Scleral lenses fit into an active life better than most people expect — but there are a few important dos and don'ts. Here's the practical rundown on wearing them during everyday activities.
Can you play sports in scleral lenses?
Yes — and this is actually one of their strengths. Because scleral lenses are large and stable, they stay centered and are far less likely to dislodge than small rigid lenses. Athletes with keratoconus or irregular corneas often love sclerals for exactly this reason: sharp, steady vision that doesn't shift mid-game. Protective eyewear is still smart for high-impact sports.
Can you swim in scleral lenses?
This one calls for caution. Water — pool, lake, ocean, or tap — can carry microorganisms that cause serious eye infections, and getting water under or around your lenses is risky. The general guidance is to avoid swimming in your lenses, or if you must, to wear tightly sealed goggles over them and disinfect afterward. When in doubt, leave them out for swimming and check with your doctor about your specific situation.
Can you sleep in scleral lenses?
Most scleral lenses are designed for daytime wear only and should be removed before sleep. Sleeping in them can reduce oxygen to the cornea and raise infection risk. (A few specialized therapeutic protocols involve overnight wear under close medical supervision — but that's the exception, not the norm, and only on a doctor's specific instruction.) For nearly everyone, the rule is simple: take them out at night.
Everyday activities
Screens, driving, reading, working, exercising indoors — all perfectly fine and often better than with glasses, thanks to the wide, stable field of view. Just keep saline handy in case you want to refresh a foggy lens on a long day.
The general principle
Scleral lenses support an active lifestyle beautifully as long as you respect two rules: keep water away and don't sleep in them unless your doctor says otherwise.
Have a specific activity in mind? Ask us how scleral lenses fit your lifestyle. Book a consultation at CFE Memphis.