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Scleral Lenses in Cypress

Scleral lenses are custom-designed contact lenses that can provide more stable vision and improved comfort for people with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, and other complex eye conditions. They may also help patients who have been unable to wear traditional soft or rigid contact lenses successfully.

Strong Vision provides detailed scleral lens evaluations and fittings in Cypress. Our optometrists use advanced measurements to design lenses around the unique shape and health needs of each patient’s eyes.

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Two transparent contact lenses on a blue background

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they vault over it and land on the sclera, the white portion of the eye.

Before insertion, the bowl of the lens is filled with preservative-free saline. This creates a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea, providing a smooth optical surface while keeping the cornea continuously bathed in fluid during wear.

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Who May Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses may be recommended for patients with:

  • Keratoconus
  • Irregular astigmatism 
  • Corneal scarring
  • Severe dry eye or ocular surface disease
  • Difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses
  • Corneal changes following LASIK, PRK, or other surgery
  • Certain corneal injuries or transplants
  • Other conditions that affect the shape or surface of the cornea

A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate. Some patients may benefit from another type of specialty contact lens instead.

A woman puts in a contact lens in front of a mirror.

What Are the Benefits of Scleral Lenses?

Stable Vision

The rigid lens material creates a smooth refractive surface over an irregular cornea. This can reduce visual distortion and provide more consistent vision than glasses or standard soft lenses for some patients.

Individualized Comfort

Because scleral lenses rest on the less sensitive sclera and vault over the cornea, many patients find them more comfortable than smaller corneal gas-permeable lenses. Comfort varies, and adjustments may be needed during the fitting process.

A Fluid Reservoir

The preservative-free saline beneath the lens keeps fluid against the cornea during wear. This feature may help selected patients with severe dry eye or ocular surface disease manage discomfort and protect the sensitive corneal surface from eyelid friction and environmental exposure.

Limited Lens Movement

A properly fitted scleral lens generally moves less than a standard soft or corneal gas-permeable lens. This stability can be helpful for patients with irregular corneas or visually demanding activities.

woman adjusting a contact lens on her eye

Scleral Lenses for Ocular Surface Disease

Ocular surface disease is a broad term for conditions affecting the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, or tear film. It may be associated with dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, allergies, Sjögren’s syndrome, or previous injury.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Burning, grittiness, or itching
  • Redness
  • Watery eyes
  • Fluctuating or blurred vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye pain
  • Symptoms that worsen in dry or windy environments

For appropriate patients, a scleral lens can provide vision correction while maintaining a fluid reservoir over the cornea. Scleral lenses do not treat every cause of ocular surface disease, so they may be used alongside prescription drops, eyelid care, meibomian gland treatment, or other therapies.

Can Athletes Wear Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses may be useful for athletes who need specialty vision correction and find that glasses or traditional contacts interfere with their activities. Their relatively stable fit can provide consistent vision during sports involving rapid eye or body movements.

Contact lenses do not protect the eyes from balls, fingers, equipment, or other impact injuries. Athletes should wear sport-appropriate protective eyewear whenever it is recommended.

Contact lenses should also be removed before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Prescription swimming goggles may be a safer option for water sports.

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Close-up of hands holding a lens case and a lens.

Are Other Specialty Contact Lenses Available?

Scleral lenses are one of several options for hard-to-fit eyes. Depending on the condition, prescription, and corneal shape, alternatives may include:

  • Corneal gas-permeable lenses
  • Custom soft contact lenses
  • Hybrid lenses with rigid centers and soft outer skirts
  • Piggyback systems that place a gas-permeable lens over a soft lens

Each option has different advantages and care requirements. Your optometrist will recommend a lens based on your examination findings, comfort, visual needs, and previous contact lens experience.

Our Scleral Lens Fitting Process

Because scleral lenses are individually designed, the fitting process is more involved than a standard contact lens fitting.

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A woman is touching her eye with her finger while wearing a contact lens

Scleral Lens FAQs

Schedule a Scleral Lens Consultation in Cypress

If traditional glasses or contact lenses have not provided the vision or comfort you need, a scleral lens evaluation can help determine whether a customized lens is appropriate. Schedule a consultation with Strong Vision to discuss your symptoms, eye condition, and specialty contact lens options.

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Learn More About Scleral Lenses

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3 Ways That Scleral Lenses Treat Dry Eyes
A woman is putting on a contact lens with a pair of tweezers.
Inserting and Removing Scleral Lenses
Two contact lenses are held between two fingers on a gray background.
Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus
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Scleral Lenses for Sjogren's Syndrome
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Scleral Lenses and Other Specialty Lenses For Presbyopia
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Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
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Scleral Lenses for Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

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