Scleral lenses can be life-changing — but they're not for everyone, and many people who'd benefit don't realize they're candidates. If any of the following sounds like you, it's worth asking your eye doctor whether scleral lenses could help.
You have keratoconus or an irregular cornea
This is the classic reason. If your cornea is cone-shaped, thinned, or otherwise irregular, glasses and soft lenses can't create clear vision. Scleral lenses vault over the irregularity and restore sharp, stable sight. → See our post on scleral lenses for keratoconus.
Your dry eye won't quit
If you're reaching for drops every hour and still uncomfortable — especially with a condition like Sjögren's, meibomian gland dysfunction, or GVHD — the continuous hydration of a scleral lens may finally bring relief. → See scleral lenses for dry eye.
You've had eye surgery that left irregular vision
Corneal transplant, RK, or a complicated LASIK can leave a surface that glasses can't fully correct. Scleral lenses smooth it over.
Standard contacts have always failed you
If you've tried soft or small rigid lenses and found them uncomfortable, unstable, or blurry — or you've been told you're "not a candidate for contacts" — scleral lenses may succeed where those did not.
Your prescription is high or hard to correct
Severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or high/irregular astigmatism can all be addressed with scleral lenses when other options come up short.
Who might NOT be a candidate
Scleral lenses require the ability to handle and care for the lenses, a healthy enough eye for lens wear, and commitment to follow-up. Certain eye conditions may need to be treated first. An evaluation sorts this out.
The only way to know for sure
This checklist points you in the right direction, but a real answer comes from an exam. We'll assess your eyes, your condition, and your goals — and tell you honestly whether scleral lenses are the right path.
Recognize yourself in any of these? You may be a great candidate. Book your scleral lens evaluation at CFE Memphis today.