Scleral Lens Fittings
Scleral contact lenses provide a range of benefits for people dealing with dry eyes and irregular corneas. Larger in diameter than standard contacts, these specialized lenses feature a distinctive design that vaults over the entire cornea and rests gently on the sclera—the white portion of the eye.
Benefits of Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses offer a number of meaningful advantages for people managing dry eyes and irregular corneas. Here's a closer look at what makes them so effective:
- Lasting Moisture: Before they go in, scleral lenses are filled with preservative-free saline, forming a pocket of fluid between the lens and the cornea. This built-in reservoir keeps the eye continuously lubricated, easing the dryness and discomfort that come with dry eye. It also shields the surface from outside elements that can make dryness worse.
- Greater Comfort: Because these lenses are wider, they bypass the sensitive cornea entirely, cutting down on irritation. The pool of fluid underneath cushions the eye and evens out any surface irregularities, so comfort holds up throughout the day.
- Sharper Vision: Corneas that are misshapen—whether from keratoconus or changes following surgery—can badly blur eyesight. By vaulting over those irregularities and holding a steady layer of tears in place, scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface that brings vision into much clearer focus.
- Stability and Longevity: Thanks to their size and secure fit against the sclera, these lenses stay well-centered and resist shifting, delivering reliable, consistent correction. They're also crafted from hard-wearing materials that extend their lifespan and reduce how often they need replacing.
- Protection and Recovery: That same fluid layer forms a protective shield, keeping the cornea insulated from the surrounding environment. For those with dry eye, this can help guard against additional damage and support healing of the ocular surface.
- Personalized Fit: Every pair is mapped, measured and built to match the individual contours of your eyes. Using advanced imaging techniques, your eye care provider creates lenses shaped precisely to your needs—maximizing both comfort and visual performance.
- Wide-Ranging Use:
Scleral lenses can address an array of concerns, from dry eye syndrome and keratoconus to corneal ectasia, scarring and post-surgical irregularities. That flexibility makes them a valuable solution for many types of corneal abnormalities, opening the door to better vision and comfort.
The Importance of Professional Fitting & Care
Scleral lenses are highly specialized, and getting them right calls for genuine expertise. The process involves precise mapping of your eye's individual shape, thoughtful adjustments and follow-up visits to confirm everything is working as it should—each step playing a key role in your comfort, clear vision and long-term eye health.
At Northside Eyecare, our experienced team specializes in fitting scleral lenses for patients with dry eye, keratoconus, corneal irregularities and other complex conditions. We use advanced imaging to design lenses tailored to your eyes, then provide ongoing care to keep them comfortable and your vision sharp.
If you think scleral lenses might be right for you, contact Northside Eyecare today to schedule a consultation.
