular corneas, corneal scarring, post-surgical changes, complex prescriptions, and certain forms of ocular surface disease.
How Long Does a Scleral Lens Fitting Take?
It varies. Because scleral lenses are customized, some patients need multiple visits to fine-tune the fit before receiving their final lenses.