Struggles with vision can deeply affect one’s quality of life—whether it’s refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism, complications from conditions such as keratoconus, or persistent discomfort from dry eye care. If glasses and conventional contact lenses aren’t quite cutting it, there’s a game-changing alternative you need to know about—scleral contact lenses.
This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about scleral lenses, their benefits, and why they could be the perfect solution for your visual challenges. From explaining what they are to highlighting success stories of patients like you, we’ve got all the details.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are a type of specialized, rigid, gas-permeable lens that rests on the sclera (the white part of your eye) instead of sitting directly on your cornea, unlike traditional contact lenses. This unique design allows the lenses to vault entirely over the cornea, creating a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea.
This built-in reservoir provides unmatched comfort and moisture, particularly beneficial for individuals living with conditions like severe dry eye care syndrome or irregular corneal shapes.
Key Features of Scleral Lenses:
- Made from oxygen-permeable materials, allowing your eyes to “breathe.”
- Fully customized to each wearer’s unique eye shape.
- Provide sharp, stable vision even for those with the most challenging prescriptions.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Unlike standard soft or rigid gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses are tailored for individuals with specific eye care needs. These lenses have transformed lives, bringing clear and stable vision to countless patients facing a variety of conditions:
Ideal for Treating:
- Keratoconus: This progressive thinning of the cornea causes highly distorted vision that glasses and regular lenses may not correct effectively. Scleral lenses offer stable vision by vaulting over the cornea.
- Post-Surgical Vision Challenges: Patients with corneal irregularities caused by surgeries like LASIK or PRK can experience halo effects or less-than-optimal results. Scleral lenses offer sharper and clearer post-surgical vision.
- Ocular Surface Disease (Dry Eye Syndrome): Dry eye sufferers who struggle with contact lenses will find scleral lenses a game-changer. By constantly bathing the cornea in saline, they relieve dryness and discomfort.
- Astigmatism and High Prescriptions: Those with high levels of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can benefit from the crisp optics scleral lenses provide, which conventional solutions may not achieve.
- Irregular Corneas: Patients born with or developing irregular-shaped corneas can finally achieve improved clarity and comfort.
These lenses aren’t just about correcting vision—they’re about transforming lives.
Real-Life Success Stories
Many people who thought they’d never experience clear, comfortable vision again have had their lives turned around by scleral lenses. Here are just two remarkable stories:
Ron’s Journey from Limited Vision to Visual Freedom
Ron, a graphic designer by training, was working as a janitor due to declining vision caused by keratoconus. Told by a previous doctor that his only hope was a corneal transplant, Ron was skeptical and hesitant. After visiting an optometrist at A new vision specializing in scleral lenses, he was fitted with lenses that changed his life.
For the first time in years, Ron was able to drive, see the faces of loved ones clearly, and experience everyday beauty like the mountains and city lights. Overcome with emotion, Ron declared, “You have changed my life!”
Brooke’s Comeback from Dry Eye Syndrome
Brooke, a mom in Utah, had long given up on contact lenses due to chronic dry eye issues. After years of relying on artificial tears and struggling with discomfort, she turned to scleral lenses. Their unique tear reservoir completely transformed her experience. Brooke went from constant discomfort and strong glasses prescriptions to wearing lenses all day comfortably, with clear vision.
Ten years later, she’s still enjoying the gift of scleral lenses.
The Scleral Lens Fitting Process: What to Expect
Creating a scleral lens tailored for your eyes is a meticulous process designed for long-term success. Here’s how the fitting process works:
Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination
Your optometrist assesses your eye health, visual acuity, and prescription. They’ll determine whether scleral lenses are the right solution for you.
Step 2: Advanced Imaging and Scans
Specialty diagnostic tools like corneal topography and thickness mapping ensure a precise fit and safe lens usage.
Step 3: Trial Lens Fitting
Trial scleral lenses are applied to gather measurements and assess your initial comfort. These data points help create your custom lenses.
Step 4: Follow-Up Adjustments
To ensure the perfect fit, follow-up visits may involve fine-tuning the lenses. This step ensures maximum comfort, stability, and clarity.
Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance
Regular maintenance appointments monitor the health of your eyes and ensure your lenses are performing optimally.
Why Do Scleral Lenses Cost More?
For a pair of scleral lenses, costs generally range between $1,500 and $1,800. While they are more expensive than soft lenses, here’s why they’re worth it:
- Customization: Every lens is uniquely crafted to fit your eye perfectly.
- Advanced Materials: Made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials.
- Time and Expertise: Specialized fittings require skilled professionals and advanced diagnostic tools.
Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, especially if they are deemed medically necessary.
Life Beyond Glasses and Soft Contacts
If you’ve struggled with contact lenses that feel blurry or dry at best, or rarely provide the clarity you need, scleral lenses may be your solution. These lenses are revolutionizing eye care by offering a bespoke approach to vision correction and comfort, especially for individuals with unique eye needs.
Transforming lives isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a reality for many people who thought clear vision was out of reach.
