Who Can Benefit from Wearing Scleral Lenses?

At Giles Optometry, we offer specialized fittings for scleral lenses, ensuring a custom fit tailored to your eye’s unique needs. Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses designed to provide comfort, superior vision correction, and protection for a variety of eye conditions. Unlike traditional contact lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger in diameter and vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This design offers a unique set of benefits, making them suitable for a wide range of patients.
 

People with Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. Traditional soft contact lenses or glasses often cannot provide adequate correction. Scleral lenses, however, can offer clear vision by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. This not only enhances visual clarity but also provides much-needed comfort.
 

Individuals with Dry Eye Syndrome

For those suffering from severe dry eye syndrome, regular contact lenses may exacerbate the problem by restricting oxygen flow to the cornea. Scleral lenses, however, create a reservoir of saline solution between the lens and the eye’s surface, keeping the eye hydrated throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for people with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or other forms of dry eye that haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.
 

Patients with Corneal Irregularities

Scleral lenses are also ideal for individuals with corneal irregularities due to surgeries, trauma, or conditions like corneal dystrophies. These irregularities can cause significant vision impairment that may not be correctable with standard lenses or glasses. Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface, improving vision and comfort while also protecting the cornea from further damage.
 

Post-LASIK and Post-Corneal Transplant Patients

Patients who have undergone LASIK surgery or corneal transplants may experience complications, such as irregular astigmatism or scarring, that affect their vision. Scleral lenses can help correct these issues by providing a custom-fit surface that restores clear vision and offers protection to the delicate post-surgical eye.
 

Athletes and Active Individuals

Scleral lenses are a great option for athletes or those with active lifestyles. Because they are larger and more stable than traditional contact lenses, they are less likely to dislodge during sports or physical activities. Additionally, they are more resistant to dust, wind, and other environmental factors, providing clearer vision during outdoor activities.
 

Patients with High Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. While some toric soft contact lenses can address mild to moderate astigmatism, scleral lenses are often more effective for higher degrees of astigmatism or for those who haven’t found success with other lens types. Scleral lenses offer a stable, consistent fit, reducing distortion and improving overall vision quality.
 

People Seeking Superior Comfort

Even if you don’t have a specific eye condition, you might find that traditional contact lenses cause discomfort, irritation, or dry eyes, especially after long hours of wear. Scleral lenses, thanks to their unique design and fit, offer superior comfort by keeping the eyes hydrated and reducing the risk of lens-related irritation.
 

Schedule a Consultation with Giles Optometry Today

Scleral lenses are a versatile solution for a wide variety of vision and comfort issues, particularly for individuals with complex eye conditions or those who struggle with traditional contact lenses. If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, scleral lenses might be the key to clearer, more comfortable vision.
 

Schedule a consultation with Giles Optometry to discover if scleral lenses are the right solution for you. Contact our office in La Mesa, California, by calling (619) 399-2506 to book an appointment today.