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Scleral Lenses: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They’re Life-Changing
February 4, 2025

Scleral Lenses: The Ultimate Solution for Keratoconus, Dry Eye, and Post-Surgical Vision Problems

If you’ve been struggling with blurry vision, discomfort, or complications after eye surgery, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from conditions like keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, complications after LASIK, or vision issues following a corneal transplant, and traditional contact lenses often don’t work for them. That’s where scleral lenses come in.

Unlike regular contact lenses, scleral lenses are specially designed for people with irregular corneas or severe dry eyes. They don’t rest directly on the cornea like soft or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. Instead, they sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye), vaulting over the cornea and creating a fluid-filled reservoir that provides hydration, protection, and clear vision.

At Global Vision Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Edward Boshnick specializes in fitting custom scleral lenses for people who thought they would never see clearly again. With cutting-edge technology like the WaveDyn Vision Analyzer, we make sure every lens is perfectly tailored to each patient’s unique eyes.

If you’ve been told that regular contact lenses won’t work for you, or if you’re tired of dealing with discomfort and poor vision, scleral lenses could be the life-changing solution you’ve been looking for.

Why Scleral Lenses Are Different From Regular Contacts

Many people are familiar with soft contact lenses, which rest directly on the cornea. But for those with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or post-surgical complications, soft lenses often don’t work well. They may feel uncomfortable, move around too much, or fail to correct vision properly.

Scleral lenses work differently.

  1. They vault over the cornea instead of resting on it. This means they don’t cause irritation to a sensitive or damaged cornea.
  2. They provide continuous hydration because the space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a saline solution, acting as a built-in moisture reservoir.
  3. They are custom-designed for each patient, so they fit perfectly and provide stable, clear vision without shifting throughout the day.
  4. They protect the cornea, acting as a barrier against dust, wind, and environmental irritants.

Because of these features, scleral lenses have become the go-to solution for people with complex vision issues, offering relief where other lenses fail.

Who Can Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses aren’t just for one type of eye problem—they can help a wide range of people with different conditions. Here’s how they can make a difference for patients with keratoconus, dry eye, corneal transplants, and LASIK complications.

Keratoconus: Clear Vision Without Surgery

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to blurry and distorted vision. In the early stages, glasses or regular contact lenses may work, but as the condition progresses, these options become less effective.

Many patients with keratoconus find regular contact lenses uncomfortable because they don’t fit properly over the irregular shape of the cornea. Scleral lenses, on the other hand, completely bypass the cornea, resting on the sclera instead. This creates a smooth optical surface that corrects distortions and improves vision dramatically.

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus and are struggling with glasses or soft contacts, check out our Keratoconus page to learn more about how scleral lenses can help.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Instant Hydration and Comfort

Dry eye syndrome can make wearing regular contact lenses unbearable. People with severe dry eye, Sjögren’s syndrome, or meibomian gland dysfunction often experience constant irritation, burning, and blurry vision.

Scleral lenses offer something that no other lens does—a built-in moisture chamber. The fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea keeps the eye continuously hydrated, reducing irritation and preventing dryness throughout the day.

For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, where the eyes don’t produce enough oil to keep tears from evaporating, scleral lenses provide long-lasting relief.

If dry eye is affecting your daily life, visit our Dry Eye Syndrome page to explore treatment options.

Corneal Transplant Recovery: Gentle Protection for Healing Eyes

After a corneal transplant, vision can take months—or even years—to stabilize. Many patients are left with irregular corneas, astigmatism, or high prescription needs that make regular glasses or soft lenses ineffective.

Scleral lenses are ideal for post-transplant patients because they:

  • Provide a protective barrier over the cornea, reducing exposure to irritants.
  • Improve vision by creating a smooth optical surface, compensating for any irregularities left after surgery.
  • Reduce discomfort and dryness, which are common in post-surgical eyes.

If you’re struggling with corneal transplant complications, scleral lenses can help restore your vision. Visit our Corneal Dystrophy and Degeneration page for more information.

LASIK Complications: A Non-Surgical Fix for Post-LASIK Vision Problems

LASIK is designed to correct vision, but for some people, it can lead to unintended side effects like:

  • Persistent glare or halos at night
  • Severe dry eyes
  • Irregular corneal shape (post-LASIK ectasia)

Scleral lenses can reverse many of these problems by creating a stable and smooth refractive surface, helping patients regain sharp, comfortable vision without additional surgery.

For patients dealing with LASIK complications, check out our Post-Surgical Vision Loss page to learn about non-surgical treatment options.

How We Fit Scleral Lenses for Maximum Comfort and Clarity

At Global Vision Rehabilitation Center, we use the most advanced diagnostic tools to ensure a perfect lens fit.

Our process includes:

  • Detailed Eye Mapping: Using tools like the WaveDyn Vision Analyzer to capture precise data about the eye’s shape and optical properties.
  • Custom Lens Design: Each scleral lens is tailored to the individual’s unique eye shape.
  • Trial Lens Fitting: We ensure the lenses provide comfort, stability, and clear vision before finalizing the prescription.

Because of our personalized approach, even patients who have been told they “can’t wear contacts” often find that scleral lenses work for them.

Is It Time to Try Scleral Lenses?

If you’ve been frustrated by poor vision, discomfort, or a lack of good options for your keratoconus, dry eyes, corneal transplant complications, or LASIK side effects, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

At Global Vision Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Edward Boshnick has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve clear, comfortable vision through specialty lenses. With advanced technology and a personalized approach, we ensure that every patient gets the best possible vision correction.

To find out if scleral lenses are right for you, schedule a consultation today.

Christian Tang

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