Choosing the right vision correction option is essential for your eye health and comfort. While traditional contact lenses work well for many, scleral lenses provide unique benefits, particularly for individuals with specific eye conditions.
If you’re wondering whether scleral lenses or standard contact lenses are the best choice for your eyes, our Center eye care team at Golden Eye Clinic offers this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Standard Soft Contact Lenses
Traditional soft contact lenses are small, flexible, and designed to rest directly on the cornea. They are widely used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. These lenses offer advantages such as:
- Ease of Use – They are simple to apply and remove.
- Affordability – Standard contacts are generally more budget-friendly.
- Comfort – Many wearers find them comfortable with minimal adjustment time.
- Variety – Available in daily, biweekly, and monthly disposable options.
Unfortunately, these contact lenses may not be suitable for individuals with irregular corneas, severe dry eye syndrome, or specific medical conditions that affect vision. This may be where scleral lenses are useful.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea. This design creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye, providing enhanced comfort and protection. Key benefits include:
- Superior Hydration – The fluid layer helps reduce dryness and irritation.
- Better Vision Correction – Ideal for irregular corneas, keratoconus, and post-surgical vision correction.
- Increased Stability – The larger design prevents the lens from shifting, making it more secure for individuals with high prescriptions or active lifestyles.
- Longer Lifespan – Scleral lenses are durable and can last longer than soft contacts with proper care.
Despite their benefits, scleral lenses require an adjustment period and more specialized fitting by an eye care professional. They also tend to have a higher initial cost than standard contact lenses.
Which Lens Type is Best for You?
The right choice depends on your individual eye health, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Standard contact lenses are a great option if you need simple vision correction and prefer an affordable, low-maintenance solution. However, if you have conditions like keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, or irregular corneas, scleral lenses may provide superior clarity and comfort.
Schedule a Contact Lens Consultation in Center
Every patient’s eyes are unique, and a professional evaluation can help determine which lens type is best for you. If you’re struggling with discomfort, poor vision correction, or dryness with your current lenses, a scleral lens fitting might be the solution you need. Schedule an appointment with our experienced optometrist to explore your best options.