See the Bigger Picture with Scleral Lenses

Contact Lens Types for Every Style

Before we get into scleral lenses, it’s important to understand the basic types of contact lenses. They come in all shapes and sizes, and many perform specialty functions. The two most commonly prescribed contact lenses are soft contacts and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses. 

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contacts are the go-to for most people. They're comfy, easy to use, and perfect for that throw-in-your-bag lifestyle with daily, weekly, and monthly disposable options. But while they're great for many, they aren't ideal for everyone. Their snug fit can sometimes dry out your eyes, and they don’t always provide the crispest vision due to their mass-produced nature. 

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Then there are the RGP lenses. These are a bit tougher and less snug than soft contacts, allowing more oxygen to reach your eyes, which keeps them happier for longer. They offer clearer vision and can be a true sight for sore eyes if soft lenses leave you dry or blurry. Additionally, they last much longer than soft contacts, with some patients claiming to have used them for over a year with perfect contact maintenance. However, they can pop out easier because they don’t conform as closely to your eye. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than soft contacts. 

What Makes Scleral Lenses Special?

Now, let’s talk about scleral contact lenses. While these lenses do belong to the RGP family, these are not your everyday contacts. Scleral lenses are larger, tougher, and they don’t just sit on your cornea—they vault right over it and rest comfortably on the white part of your eye, the sclera. This design avoids any corneal irregularities, ensuring a clear view without discomfort. 

Each pair of scleral lenses is custom-made to fit your eyes perfectly. They're built to last and designed to offer unparalleled vision correction. Think of them as the tailor-made suit of the contact lens world! 

Why You Might Love Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a big deal because they offer solutions where other lenses fall short. They’re excellent for folks with tricky eye conditions that affect the cornea. Plus, they rest on the thicker tissue of the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, making them super comfy to wear. 

And there’s more—they help keep your eyes moist and happy all day long, thanks to a little reservoir that holds saline solution. If you’ve had eye surgery or suffer from severe dry eyes, these lenses can be a real eye-saver. 

But Are They Right for Everyone?

While scleral lenses are fantastic, they do come with a few drawbacks. First, they have a much higher price tag as they are made custom to order. They also need a bit more TLC in terms of maintenance. Some patients may find they need to remove them multiple times a day to clean them and remove debris that has gotten trapped in the saline reservoir. They’re also a bit larger, which might take some getting used to. 

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

If you’ve been told you can’t wear contacts due to astigmatism, keratoconus, dry eye disease, or other specific conditions, scleral lenses might be the answer. They’re also great for anyone recovering from corneal surgeries.