Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable lenses designed to rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, instead of the cornea. This unique design allows the lens to vault over the cornea, creating a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. Originally developed to treat severe corneal diseases, scleral lenses are now widely used for medical and visual enhancement.
Unlike conventional lenses, scleral lenses offer a customized fit that contours to the individual eye, providing stability and superior comfort. Their design helps manage complex eye conditions and primarily benefits individuals who cannot wear traditional soft or rigid lenses due to discomfort or poor vision correction.
Ideal Candidates for Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral lenses are beneficial for individuals with irregular corneas or those suffering from ocular surface diseases. Conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and post-surgical complications (such as after LASIK or corneal transplants) often result in distorted vision that standard lenses can’t adequately correct. Scleral lenses help to “mask” these irregularities, allowing for sharper and more stable vision.
Due to their fluid reservoir, scleral lenses may also benefit patients with severe dry eye syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, or other forms of ocular surface disease. This built-in hydration layer acts as a therapeutic cushion, relieving dryness, irritation, and exposure-related damage throughout the day.
Advantages of Wearing Scleral Lenses
One of the main advantages of scleral lenses is their ability to deliver exceptional vision correction, especially in cases where glasses or standard lenses fall short. By creating a smooth refractive surface over the eye, they can neutralize visual distortions and reduce glare, ghosting, or halos.
Another key benefit is the enhanced comfort they provide. Despite their size, scleral lenses are generally more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses because they don’t move with every blink. Their stable fit makes them ideal for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles. Additionally, because they vault over the cornea, they reduce mechanical irritation in sensitive or damaged eyes.
How the Fitting Process Works
Fitting scleral lenses is a meticulous and highly personalized process. It begins with a detailed eye exam and corneal mapping to understand the curvature and condition of the cornea. Eye care professionals use this data to design lenses that precisely match the unique shape of the patient’s eyes.
Once the lenses are manufactured, patients return for a fitting session, during which the lenses are inserted, evaluated for comfort and vision, and adjusted as needed. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure the lenses are functioning well and not causing any corneal or conjunctival complications. In many cases, slight lens design refinement is necessary to achieve optimal results.
Wearing and Caring for Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses require a slightly different care routine than traditional contacts. Patients need to be trained in proper handling techniques because they must be filled with a preservative-free saline solution before insertion. Inserting and removing the lenses involves using small plungers and mirrors, which may take time to master but become second nature with practice.
Daily cleaning with recommended solutions is vital to maintaining hygiene and lens performance. Unlike soft lenses, scleral lenses are more durable and can last longer, often up to a year, if cared for properly. Your optometrist will provide guidance on cleaning solutions, insertion tips, and troubleshooting common issues like fogging or lens bubbles.
Medical vs. Elective Use
While scleral lenses are often prescribed for medical conditions, they are also increasingly used by individuals who seek premium vision correction, especially those with high refractive errors or astigmatism. Their visual clarity can be superior to that of glasses or conventional contacts, making them an appealing option even for those without significant corneal abnormalities.
However, it’s essential to note that not all vision insurance plans cover scleral lenses unless there is a medical necessity. Patients using them electively may need to consider out-of-pocket expenses, but many find the improvement in quality of life and visual comfort to be worth the investment.
Are There Any Limitations?
Despite their many benefits, scleral lenses are not for everyone. The fitting process is time-intensive and may involve multiple visits. Some patients may initially find the size of the lenses intimidating or challenging to insert. Additionally, fogging caused by tear film debris may require midday cleaning in certain cases.
Another consideration is cost. Scleral lenses are custom-made and priced accordingly. Although they last longer than soft lenses, the initial expense is higher, and ongoing care solutions can add to the total cost. It’s important to weigh the clinical advantages against these factors with the help of your optometrist.
Who Should Consider Scleral Lenses?
You may want to consider scleral lenses if you:
- Have keratoconus or other corneal irregularities
- Experience chronic dry eye unrelieved by drops or gels
- Have undergone corneal surgery with residual vision problems
- Find standard lenses uncomfortable or ineffective
- Seek high-definition vision correction for complex prescriptions
A Breakthrough in Custom Vision Solutions
Scleral contact lenses offer a transformative solution for patients with complex ocular needs. Their ability to deliver sharp vision, all-day comfort, and therapeutic support makes them an indispensable tool in modern optometry. While they require some commitment to fitting and care, the benefits often far outweigh the learning curve.
At Style Optique in Barrington, IL, patients interested in exploring scleral lenses can receive personalized care from eye care professionals familiar with advanced contact lens technologies. If you’ve been struggling with standard vision correction or have a condition that affects your corneal health, scleral lenses may provide the clarity and relief you’ve been looking for.
Resources
- Michaud, L., & Barr, J. T. (2017). Scleral lenses: Benefits, Indications and Fitting Strategies. Optometry in Practice.
- Barnett, M., & Mannis, M. J. (2011). Contact Lenses in the Management of Keratoconus. Clinical Ophthalmology.
- Schornack, M. M. (2012). Scleral lenses: A literature review. Eye & Contact Lens.
