Scleral lenses are one of the most advanced contact lens options available for people who struggle with blurry vision, irregular corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye, or discomfort with traditional contacts. While many people are familiar with standard soft contact lenses, scleral contact lenses are different in both design and purpose. They are larger, more customized, and often used when regular contacts or glasses do not provide the clarity or comfort a patient needs.
At CFE Memphis, scleral lenses are used to help patients throughout Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and nearby communities find clearer, more stable vision when standard options fall short. For patients searching for scleral lenses near me, scleral contact lenses near me, or a scleral lens specialist near me, understanding how these lenses work is an important first step.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are specialty lenses that rest on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye, instead of sitting directly on the cornea like many traditional contact lenses. The lens vaults over the cornea and creates a small fluid-filled space between the lens and the front surface of the eye. This design can help create a smooth optical surface, protect the cornea, and provide consistent moisture throughout the day.
This is especially helpful for people with corneal irregularities. When the cornea is misshapen, scarred, or uneven, light does not focus properly inside the eye. That can cause distorted, blurry, or unstable vision. A scleral lens helps by creating a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, allowing light to enter the eye more evenly.
Patients often ask about scleral lenses vs contact lenses because they want to know why these lenses may work when standard contacts have failed. Traditional soft lenses are smaller and flexible, which means they conform more closely to the shape of the cornea. That can be fine for routine prescriptions, but it may not correct more complex vision problems. Scleral lenses are more rigid and custom-designed, which allows them to provide sharper and more stable vision for certain patients.
To learn more about CFE Memphis’ specialty lens options, visit the Scleral Lenses page or the Contacts page.
Who Needs Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses may be recommended for patients who have not been successful with glasses, soft contacts, or standard rigid gas permeable lenses. They are commonly used for keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, corneal scarring, dry eye disease, post-surgical corneas, and other complex eye conditions.
One of the most common reasons patients need scleral lenses is keratoconus. Keratoconus causes the normally round cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This creates irregular astigmatism and distorted vision that glasses often cannot fully correct. Scleral lenses for keratoconus can help by vaulting over the irregular cornea and creating a new smooth surface for vision correction. Patients looking for scleral lenses keratoconus care or scleral contact lenses for keratoconus may benefit from a specialty fitting with an experienced provider.
You can learn more about this condition on CFE Memphis’ Keratoconus page.
Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye
Scleral lenses for dry eye can also be a strong option for patients with significant irritation, burning, redness, or fluctuating vision caused by ocular surface disease. Because scleral lenses hold a layer of preservative-free saline between the lens and the cornea, they can help keep the front surface of the eye hydrated during wear.
This does not mean every dry eye patient needs scleral lenses. Many cases of dry eye can be managed with artificial tears, prescription drops, eyelid hygiene, in-office treatments, environmental changes, or other medical eye care options. However, for patients with severe dry eye or discomfort that has not improved with standard care, scleral lenses may offer both vision correction and surface protection.
Patients who experience chronic irritation, light sensitivity, or eye discomfort should start with a thorough evaluation. CFE Memphis provides care for irritated eyes, dry eye symptoms, and other medical eye concerns through its Medical Services page and Eye Discomfort page.
Are Scleral Lenses Comfortable?
A common question is, “Are scleral lenses comfortable?” For many patients, the answer is yes, especially after the fitting and training process. Since scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye and vault over the sensitive cornea, they may feel more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses that sit directly on the cornea.
Comfort depends on proper lens design, healthy lens habits, insertion technique, removal technique, and follow-up care. A poorly fitted scleral lens can cause irritation, redness, fogging, or pressure. That is why the provider’s fitting experience matters. The best scleral lenses are not simply the most expensive or most advanced lenses. They are the lenses that are properly designed for your specific eye shape, prescription, corneal condition, and comfort needs.
The Scleral Lens Fitting Process
The scleral lens fitting process is more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. Because these lenses are highly customized, the process usually begins with a comprehensive eye evaluation. Your eye doctor will examine your vision, corneal shape, tear film, eye health, and any condition that may affect your lens design.
During a scleral lens fitting, diagnostic lenses or advanced measurements may be used to determine how the lens should vault over the cornea and land on the sclera. The goal is to create a lens that provides clear vision without placing harmful pressure on the eye. The fitting also includes training on how to insert, remove, clean, and store the lenses safely.
A simple scleral lens fitting guide usually includes these steps:
Comprehensive eye exam and corneal evaluation
Specialty measurements and diagnostic lens assessment
Custom lens design based on eye shape and vision needs
Trial fitting and vision testing
Lens insertion and removal training
Follow-up visits for adjustments and long-term monitoring
Patients should expect the process to take more than one visit. That is normal. The purpose is not to rush into a lens, but to create a safe and effective fit that supports long-term comfort and clear vision. If you are due for a full eye health evaluation, visit CFE Memphis’ Comprehensive Eye Exams page.
Scleral Lens Solution and Care
Scleral lens solution is another important part of successful wear. Patients typically need specific products for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and filling the lens before insertion. Most scleral lenses are filled with preservative-free saline before being placed on the eye. Using the wrong solution can cause burning, irritation, cloudy vision, or eye health risks.
Your eye care team should provide exact instructions based on your lens type and eye health needs. Do not substitute tap water, homemade saline, or non-approved products. Good hygiene matters. Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses, clean your lenses as directed, replace your case regularly, and keep follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your cornea and lens fit.
How Much Do Scleral Lenses Cost?
Scleral lenses cost more than standard soft contacts because they require advanced measurements, specialty materials, custom design, multiple visits, and professional fitting expertise. The total cost can vary based on the complexity of the case, the technology used, the number of visits required, and whether insurance provides coverage.
For some patients, scleral lenses may be considered medically necessary, especially when they are used for conditions like keratoconus or severe corneal irregularity. Coverage varies widely, so it is best to check with the office and your insurance provider. While cost matters, the bigger question is whether the lenses can provide vision and comfort that other options have not been able to deliver.
Finding Scleral Lenses Near Me in Memphis
If you are searching for scleral lenses near me, scleral contact lenses near me, or a scleral lens specialist near me, look for an eye care provider with experience fitting complex corneas and specialty lenses. Patients in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Cordova, and surrounding communities can turn to CFE Memphis for specialty lens evaluation and care.
CFE Memphis serves patients from across the Greater Memphis area, including nearby communities listed on the Service Areas page and Collierville service page. Whether you have keratoconus, dry eye, irregular astigmatism, or difficulty wearing traditional contacts, a personalized evaluation can help determine whether scleral lenses are the right next step.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer, More Comfortable Vision
Scleral lenses can be life-changing for patients who have struggled with blurry vision, unstable prescriptions, dry eye discomfort, or contact lens intolerance. They are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but when properly fitted, they can provide clearer vision, improved comfort, and better day-to-day function for people with complex eye needs.
If glasses or standard contacts are not giving you the results you need, schedule a specialty lens consultation with CFE Memphis. The right fit can make a major difference in how clearly and comfortably you see.