Scleral Lenses

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses get their name from the fact that they vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. This makes them larger than standard contact lenses, which can provide a variety of benefits. Their size makes them easier to handle and more stable when on the eye, providing sharper and more reliable vision. They are also less likely to become dislodged. 
 
Scleral contact lenses are also gas permeable, which means that oxygen can pass right through them and reach the surface of the eyes. The gap that is created between the contact lens and the front surface of the eye acts as a fluid reservoir which will keep the eyes moist and healthy.  
 

Who Are Scleral Lenses Recommended For?

Scleral lenses are a particularly good option for patients who have eye conditions or irregularities for which regular contacts are not suitable. This includes patients with:
 

Dye eye syndrome 

Contact lenses float on a fine layer of tear film, which keeps them comfortable and in position. Patients with dry eye syndrome either do not have enough natural tear film, or what they do have drains away too quickly. This can make wearing regular contact lenses difficult and uncomfortable. However, the design of scleral lenses keeps moisture on the surface of the eyes, eliminating some of the effects of dry eyes. This makes scleral lenses a great choice for patients with dry eyes. 
 

Irregular corneas

Irregular corneas cause light to be refracted incorrectly when it enters our eyes, triggering vision problems. Issues arising from irregularly shaped corneas cannot be completely corrected using glasses or conventional contact lenses. Therefore, scleral lenses are recommended to provide sharper and more accurate vision. 

For more information about scleral lenses, please do not hesitate to call our expert eye care team.