For many people, standard contact lenses provide excellent vision correction. However, individuals with certain corneal conditions, chronic dry eye, or complex vision needs often require a more advanced solution. Scleral lenses have transformed the way eye care professionals manage these challenges by providing exceptional comfort, outstanding visual clarity, and enhanced protection for the surface of the eye.
At Clinton Eye Associates, we provide comprehensive scleral lens evaluations and custom fittings designed to help patients achieve clearer, more comfortable vision. Whether you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, have experienced complications following corneal surgery, or struggle with severe dry eye disease, scleral lenses may provide the vision correction you’ve been searching for.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are specialized gas-permeable contact lenses that are significantly larger than traditional contact lenses. Rather than resting directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault completely over the corneal surface and rest on the sclera, which is the white portion of the eye.
This unique design creates a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea. The sterile saline solution trapped beneath the lens continuously bathes the eye, providing hydration while creating a smooth optical surface that improves vision.
Unlike conventional soft contact lenses, scleral lenses remain remarkably stable throughout the day, making them an excellent option for patients with irregular corneal surfaces or ocular surface disease.
How Do Scleral Lenses Work?
The success of scleral lenses comes from their innovative design.
The lens creates a protective vault over the cornea without touching its delicate surface. Before inserting the lens, it is filled with preservative-free sterile saline. This liquid reservoir remains between the lens and the eye throughout the day.
The result is:
- Continuous hydration of the cornea
- Reduced friction from blinking
- Protection of damaged corneal tissue
- Improved optical quality
- Greater lens stability
- Consistent vision throughout the day
Because the lens rests on the less sensitive sclera instead of the cornea, many patients find scleral lenses surprisingly comfortable despite their larger size.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are recommended for many patients who cannot comfortably or successfully wear conventional contact lenses.
Common conditions that benefit include:
Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes the cornea to gradually thin and bulge into a cone shape. This irregular surface often creates distorted vision that glasses cannot fully correct.
Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface that can dramatically improve visual clarity while protecting the fragile cornea.
Severe Dry Eye Disease
Patients with severe dry eye syndrome often experience burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, and discomfort.
Because scleral lenses maintain a constant reservoir of moisture over the eye, they frequently provide significant relief from dry eye symptoms while improving vision.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal injuries, infections, or previous surgeries can leave scars that interfere with vision.
Scleral lenses help compensate for these irregularities by creating a new smooth refractive surface.
Post-Corneal Transplant Patients
Following a corneal transplant, some patients develop irregular astigmatism or uneven healing that affects vision.
Custom scleral lenses often provide excellent visual rehabilitation after corneal transplantation.
Post-Refractive Surgery Complications
Although LASIK and other refractive surgeries are highly successful for most patients, a small percentage experience irregular corneas or persistent visual distortion.
Scleral lenses can often improve visual quality in these situations.
High or Irregular Astigmatism
Patients with significant or irregular astigmatism may experience more stable vision with scleral lenses compared to traditional soft lenses.
Ocular Surface Disorders
Patients with conditions affecting the corneal surface may benefit from the protective environment created by scleral lenses, depending on their specific diagnosis and clinical evaluation.
The Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Exceptional Comfort
Many patients assume larger lenses will be less comfortable. In reality, because scleral lenses rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, they are often more comfortable than traditional rigid lenses.
The constant fluid reservoir also minimizes dryness and irritation throughout the day.
Outstanding Vision Quality
The smooth optical surface created by scleral lenses helps reduce visual distortions caused by irregular corneas.
Patients frequently report:
- Sharper vision
- Less glare
- Reduced halos
- Better night vision
- Improved contrast sensitivity
- More consistent visual performance
Continuous Hydration
The tear reservoir beneath the lens provides long-lasting hydration for the cornea throughout the day.
This feature is especially beneficial for patients with severe dry eye disease.
Corneal Protection
Scleral lenses create a protective barrier over the cornea, reducing mechanical irritation from blinking while supporting a healthier ocular surface.
Stable Lens Position
Unlike smaller lenses that may shift during blinking, scleral lenses remain centered and stable.
This stability contributes to more consistent vision and greater comfort.
Highly Customized
Every scleral lens is individually designed based on detailed measurements of your eyes.
Custom fitting helps optimize comfort, vision, and overall eye health.
The Scleral Lens Fitting Process
Successfully fitting scleral lenses requires advanced technology and expertise.
At Clinton Eye Associates, your fitting process begins with a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation of your ocular health.
