If you have sensitive eyes or certain corneal conditions, traditional contact lenses may not feel comfortable. Scleral lenses offer a different approach to contact lens vision correction. They are larger than typical contacts and are designed to solve challenges that other lenses often can’t.
Scleral lenses work by vaulting over your cornea and resting on the sclera, which creates a fluid-filled space that hydrates the eye and provides relief, resulting in a new, smooth surface for clear sight. This design can help people who have struggled to find the right fit with standard contacts.
What Are Scleral Lenses and How Are They Different?
Scleral lenses are a type of large-diameter gas-permeable contact lens. Unlike regular contacts that rest on the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, scleral lenses vault completely over it. They rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera.
The Unique Shape and Size of a Scleral Lens
This larger size is key to how they work. By vaulting over the cornea, the lens creates a small space between the back of the lens and the front of your eye.
Before you put the lens in, you fill this space with a preservative-free saline solution. The solution acts like a constant liquid bandage for your eye. It keeps the cornea hydrated throughout the day.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are a useful option for people with specific eye health needs. Their unique design makes them suitable for situations where traditional soft lenses or glasses may not provide clear or comfortable vision. Many people find them to be a welcome alternative.
Support for Irregular Corneas
For individuals with an irregularly shaped cornea, such as from a condition like keratoconus, scleral lenses can offer clearer vision. The lens creates a new, smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. The fluid-filled space then helps to correct vision distortions.
Relief for Severe Dry Eye
Because the lens holds a reservoir of saline solution, it provides continuous hydration to the eye’s surface. This can bring significant comfort to people with persistent dry eye syndrome. Many who find other contact lenses difficult to wear can use scleral lenses without irritation.
The Scleral Lens Experience: What to Expect
Adjusting to scleral lenses involves a few new habits, but many people find them comfortable for all-day wear once they get used to the process. It’s important to understand the daily routine and care involved. Your eye care team can guide you through every step.
How Long Can You Wear Scleral Lenses Each Day?
Your optometrist will give you a specific wear schedule based on your individual needs. Many people can wear their scleral lenses comfortably for 10–14 hours a day. Following this schedule helps keep your eyes healthy.
You should always follow the replacement and wear schedule your eye doctor provides. Proper care and adherence to the plan can help you get the most out of your lenses. Never extend wear time without professional advice.
Lifestyle Tips with Scleral Lenses
You can do most of your daily activities with scleral lenses. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to protect your eyes and your lenses. A few simple habits can make a big difference.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you handle your lenses.
- Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans with your lenses in to reduce the risk of eye infections.
The Process for a Custom Scleral Lens Fit
Scleral lenses require a precise, custom fit to work correctly and feel comfortable. This process is more detailed than a fitting for standard contact lenses. It requires specific measurements of your eyes to create the perfect lens for you.
Your Initial Consultation and Eye Exam
The first step is a thorough eye exam. The optometrists in Vaughan will assess your eye health and vision to determine if you are a good candidate for scleral lenses. We will also discuss your symptoms and lifestyle to understand your needs.
Custom Maps of Your Eye
If scleral lenses are a suitable option, your optometrist will use modern technology like corneal topography to map the surface of your cornea and sclera. This creates a detailed digital model of your eye. That model is then used to design a lens that is custom-made just for you.
Learn to Handle Your New Lenses
Once your custom lenses arrive, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to learn how to insert, remove, and care for them. Your eye care team will guide you through the process step by step. We want you to feel confident handling them on your own.
Talk to an Optometrist About Your Options
Scleral lenses are a highly customized vision solution. They can be a great option for people who have struggled to find comfort and clarity with other types of contacts or glasses. A proper fitting from an experienced professional is the key to success with these lenses.
If you experience discomfort from dry eye or have a condition that makes traditional contacts difficult to wear, professional guidance is important. The optometrists in Vaughan can perform a comprehensive eye exam. We can help you explore all available solutions for your vision. At Lowy & Sewell Eye Care, our focus is on finding a solution that fits your life and enhances your well-being. We take the time to understand your unique needs and guide you toward the right choice. Book an appointment with us to learn more about your vision correction options.
