What Eye Conditions Can Qualify for Scleral Lens Fitting?

For some patients, standard contact lenses or glasses just aren’t enough to provide clear, comfortable vision. If you have a condition that affects the shape or surface of your cornea, scleral lenses may offer the clarity and relief you’ve been looking for. At Refined Eyecare Optometry, we specialize in advanced contact lens fittings, including scleral lenses designed to support complex visual needs.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera instead of the cornea. Unlike traditional lenses, they vault completely over the cornea, creating a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the eye. This design not only protects the cornea but also offers a stable, smooth optical surface that can dramatically improve vision in patients with corneal irregularities. Because of their size and fit, scleral lenses are especially beneficial for individuals with conditions that make conventional lenses uncomfortable or ineffective.
 

Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface, making them ideal for patients with mild to advanced keratoconus.
 

Post-Surgical Corneas

Patients who have undergone corneal surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants may experience irregular corneal shapes. Scleral lenses can compensate for this irregularity and restore visual clarity.
 

Severe Dry Eye Disease

Scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye, which helps keep the eye surface hydrated. This makes them an excellent option for individuals with severe dry eye syndrome, including those with Sjögren’s syndrome or ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
 

Corneal Scarring or Irregularities

Corneal scars due to injury, infection, or disease can interfere with normal vision. Scleral lenses cover and protect the cornea, minimizing the visual impact of these irregularities.
 

High Astigmatism or Refractive Errors

Patients with high levels of astigmatism or who haven’t achieved success with traditional lenses may benefit from the stable fit and customized optics of scleral lenses.
 

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD)

Similar to keratoconus, PMD affects the cornea’s shape, but it occurs lower on the cornea. Scleral lenses provide a reliable and effective solution to improve vision in PMD cases.
 

Experience Clearer, More Comfortable Vision with Scleral Lenses

If you’ve been struggling with vision issues that glasses or regular contact lenses can’t resolve, scleral lenses may be the solution you need. Their unique design allows them to address a wide range of eye conditions, from keratoconus to severe dry eye, offering both comfort and clarity.
 

Contact Refined Eyecare Optometry to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Torrance, California, or call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.