Scleral Lenses Explained: A Life-Changing Option for Complex Vision Problems

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea.

Because they vault over the cornea, they create a smooth optical surface while maintaining a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the eye—providing both clear vision and lasting comfort.

How Scleral Lenses Are Different from Regular Contacts

Unlike soft or standard rigid lenses, scleral lenses:

• Do not touch the sensitive cornea

• Provide sharper vision for irregular eye shapes

• Stay stable during blinking and eye movement

• Create a protective moisture chamber for the eye

This design makes them ideal for patients who have struggled with traditional contacts.

Conditions That Benefit from Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are commonly prescribed for:

• Keratoconus and corneal ectasia

• Post-surgical corneas

• Severe dry eye disease

• Corneal scarring or irregularity

• Low vision related to corneal conditions

Many patients report life-changing improvements in both comfort and visual clarity.

Why Scleral Lenses Help with Dry Eye

The fluid layer beneath a scleral lens continuously bathes the cornea throughout the day. This makes them especially beneficial for patients with chronic dryness who have not responded to drops or other treatments.

For some patients, scleral lenses function as both vision correction and medical therapy.

The Fitting Process

Scleral lenses are fully customized. The process includes:

• Advanced corneal imaging

• Trial lens evaluation

• Fine-tuning lens shape and clearance

• Training on insertion, removal, and care

While fitting may take longer than standard contacts, the results are often worth it.

Want to find out more, watch this video from Dr. Pillai?

Dr. Pillai walks you through how to properly prepare and wear scleral lenses, including the essential tools and solutions that help ensure comfort, clarity, and eye health.

In this video, we cover:
• Proper scleral lens insertion technique
• Lens prep and hygiene tips
• Tools and solutions that support a smooth experience

Products mentioned:
ScleralFil • Nutrifill • Tangible Clean • LensBase • S5 Scleral Lens Inserter • SeeGreen Device

If you wear scleral lenses—or are considering them—this guide will help you feel more confident and prepared.

Originally developed for severe corneal disease, scleral lenses are now widely used in modern optometry due to advances in lens design, imaging, and customization.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for Everyone?

Scleral lenses are not typically first-line lenses. They are prescribed when standard options fail or when eye health requires advanced support. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine candidacy.

Final Thoughts

Scleral lenses represent one of the most impactful advances in modern optometry. For patients with complex eyes, they offer something once thought impossible: clear, comfortable, all-day vision.