Most nearsightedness is easily corrected with glasses or standard contacts. But at the high end of the spectrum — very strong prescriptions — those options can become bulky, uncomfortable, or optically limiting. For some patients with high or extreme myopia, scleral lenses provide strong, stable, and comfortable correction.
The challenges of a very strong prescription
High myopia means the eye focuses light well short of the retina, requiring a powerful correction. In glasses, that translates to thick lenses, edge distortion, and a "minified" view. In contacts, comfort and stability can suffer, and some patients also have astigmatism or surface issues layered on top.
Why scleral lenses can be a great fit
Scleral lenses offer several advantages for strong prescriptions:
- Powerful, precise correction delivered in a stable lens
- A smooth optical surface that gives crisp vision even if the cornea is irregular or the patient has significant astigmatism
- Excellent stability — the large lens doesn't rotate or shift, so vision stays consistent
- All-day comfort and hydration from the fluid reservoir
For people who've never been fully satisfied with glasses or ordinary contacts, sclerals can be a noticeable upgrade.
When they make the most sense
Scleral lenses are especially worth considering for high myopia when it's combined with astigmatism, an irregular cornea, dry eye, or a history of eye surgery — situations where standard options fall short. For straightforward high myopia in a healthy, regular eye, simpler options may work fine; an evaluation helps you weigh the trade-offs, including cost.
A tailored approach
Every high-prescription eye is different. Dr. Salley evaluates your prescription, corneal shape, and lifestyle to determine whether scleral lenses would give you clearer, more comfortable vision than what you have now.
Frustrated with thick glasses or unstable contacts? Ask about scleral lenses at CFE Memphis.