The Hidden Benefits of Scleral Contact Lenses Your Eye Doctor Wishes You Knew
If you’ve ever struggled with regular contact lenses, dryness, irritation, blurry vision, or contacts that just won’t sit right, there’s a good chance no one has told you about scleral contact lenses. These specialty lenses are one of the most effective solutions for people with sensitive or irregular eyes, yet many patients don’t know they exist until they’ve tried everything else.
At Eyes on Brickell, we see this all the time: frustrated patients who’ve “tried all contacts” finally experience comfortable, clear vision for the first time with scleral lenses. Here’s what makes them so life-changing and why your eye doctor may wish more people understood their benefits earlier.
What Exactly Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Unlike regular contacts that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera). They vault completely over the cornea, creating a smooth, protective dome that holds a hydrating layer of fluid between the lens and your eye.
This unique design makes them:
- More comfortable
- More stable
- Better for sensitive or irregular eyes
- Ideal for long wear time
They Are a Game-Changer for Dry Eyes
If your eyes feel itchy, gritty, red, sore or dry with normal contacts… then scleral lenses can bring instant relief.
Why?
They act like a built-in moisture chamber. The fluid reservoir hydrates your eyes all day long, making them perfect for:
- Severe dry eye
- Chronic irritation
- Post-surgery dryness
Many patients say scleral lenses feel better than having no lenses at all.
They Provide Sharper Vision for Irregular Corneas
If you have:
- Keratoconus
- Astigmatism (especially high or irregular)
- Corneal scars
- Post-LASIK issues
- Post-RK distortions
- Pellucid marginal degeneration
Then regular contacts may never give you stable vision.
Why scleral lenses work better:
They create a perfectly smooth optical surface on top of your irregular cornea.
This means:
- Sharper
- Clearer
- More stable vision—often instantly
Many keratoconus patients experience the best vision they’ve ever had with scleral lenses.
They Are Much More Comfortable Than People Expect
Most patients think “bigger lenses = less comfortable,” but scleral lenses actually feel more comfortable because:
- They don’t touch the sensitive cornea
- They distribute pressure gently over the sclera
- They don’t slide around like soft lenses
Within a few days, many users forget they’re even wearing them.
They Stay in Place: No More Lens Slipping or Falling Out
If you have had contacts that:
- Shift
- Fall out
- Move when you blink
- Get dislodged during sports
Scleral contact lenses fix this completely.
Their larger size means:
- No rotation
- No slipping
- Perfect stability during movement
Great for athletes and active lifestyles.
They Offer All-Day Wear Without Discomfort
Because they keep the eye hydrated and protected, scleral lenses allow longer wearing sessions than regular contacts.
Most patients comfortably wear them for:
- 8 hours
- 10 hours
- Sometimes 12–14 hours a day
And the eyes still feel fresh.
They Protect the Eye From Irritation and Dust
If you work in:
- Outdoor environments
- Dusty areas
- AC/heated offices
- Windy conditions
Scleral lenses act as a shield, keeping your eyes safe from:
- Dryness
- Pollution
- Allergens
- Debris
This is one of their most overlooked advantages.
They Are Fully Customized to Your Eyes
Unlike off-the-shelf soft lenses, scleral lenses are completely custom-made.
During a specialty fitting at Eyes on Brickell, we:
- Scan and map the shape of your cornea
- Measure your scleral curves
- Design a lens perfect for your eye’s unique structure
This ensures a personalized fit and exceptional comfort.
Perfect for Patients Who Thought “Contacts Aren’t for Me”
Many people are told they:
- Can’t wear contacts
- Won’t tolerate lenses
- Must rely on glasses forever
But scleral lenses change that.
They are ideal for:
- Sensitive eyes
- Highly irritated eyes
- Complicated prescriptions
- People who failed with soft or rigid lenses
If you’ve given up on contacts, scleral lenses may be your solution.
They Protect the Cornea During Healing or After Surgery
Doctors often prescribe scleral lenses for:
- Corneal injuries
- After-eye surgery
- Exposure keratopathy
- Corneal dystrophies
They act like a protective bandage, speeding healing while maintaining comfort and vision.
Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?