Your eye doctor will assess:
- Corneal shape
- Corneal curvature
- Tear film quality
- Eye surface health
- Prescription
- Overall eye anatomy
Specialized corneal mapping and imaging technologies help guide the selection of the most appropriate lens design.
After diagnostic lenses are evaluated, custom lenses are ordered specifically for your eyes.
Once your lenses arrive, you’ll return for:
- Lens evaluation
- Vision assessment
- Comfort assessment
- Lens care instruction
- Insertion and removal training
- Follow-up evaluation
Because scleral lenses are customized, several visits may be necessary to achieve the ideal fit.
Caring for Scleral Lenses
Proper lens care helps maximize comfort, maintain healthy eyes, and extend the life of your lenses.
Patients should:
- Wash hands before handling lenses
- Clean lenses daily using recommended solutions
- Fill lenses with preservative-free sterile saline before insertion
- Follow replacement recommendations
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits
- Never sleep in lenses unless specifically instructed by your eye doctor
Following proper cleaning protocols helps reduce the risk of infection and maintains optimal lens performance.
Are Scleral Lenses Difficult to Wear?
There is a learning curve when first using scleral lenses because they require a different insertion technique than soft contact lenses.
Most patients become comfortable inserting and removing their lenses after a short period of practice.
Our experienced team provides personalized instruction until you feel confident managing your lenses independently.
Why Choose Clinton Eye Associates for Scleral Lens Fittings?
Choosing the right provider is one of the most important factors in achieving successful scleral lens wear.
At Clinton Eye Associates, we are committed to providing advanced eye care using modern diagnostic technology and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Thorough eye examinations
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Customized scleral lens fitting
- Individualized patient education
- Ongoing follow-up care
- Long-term monitoring of ocular health
Our goal is to help every patient achieve the highest level of vision, comfort, and eye health possible.
When Should You Schedule a Scleral Lens Consultation?
You may benefit from a scleral lens evaluation if you:
- Have been diagnosed with keratoconus
- Experience chronic dry eye symptoms
- Cannot tolerate traditional contact lenses
- Have poor vision despite glasses
- Have irregular corneas
- Have had previous corneal surgery
- Have undergone a corneal transplant
- Want to explore advanced contact lens options
A comprehensive examination can determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate for your individual vision needs.
Experience Clearer, More Comfortable Vision
Scleral lenses have revolutionized vision correction for patients with complex eye conditions and those who struggle with traditional contact lenses. Their ability to improve vision while simultaneously protecting and hydrating the eye makes them one of the most advanced contact lens options available today.
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for traditional contact lenses or continue to experience discomfort despite other treatments, a scleral lens evaluation at Clinton Eye Associates may open the door to clearer, healthier, and more comfortable vision.
Schedule an appointment with our experienced team to learn whether custom scleral lenses are the right solution for your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes scleral lenses different from regular contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and rest on the sclera instead of the cornea. They vault over the cornea, creating a fluid-filled reservoir that enhances comfort and vision.
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Yes. Although they are larger than standard contacts, many patients find scleral lenses extremely comfortable because they rest on the less sensitive sclera and maintain continuous hydration over the eye.
Can scleral lenses help with keratoconus?
Yes. Scleral lenses are commonly prescribed for keratoconus because they create a smooth optical surface that can significantly improve vision while protecting the cornea.
Do scleral lenses help dry eyes?
Many patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease experience substantial symptom relief because the fluid reservoir continuously hydrates the cornea during lens wear.
How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care and routine follow-up, scleral lenses often last one to several years, depending on lens condition, prescription changes, and your eye doctor’s recommendations.
Are scleral lenses difficult to insert?
They require a different technique than soft contact lenses, but most patients become comfortable after receiving instruction and practicing for a short time.
Can I wear scleral lenses all day?
Most patients successfully wear scleral lenses throughout their normal waking hours. Your eye doctor will recommend an appropriate wearing schedule based on your individual eye health.
Will insurance cover scleral lenses?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and the medical reason for the lenses. Our office can help explain your benefits and discuss available options.
Do scleral lenses correct astigmatism?
Yes. Scleral lenses can provide excellent vision correction for many patients with regular or irregular astigmatism, particularly when conventional lenses do not provide satisfactory results.
How do I know if I am a candidate for scleral lenses?
A comprehensive eye examination at Clinton Eye Associates can determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate based on your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle.
Contact Information
Clinton Eye Associates
116 E Main St #4
Clinton, CT 06413
Phone: (860) 669-2020
Website: clintoneye.com