Since their creation, contact lenses have come a long way, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional eyeglasses. They come in several types (not just soft lenses), easily accommodating different visual needs and complex concerns. 

Take scleral contact lenses, for instance. They are a specialty lens that vaults over the cornea and rests on the eye’s sclera (hence its name), which is the white part of the eye. 

Their unique design offers an alternative for people who struggle with traditional contact lens options due to conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye. 

If soft contact lenses haven’t fared well for you, a contact lens exam and fitting can determine if these specialty lenses offer the sharp and comfortable vision correction you’re after. 

A Closer Look at Scleral Contact Lenses 

At first glance, scleral lenses may look like normal contact lenses. However, their distinct features make them unique from popular soft contacts. 

For one, traditional soft contact lenses rest directly on the cornea (the eye’s clear front layer). Conversely, scleral lenses are noticeably larger and not as flexible (hard contacts), which helps them vault over the cornea, sitting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). 

This “pocket,” filled with hydrating saline solution, creates a protective chamber between the cornea and lens, continuously moisturizes and nourishes the eye.

The Science Behind Scleral Lenses 

The power of scleral contact lenses lies in their unique design and precise fit. Here’s a closer look at how they work: 

Vaulting Over the Cornea

The corneal “vaulting” from scleral lenses helps prevent eye irritation and dryness. 

Because these contacts don’t reach the cornea, their design makes them especially beneficial for people with corneal irregularities, sensitivity, or damage. 

Maintaining a Hydration Chamber

This pocket creates an empty space between the cornea and the lens, which saline solution occupies throughout the day. This keeps the eye moist and eases severe dry eye symptoms.

What’s more, scleral lenses provide a protective barrier for the cornea, which can promote healing for damaged or post-surgical eyes while preventing further irritation.

Tailored for a Perfect Fit

Each scleral lens is custom-made using modern imaging technology, mapping the unique contours of the eye. 

A contact lens should fit snugly, not too tightly (can cause friction and irritation), and not too loosely (where the lens can slip and fall out of place). Contacts that fit perfectly contribute to all-day comfort and sharp visual correction. 

Enhanced Vision Quality

Since the lenses cover the entire corneal surface, this provides a smooth optical surface. When the eye’s surface is moist and even, it helps incoming light focus precisely on the retina. A dry or irregular cornea (think dry eye) leads to a rougher surface, which can affect visual clarity. 

For people with irregular corneas, scleral lenses provide significantly sharper and more reliable vision than glasses or traditional contacts.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Every person is different, and as such, our visual needs are also just as diverse. 

What works for one person may not always work for others. Instead of ruling out contact lenses entirely, our role is to help you find a type of contact lens that accommodates your unique visual needs.

Scleral contact lenses offer this exact opportunity. Their unique features are a great corrective lens option for people with a variety of eye conditions, such as: 

• Keratoconus: A progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and takes on a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision.
• Severe dry eye: Certain chronic health conditions can lead to persistent moderate to severe dry eye, making regular lenses uncomfortable or intolerable.
• Irregular corneas: Because of surgeries, injuries, or conditions like pellucid marginal degeneration, some corneas have shapes that prevent regular lens wear.
• High refractive errors: Having a strong vision prescription makes achieving sharp visual clarity through eyeglasses or standard contacts more challenging. 
• Post-surgical eyes: Eyes that have undergone corneal transplants or refractive surgeries like LASIK may need the added protection that scleral lenses provide.
• Contact lens intolerance: Some people find regular lenses irritating or uncomfortable, even if they don’t have significant or complex eye conditions.

Your Guide to Scleral Contact Lenses: The Fitting

Getting started with scleral lenses is an exciting step toward better eye health, vision, and daily comfort, which requires precision for a perfect fit. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

Contact Lens Exam

The journey begins with a routine eye exam, where your optometrist takes the time to understand your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re dealing with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or simply looking for a more stable contact lens option, a routine eye exam lets us identify if scleral lenses are right for you. 

The Fitting Process

A contact lens fitting is a must for all contacts, and even more with scleral lenses, because they are unique to the contours of your cornea. This is achieved by using modern imaging technology to map the shape and size of the cornea. 

This precision verifies that the lenses rest gently on the sclera (the white part of your eye) without touching the sensitive cornea while minimizing lens movement. This provides unparalleled comfort and stability, so you can enjoy clear, stable vision all day long. 

Trying Your Lenses

Once your custom lenses arrive, you’ll return to our clinic to try them on. 

This is an exciting moment, as you’ll experience firsthand the clarity and comfort they provide. During this visit, we’ll make any necessary adjustments so that the lenses are just right for you.

Your optometrist and their team will also teach you everything you need to know about handling and caring for your scleral lenses. From inserting and removing them to cleaning and storing them, we’ll make sure you feel confident and ready to take on this new chapter in your vision care.

Follow-Up & Support

Regular follow-up visits allow your optometrist to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments if needed. 

Take the First Step Toward Clearer Vision 

Scleral lenses have changed the lives of countless people struggling with vision and ocular concerns. Whether you’re tired of discomfort, battling severe dry eye, or seeking a solution for your complex eye condition, scleral lenses could be the answer you’ve been searching for.At Dr. Zargar Eyecare, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle. Book your appointment today and experience the difference scleral lenses can make!