You may be a good candidate if you have experience:
- Chronic dry eye
- Keratoconus
- Distorted or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort with regular contacts
- Post-surgery complications
- Irregular cornea shape
A specialty lens fitting at Eyes on Brickell can confirm it.
What to Expect During a Specialty Lens Fitting
Our experts follow a simple, step-by-step process:
- Comprehensive eye exam
- Corneal topography and 3D imaging
- Customized lens measurement
- Trial lens fitting
- Training on insertion & care
- Follow-up to fine-tune your perfect lens
The process is comfortable, straightforward, and designed to give you the best possible vision.
Final Thoughts
Scleral contact lenses are more than just another contact lens. They are a life-changing solution for people who have struggled for years with discomfort, dry eyes, or poor vision correction.
If you’ve tried everything and still haven’t found relief, this might be the upgrade your eyes deserve.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Scleral Lenses?
Visit Eyes on Brickell to schedule a specialty lens fitting and get clearer, more comfortable vision customized just for you.
Visit 2885 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33129 and book an appointment today. Your eyes will thank you.
FAQs
1. Are scleral lenses hard to insert or remove for beginners?
Scleral contact lenses look big, but most first-time users find them easier to insert because they are stable and don’t fold or collapse. With proper training during your fitting at Eyes on Brickell, most patients become confident in just a few days.
2. How long does it take to get used to wearing scleral lenses?
Most people adapt within 2–5 days because the lenses don’t touch the sensitive cornea. Patients with previous discomfort from soft lenses often adjust even faster.
3. Will scleral lenses make my dry eyes worse if I wear them all day?
No, scleral lenses typically make dry eyes better. The sealed layer of fluid under the lens acts as a hydration vault, keeping your eyes moist for hours.
4. What if I have tried hard lenses (RGP) before and couldn’t tolerate them?
Scleral lenses are very different from RGPs. RGPs rest on the cornea, which can feel irritating. Sclerals rest on the sclera (less sensitive) and feel significantly more comfortable even for RGP “failures.”
5. Can scleral lenses help if my glasses prescription keeps changing?
Yes. Patients with keratoconus or corneal irregularities often experience fluctuating prescriptions. Scleral lenses create a stable optical surface, giving consistent clarity throughout the day.
6. Do scleral contact lenses reduce light sensitivity?
Many patients experience reduced light sensitivity because the fluid layer smooths the corneal surface and reduces scatter. People with scars, ectasia, and chronic dry eye often notice immediate improvement.
7. Can I travel, swim, or exercise while wearing scleral lenses?
You can exercise and travel with ease; they stay extremely stable. Swimming is not recommended with ANY contacts, including sclerals, due to bacterial risk. Use swim goggles if needed.
8. Are scleral lenses suitable if I work long hours on screens?
Absolutely. The hydration reservoir prevents drying from screen exposure and AC airflow. Many digital professionals find all-day comfort compared to soft lenses.
9. Will scleral lenses reduce redness or visible blood vessels in my eyes?
Yes, in many cases. Because the cornea stays protected and hydrated, redness caused by dryness or irritation often decreases significantly.
10. Are scleral lenses worth it even if I can still wear regular contacts sometimes?
If you experience dryness, irritation, unstable vision, lens movement, or discomfort during long wear, then scleral lenses provide a noticeable upgrade in comfort and clarity even if regular lenses “work sometimes.”
11. Can scleral lenses slow the progression of keratoconus?
They do not stop progression, but they restore vision quality and may protect the cornea from microtrauma caused by rubbing or lens irritation. Patients should combine sclerals with medical follow-ups and, if recommended, corneal crosslinking.
12. What happens if a scleral lens breaks or gets damaged?
These lenses are durable, but damage can happen. Eyes on Brickell keeps your custom measurements on file so we can reorder quickly without restarting the fitting process.
13. How often do scleral lenses need to be replaced?
Most patients replace them every 1–2 years, depending on care, coating wear, and prescription changes.
14. Do scleral lenses fog up during the day?
Some patients may experience midday fogging. This is usually caused by tear debris getting trapped under the lens. A specialist fit adjustment at Eyes on Brickell usually resolves it.
