Ever feel like your contact lenses just aren’t doing the job? Maybe your vision still feels “off,” or your eyes are irritated no matter what brand you try. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
For patients with keratoconus, dry eye, or irregular corneas, standard contact lenses often fall short. That’s where scleral lenses come in—a specialty option that could change how you see the world. Let’s break down the differences and discover why these custom lenses are so important for certain eyes.
Why Standard Contacts Don’t Always Work
Soft contact lenses are designed to float on the eye’s surface, following the natural shape of the cornea. For most people, that’s totally fine. However, if you have an irregularly shaped cornea due to keratoconus, eye surgery, scarring, or injury, standard lenses may not sit properly. They can slip, cause blurry vision, or feel uncomfortable.
Even rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, while more stable than soft contacts, may not offer full coverage or consistent clarity on eyes that don’t follow the usual curve.
Irregular Corneas: What’s Really Going On?
The cornea is your eye’s front window; it bends light to help you see. When it’s smooth and evenly curved, everything comes into focus. But with eye conditions like keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, scattering light and causing vision distortion.
In these cases, standard lenses can’t correct the distorted surface, and that’s where scleral lenses change the game.
What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?
Scleral contact lenses are larger than standard contacts and are designed to vault over the cornea, resting gently on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The space between the lens and your eye is filled with a liquid reservoir that hydrates and protects the cornea while correcting vision.
This design:
- Smooths over irregular surfaces
- Improves stability and visual clarity
- Reduces irritation and dryness
- Offers longer daily wear time without discomfort
They’re especially life-changing for patients who’ve “tried everything” and still feel like they’re fighting to see clearly.
Who Benefits Most from Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses aren’t just for “problem” eyes; they’re for complex corneas that need a little more support. If you’ve been told you have an irregular cornea, or if regular contact never feels quite right, scleral lenses may be a perfect fit. Here’s who tends to benefit the most:
- Keratoconus patients: As the cornea becomes cone-shaped, vision can get dramatically worse. Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, offering clarity that glasses and soft lenses often can’t.
- Post-surgical eyes: LASIK, PRK, or RK procedures can sometimes lead to corneal irregularities. Scleral lenses help restore visual quality, especially when touch-ups or enhancements aren’t possible.
- Chronic dry eye: The fluid reservoir beneath scleral lenses provides continuous hydration and soothing relief, making them ideal for patients with severe dry eye disease.
- Corneal scarring or trauma: Damage from injury or infection can leave permanent irregularities on the cornea. Scleral lenses vault over those imperfections, providing clearer, more comfortable vision.
Even if you’ve been told you're not a candidate for regular contacts, scleral lenses might still be on the table, especially when they're custom-made for your unique eye shape.
Custom Fittings at Boyle Eye Specialists
Not all scleral lenses are created equal. These aren’t one-size-fits-all contacts you order online and hope for the best. Scleral lenses require precise measurements, digital mapping, and expert adjustments to match the unique shape of your eye.
That’s why Boyle Eye Specialists takes a personalized approach to every fit. Located right here in Scranton, Dr. John W. Boyle uses advanced diagnostic imaging and years of specialty lens expertise to design a lens built just for you. From your first evaluation to your final fitting, he makes sure your lenses are:
- Optimized for comfort
- Designed to match your corneal shape and eye health
- Tailored for your lifestyle and vision needs
Whether you’ve been managing keratoconus for years or were just told you need scleral lenses, our eye doctor will walk you through every step—no guesswork, no cookie-cutter care.
See the Difference with Scleral Lenses in Scranton
If you’ve been dealing with blurry vision or if your current contacts just aren’t providing the clarity you need, it might be time to take a closer look at scleral lenses. We’re proud to offer custom-fit solutions for complex eyes, backed by years of experience and state-of-the-art technology.
Located in Scranton, PA, we’re your local go-to for specialty contact lenses and personalized care that prioritizes your vision. Schedule a scleral lens consultation and let us show you what your eyes have been missing.