Scleral contact lenses are not ordinary contacts. They are advanced specialty lenses designed to help patients who may not see clearly or comfortably with standard soft lenses, glasses, or traditional rigid contacts. For people with keratoconus, irregular corneas, dry eye disease, corneal scarring, or contact lens intolerance, scleral contact lenses can provide a more customized way to correct vision and protect the front surface of the eye.
At CFE Memphis, scleral contact lenses are part of a personalized approach to eye care for patients in Memphis and surrounding communities. These lenses are carefully fit to each patient’s eye shape, prescription, comfort needs, and underlying condition. If you have searched for scleral contact lenses near me or have been told you may need specialty contacts, it helps to understand what makes these lenses different.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contacts that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea. This creates a space between the lens and the corneal surface that is filled with preservative-free saline before the lens is inserted.
This fluid-filled space is one of the main reasons scleral contact lenses are so useful. It can help keep the cornea hydrated, protect sensitive tissue, and create a smoother optical surface. For patients whose corneas are irregular, scarred, or distorted, this smoother surface can improve how light enters the eye.
The result may be sharper, more stable vision than glasses or standard soft contacts can provide. Patients with complex vision needs often appreciate that scleral contact lenses are custom-designed rather than one-size-fits-all.
To learn more about specialty lens care at CFE Memphis, visit the Scleral Lenses page.
Scleral Contact Lenses vs Regular Contact Lenses
Many patients wonder how scleral contact lenses compare to regular contacts. The main differences are size, fit, purpose, and customization.
Regular soft contacts are smaller and flexible. They work well for many common prescriptions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and mild to moderate astigmatism. However, because soft lenses conform to the shape of the cornea, they may not fully correct vision when the cornea itself is uneven.
Scleral contact lenses are larger and more rigid. Instead of conforming to the cornea’s irregular shape, they create a new optical surface over it. That can make them more effective for patients with keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, corneal scars, or post-surgical corneal changes.
Regular contacts are often simple to fit. Scleral contact lenses require more advanced measurements and follow-up care. They also require specific cleaning and filling solutions. While the process is more involved, the payoff can be significant for patients who have struggled with unclear or uncomfortable vision.
Patients who want to compare standard and specialty contact options can also visit the Contacts page.
Who Should Consider Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses may be recommended when regular options do not provide the needed clarity or comfort. One of the most common reasons is keratoconus. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, which can create distorted vision that glasses may not fully correct.
Scleral contact lenses for keratoconus can help by vaulting over the misshapen cornea. This creates a more even surface for focusing light and may reduce ghosting, blur, glare, and visual distortion.
Patients with severe dry eye may also benefit from scleral contact lenses. The fluid reservoir under the lens can help protect the cornea and keep it moist during wear. This may help people who experience burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision due to dryness.
Other candidates may include patients with corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism, complications from previous eye surgery, or conditions that make regular contact lenses uncomfortable. A comprehensive exam is needed to determine whether scleral contact lenses are appropriate.
Scleral Contact Lenses for Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive condition, which means it can change over time. In mild cases, glasses or standard contacts may help. As the cornea becomes more irregular, vision may become harder to correct. This is when many patients are introduced to specialty lenses.
Scleral contact lenses for keratoconus are often helpful because they do not depend on the cornea being perfectly shaped. The lens itself provides a smooth front surface, while the fluid layer helps fill in the irregular space between the cornea and the lens.
Patients with keratoconus may experience frequent prescription changes, blurry vision, halos, glare, double images, or difficulty driving at night. If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time for a detailed corneal evaluation. CFE Memphis provides more information on its Keratoconus page.
What Happens During the Fitting Process?
The fitting process for scleral contact lenses is more detailed than a routine contact lens appointment. Your provider will evaluate your eye health, vision needs, corneal shape, and tear film. Specialty measurements may be taken to help design a lens that vaults the cornea correctly and lands comfortably on the sclera.
During the fitting, diagnostic lenses may be used to test comfort, movement, vision, and clearance over the cornea. Your doctor will check whether the lens is providing enough space over the cornea without creating pressure in the wrong areas. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
After the lens is ordered, you will return for dispensing and training. You will learn how to insert and remove the lenses, fill them with saline, clean them, disinfect them, and store them properly. Follow-up visits are also important because the fit may need to be refined after you have worn the lenses in daily life.
Are Scleral Contact Lenses Hard to Use?
Scleral contact lenses require practice, but many patients become comfortable with the routine. Because the lenses are larger, insertion and removal can feel different at first. The lens must be filled with preservative-free saline before placement, and patients need to avoid trapping air bubbles under the lens.
Good hygiene is essential. Patients should wash and dry their hands before handling lenses, use only approved solutions, clean the lens case regularly, and follow the replacement schedule recommended by their provider. These habits help reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
While the care routine is more involved than standard soft contacts, patients who gain clearer and more comfortable vision often find the extra effort worthwhile.
How Long Can You Wear Scleral Contact Lenses?
Wear time varies by patient. Some people can wear scleral lenses comfortably for most of the day, while others may need shorter wear times or adjustments. Factors like dry eye severity, lens fit, tear quality, allergies, and solution compatibility can all affect comfort.
If your lenses become cloudy, uncomfortable, or difficult to wear, do not ignore it. Fogging, redness, soreness, or reduced vision may mean the lens needs to be cleaned, refit, or evaluated. Regular follow-up visits help protect your eyes and keep the lenses working properly.
Scleral Contact Lenses Near Me in Memphis
If you are searching for scleral contact lenses near me, CFE Memphis offers specialty lens care for patients in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Lakeland, and surrounding areas. The team can evaluate whether scleral contact lenses are right for your condition and guide you through the fitting process.
CFE Memphis also serves nearby communities through its Service Areas page, making specialty eye care accessible for families across the Greater Memphis area.
Schedule a Specialty Lens Evaluation
Scleral contact lenses can be a powerful option for patients with complex eye conditions. They may help improve clarity, comfort, and quality of life when regular glasses or contacts are not enough. Whether you have keratoconus, severe dry eye, irregular corneas, or contact lens discomfort, the right evaluation can help you move forward with confidence.
Schedule an appointment with CFE Memphis to find out whether scleral contact lenses are the right solution for your vision needs.