Key Takeaways
- Scleral lenses are large contact lenses that rest on the white of your eye and arch over your cornea.
- A layer of saline fluid between the lens and your cornea creates a smooth surface for clearer vision.
- These lenses can help people with keratoconus, irregular corneas, dry eyes, or hard-to-fit prescriptions.
- Each lens is custom-made, and the fitting process may take a few visits.
Maybe you’ve tried soft contacts that slide around every time you blink, or glasses that still leave the world looking smudged at the edges. When your cornea has an uneven shape, regular lenses can have a hard time giving you clear, steady vision. The eye doctors in Omaha at Heartland Eye Consultants work with people in this exact spot, and scleral lenses are one option worth a closer look.
Scleral lenses are large, custom-made contact lenses that rest on the white of your eye and hold a thin layer of fluid over your cornea, giving you a smooth surface to see through. If you’re curious whether they could work for you, our team’s specialty contact lens care can help you find out.
How Do Scleral Lenses Work?
Standard soft contacts sit right on your cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye. Scleral lenses are bigger. They rest on your sclera, the white part of your eye, and arch over your cornea without touching it.
The lens is made from breathable material, so oxygen can still reach your eye while you wear it.
A Fluid Layer Over Your Cornea
The space between the lens and your cornea holds saline, a gentle saltwater solution. This fluid creates a smooth new surface over your cornea, which can help your vision look clearer. It also keeps the front of your eye moist throughout the day.
Types of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses come in a few sizes, and your eye doctor can help you choose the one that suits your eyes:
- Corneo-scleral and semi-scleral lenses rest near the edge of your cornea.
- Mini-scleral lenses cover your whole cornea.
- Full scleral lenses are bigger still and leave more space over your cornea.
Who Are Scleral Lenses Designed For?
Keratoconus
With keratoconus, your cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. Soft contacts may slip on that curve or leave your vision blurry. Scleral lenses offer a steady, smooth surface that can help you see more clearly.
Irregular Corneas
Corneal scars, injuries, and transplants can leave your cornea with uneven spots. Some people also notice vision changes after LASIK or other laser vision surgery.
Because a scleral lens vaults over those uneven areas, it can give you a clearer view.
Complex Vision Problems and Hard-to-Fit Eyes
Scleral lenses may also be worth exploring if any of these sound familiar:
- You have a high or complicated prescription, including astigmatism.
- You live with moderate to severe dry eyes.
- You’ve had trouble with other contact lenses in the past.
- You have been fit in contact lenses and still have blurry vision, shadows, or things appear doubled/smudged
Why Scleral Lenses May Be a Good Fit for You
Comfort for Sensitive Eyes
A scleral lens spreads its weight across the white of your eye, an area that’s less sensitive than your cornea. When you blink, your eyelid can glide over the lens without catching the edge.
If your eyes often feel dry and scratchy by the afternoon, the fluid layer may help soothe them.
Steady Vision for Your Daily Routine
Picture shooting hoops or biking on a windy day without stopping to blink a lens back into place. The large size helps scleral lenses stay put, so they’re less likely to pop out during sports.
They can also help shield your cornea from dust and other irritants.
What Happens at Your Scleral Lens Appointment?
Eye Mapping and Custom Design
Your visit starts with your eye doctor mapping the shape of your cornea. That map guides the design of a lens custom-made for your eyes.
The fit may take several visits to fine-tune, and each adjustment brings the lens closer to how your eyes need it to feel.
Lens Insertion and Daily Care
Our team shows you how to insert and remove your lenses. Your first few tries may feel a bit awkward. With a little practice, handling them can start to feel as routine as brushing your teeth.
With proper care, your scleral lenses can last over a year.
Explore Scleral Lenses with Eye Doctors in Omaha
Clear, comfortable vision from your morning coffee to your evening reading can make every part of your day feel easier. The eye doctors in Omaha at Heartland Eye Consultants can check whether you’re a candidate for scleral lenses and walk you through your options.
Insurance coverage for exams and lenses varies, so our team can help you understand what your plan includes. Book a visit with Heartland Eye Consultants today to talk about your vision goals and see if scleral lenses could be the right fit for your eyes.
