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Scleral Contact Lenses: Who Benefits Most?

Edmonton Eye Doctors

13-03-2025

Scleral contact lenses offer life-changing benefits for individuals with specific eye conditions or vision challenges. Unlike traditional lenses, these custom-designed lenses provide exceptional comfort, stability, and clarity. But who benefits the most from scleral lenses? Let’s take a closer look.

Individuals with Irregular Corneas

If you have an irregularly shaped cornea, scleral lenses can help by creating a smooth optical surface, improving vision clarity. These lenses are particularly beneficial for:

• Keratoconus. People with keratoconus often struggle with standard contact lenses due to discomfort and poor fit. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea, providing sharper, more stable vision.
• Post-Surgical Eyes. If you've had corneal transplants, LASIK, or other eye surgeries that resulted in irregularities, scleral lenses can restore clear vision where standard lenses fall short.
• Naturally Irregular Corneas. Some individuals are simply born with an uneven corneal shape. Scleral lenses offer a comfortable and effective solution for these cases.

People with Hard-to-Fit Eyes

For those who have struggled to find comfortable contact lenses, scleral lenses are an excellent option. Their larger size ensures better stability, making them ideal for:

• Athletes and Active Individuals. Unlike smaller contact lenses that can shift or dislodge during sports, scleral lenses stay securely in place.
• People with Sensitive Eyes. The design of scleral lenses minimizes irritation, making them a great choice for those who experience discomfort with standard lenses.

Individuals with Severe Dry Eye

Scleral lenses don’t just improve vision—they also protect and hydrate the eye. The space between the lens and the cornea holds a liquid reservoir, offering continuous moisture. These lenses are especially helpful for:

• Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

For patients with chronic dryness, scleral lenses can provide much-needed relief and protection.

Those Needing Advanced Vision Correction

Scleral lenses can correct a wide range of vision problems, including:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia) and Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
• Astigmatism and Presbyopia
• High Refractive Errors

Because they are custom-designed, scleral lenses offer sharper, more precise vision than many traditional soft lenses.

Individuals with Corneal Damage or Eye Conditions

If you've suffered from an eye injury, scarring, or certain eye disorders, scleral lenses can help restore visual function and comfort. They may also be useful for:

• Eyelid or Orbital Disorders
• Conditions Requiring Ocular Medication (as the lenses help retain medication on the eye’s surface)

A Non-Surgical Alternative

For some conditions, such as severe keratoconus, scleral lenses may even serve as an alternative to surgery.

If you are considering options for clearer vision and greater comfort, consulting an experienced optometrist can help determine if scleral lenses are right for you. Live in the Edmonton area? Book a consult with one of our optometrists today!

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