Scleral Lenses vs. Standard Contacts in Medford, NJ: Solution for Hard-to-Fit Corneas & Severe Dry Eye

Contact lenses can provide clear, convenient vision, but standard contacts are not comfortable or effective for every eye. Patients with irregular corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye, or a history of difficulty wearing traditional contacts may need a more customized option. At Pinnacle Eye Group in Medford, NJ, we offer scleral lenses for patients who need greater stability, comfort, and vision correction than conventional contact lenses can provide.

How Standard Contact Lenses Fit

Traditional soft contact lenses are designed to rest directly on the cornea. For many patients, this provides comfortable vision throughout the day. However, problems can develop when the cornea has an irregular shape or the ocular surface does not stay adequately lubricated.

A standard lens may shift, fit unevenly, or become uncomfortable on a hard-to-fit cornea. Patients with dry eye may also notice burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, or the feeling that their contacts become increasingly dry as the day continues.

How Scleral Lenses Are Different

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contacts. Instead of resting primarily on the cornea, they vault over it and land on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera.

Before insertion, a scleral lens is filled with sterile saline. This creates a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea, helping keep the ocular surface hydrated while also providing a smooth optical surface for vision correction.

These features can make scleral lenses particularly useful for patients dealing with:

•          Keratoconus or other irregular corneal shapes

•          Severe or chronic dry eye

•          Corneal scarring

•          Difficulty tolerating conventional contact lenses

•          Certain corneal conditions or changes following eye procedures

Scleral Lenses for Irregular Corneas

With keratoconus and other corneal irregularities, the cornea may not have the smooth shape that standard contacts are designed to fit. This can lead to unstable vision or an uncomfortable lens fit.

Because scleral lenses vault over the cornea, they do not need to follow every irregularity of its surface. The lens creates a new, smooth refractive surface that can provide more consistent vision while reducing direct contact with sensitive areas of the cornea.

Scleral Lenses for Severe Dry Eye

Contact lens wear can be especially challenging when the tear film is unstable. Standard contacts may begin to feel dry or irritating, sometimes making it difficult to wear them for extended periods.

The fluid reservoir beneath a scleral lens can continuously bathe the corneal surface while the lens is worn. For the right patient, this design can improve comfort and help protect the ocular surface from exposure.

Finding the Right Contact Lens in Medford

Choosing between standard contacts and scleral lenses requires more than checking your prescription. We evaluate your corneal shape, tear film, eye health, visual needs, and previous contact lens experience to determine which type of lens is best suited to your eyes.

If you have struggled with uncomfortable contacts, severe dry eye, keratoconus, or another hard-to-fit corneal condition, schedule a contact lens evaluation with Pinnacle Eye Group to learn if scleral lenses are right for you. Contact our office in Medford, NJ, by calling (856) 856-5203 to book an appointment.