Scleral Lenses: When Other Contacts Just Don’t Work

If you’ve ever thought, “My vision should be better than this,” you’re not alone!

Many people struggle with blurry vision in contacts, discomfort later in the day, glare at night, or vision that fluctuates hour to hour.

When soft lenses or standard hard lenses are not enough, scleral lenses can be an important next step. For many patients, they’re the first option that provides both clear vision and lasting comfort.

If your lenses move too much, fall out, or become uncomfortable quickly, scleral lenses can feel and perform very differently.

What are scleral contact lenses? Scleral lenses, also called sclerals, are large, custom gas permeable lenses. They rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and sit over the cornea without touching it.

This design creates a fluid cushion between the lens and the eye. That layer helps protect the ocular surface, smooth corneal irregularities, and provide more stable, consistent vision throughout the day.

Many patients who come in for scleral lens evaluations have already tried multiple brands, prescriptions, or lens types. In many cases, the problem is a mismatch, not a mistake. Traditional lens designs are often not built for complex eye shapes or advanced ocular surface issues.

Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into an irregular shape. Because the optical surface is no longer smooth, light does not focus properly, which can lead to blurry or double vision, even with glasses.

Soft lenses often drape over that uneven cornea instead of correcting it. Traditional corneal GP lenses may enhance vision, but some patients still struggle with comfort, lens movement, or inconsistent wear time.

Scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea, meaning they arch over it without touching it, to create a smooth optical surface. This improves visual stability and comfort, helping many patients see more consistently.

Do you struggle to see while driving, looking at your phone, or during other daily activities? If so, schedule a scleral lens evaluation to find out whether this option is right for you. At ForSight, we can help you move through daily life with greater confidence.

Severe Dry Eye

For patients with severe dry eye, scleral lenses can provide both visual and therapeutic benefit. The built-in saline reservoir helps keep the surface hydrated and protected during wear.

When eye drops, standard lenses, and routine treatments are not enough, scleral lenses can reduce dry eye discomfort and improve visual stability. 

If dryness, burning, or redness is affecting your day, ForSight can help you take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable daily vision.

You may be a candidate for scleral lenses if you experience:

• Fluctuating vision throughout the day
• Light sensitivity with blurry vision
• Glare and halos at night
• Ghosting or double vision
• Contact lenses that keep moving or falling out
• Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable all day

A scleral lens evaluation can determine whether scleral lenses are a good fit for your unique corneal shape, ocular health, and visual needs.

Two common questions we get are how to insert scleral contact lenses and are scleral contact lenses are harder to insert than traditional contact lenses.

Because scleral lenses are larger than soft contacts, they require a steady technique. Each lens is filled with preservative-free saline, then placed on the eye.

At ForSight, insertion and removal training is part of the fitting process. We coach each patient step by step until the process feels manageable and repeatable at home.

We can also recommend simple positioning tools, such as a scleral lens inserter and a stable mirror setup, to make daily insertion more comfortable.

Proper cleaning is essential for comfort, clarity, and eye safety. Scleral lens care usually includes:

• Daily cleaning with approved lens solutions
• Thorough rinsing as directed
• Proper disinfection and overnight storage
• Strict use of recommended filling solutions before insertion

Before we send you home, our team at ForSight will teach you exactly how to care for your lenses so you feel confident every step of the way.

Another common question is: How much do scleral lenses cost?

Scleral lenses usually cost more than standard contacts because they require custom design, specialty fitting, and follow-up refinement.

Final cost depends on your vision needs, the number of fitting visits, lens design, and insurance benefits.

In medically necessary cases, such as keratoconus or severe ocular surface disease, medical insurance may help cover part of the cost. At ForSight, our team will review your vision and medical insurance benefits, explain coverage options, and help you understand expected out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re considering switching to scleral lenses to improve your vision, you may be wondering: How long do scleral lenses last?

With proper care, scleral lenses often last about one to three years. Lens lifespan can depend on prescription stability, lens condition, and wearing habits.

Because they are custom-designed and made from durable materials, scleral lenses are engineered to last. However, regular follow-ups are essential to ensure they continue to fit and function properly!

Getting great results with scleral lenses starts with the right provider. These lenses are highly specialized and require a precise, individualized fitting process. At ForSight, we use advanced diagnostics and personalized specialty lens care to treat patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, and irregular corneas.

If traditional contacts have not worked, a scleral lens evaluation can help determine whether they are the next step for clearer, more comfortable vision.

Dr. Erika Morrow, OD, MS is the owner of ForSight Unique Eyecare & Eyewear in Savannah, Georgia. She's passionate about combining thorough medical eye care with a thoughtful, personalized eyewear experience that helps patients see clearly and feel confident in what they wear.