When standard contact lenses do not provide the vision or comfort you need, scleral lenses may offer a more customized solution. At Vision Source Mandeville, we provide specialty contact lens options for patients with unique corneal conditions and persistent dry eye. Scleral lenses are designed differently from traditional contacts, making them especially useful for conditions such as keratoconus and severe dry eye.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they vault over it and rest on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera.

The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with sterile saline solution before insertion. This creates a smooth optical surface while maintaining a reservoir of fluid over the cornea throughout wear.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the normally rounded cornea to become thinner and develop a cone-like shape. Because the corneal surface becomes irregular, glasses and traditional soft contact lenses may not provide sufficiently clear vision as the condition progresses.

Scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea instead of conforming to its shape. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens helps create a more uniform optical surface, which can improve visual clarity for many patients with keratoconus.

Signs that scleral lenses may be worth discussing include:

• Blurry or distorted vision despite updated glasses

• Difficulty tolerating standard contact lenses

• Frequent changes in vision prescription

• Glare, halos, or light sensitivity

• A diagnosis of keratoconus or another irregular corneal condition

How Scleral Lenses Can Help Severe Dry Eye

Severe dry eye can make conventional contact lens wear uncomfortable or difficult. Scleral lenses can be especially helpful because the fluid reservoir beneath the lens continuously bathes the cornea during wear.

This protective environment may reduce dryness and irritation while shielding the corneal surface from exposure to air and friction from the eyelids. For some patients with chronic or severe dry eye, scleral lenses can provide both vision correction and improved day-to-day comfort.

Why Proper Scleral Lens Fitting Matters

Scleral lenses are highly customized and require more detailed fitting than standard contact lenses. We evaluate the shape and health of your eyes to determine the appropriate lens design, diameter, clearance, and fit.

Follow-up appointments are also important. We assess how the lenses settle on your eyes, check your vision and comfort, and make adjustments when needed. The goal is to provide a lens that supports clear vision while protecting the health of the ocular surface.

Find Out if Scleral Lenses Are Right for You

If keratoconus, severe dry eye, or difficulty wearing traditional contacts is affecting your vision, a specialty contact lens evaluation can help determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate for your needs.

Schedule your contact lens exam with Vision Source Mandeville to learn if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Mandeville, LA, or call (985) 300-5700 to book an appointment today.