Scleral Lenses vs. Regular Contact Lenses: What Makes Them Different?

Contact lenses can provide clear vision without glasses, but not every lens works the same way. For many patients, regular soft contact lenses offer comfortable, convenient vision correction. Others may need a more specialized option, especially when dry eye, an irregular cornea, or another condition makes traditional contacts difficult to wear. At Mountain Top Eye Care in Lafayette, we offer personalized contact lens fittings to help determine which lens design best fits your eyes and vision needs.

How Regular Contact Lenses Work

Regular contact lenses are typically small, soft lenses that sit directly over the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. They are available in many prescriptions and replacement schedules, including daily and reusable options.

For patients with relatively regular corneal shapes and healthy tear films, soft contacts can provide comfortable, reliable vision. However, some people experience unstable vision, irritation, dryness, or difficulty achieving a proper fit with conventional lenses.

What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?

Scleral lenses are larger than regular contact lenses. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they vault over it and rest on the sclera, or white portion of the eye.

The space between the scleral lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This creates a fluid reservoir over the cornea that can provide ongoing moisture while the lens is being worn. Scleral lenses are also made from gas-permeable materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye. This unique design can provide stable vision and improved comfort for patients who struggle with traditional contacts.

Scleral Lenses vs. Regular Contacts

Some of the biggest differences include:

•          Size - Scleral lenses are larger and extend beyond the cornea, while regular contacts generally sit directly on the cornea.

•          Fit - Scleral lenses vault over the corneal surface and require a highly customized fitting.

•          Moisture - The fluid reservoir beneath a scleral lens can be beneficial for certain patients with dry eye symptoms.

•          Stability - Their larger design can help scleral lenses remain stable on the eye.

•          Vision correction - Scleral lenses may provide clearer, more consistent vision for patients with irregular corneal shapes.

Who May Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses can be especially helpful for patients with keratoconus or other irregular corneal conditions that make it difficult for glasses or conventional contacts to provide consistent vision. They may also be considered for some patients with significant dry eye who find regular contacts uncomfortable.

That does not mean scleral lenses are automatically the better choice for everyone. Many patients do very well with conventional soft contacts. The right option depends on your prescription, corneal shape, tear film, eye health, lifestyle, and comfort needs.

Why A Personalized Contact Lens Fitting Matters

During a contact lens evaluation, we assess your vision and eye health and take precise measurements to determine how a lens should fit your eyes. Specialty lenses such as scleral lenses require additional attention to ensure proper clearance, alignment, comfort, and vision. If regular contacts have never felt quite right, you may have other options. Our team can evaluate your eyes and determine whether scleral lenses or another contact lens design may provide the comfort and clarity you need.

Schedule a scleral lens consultation with Mountain Top Eye Care to find a contact lens option designed for your eyes. Contact our office in Lafayette, CO, by calling (720) 915-0505 to book an appointment today.