Scleral Lenses for Comfort: A Game-Changer for Dry or Sensitive Eyes

If you struggle with dry, irritated, or sensitive eyes, you know how challenging it can be to find long-lasting comfort with traditional contact lenses. For many patients, scleral lenses offer a life-changing solution. At Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists, we specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients who need a more advanced option for comfort and visual stability.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault entirely over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This unique design creates a smooth optical surface while eliminating direct contact with the cornea, making them an excellent choice for people with:

• Dry eye disease

• Chronic irritation

• Irregular corneas

• Keratoconus

• Post-surgical corneal changes

• High sensitivity to traditional contacts

Because they never touch the corneal surface, scleral lenses offer a level of comfort and stability that standard lenses simply can’t match.
 

Why Scleral Lenses Are Ideal for Dry or Sensitive Eyes

One of the biggest advantages of scleral lenses is the fluid reservoir they hold between the lens and cornea. This layer of sterile saline continuously hydrates the eye, providing soothing moisture throughout the day - something patients with moderate to severe dry eye often desperately need.

Since scleral lenses rest on the sclera instead of the cornea, they avoid rubbing against nerve-dense tissues. This reduced friction dramatically decreases irritation, making the lenses much more comfortable for people with sensitive or inflamed eyes.

The rigid design of scleral lenses creates a perfectly smooth optical surface, improving vision clarity for those with irregular corneas or conditions that distort the cornea’s shape. Unlike soft lenses, scleral lenses remain stable on the eye and do not rotate or shift during blinking.

Their design allows for excellent breathability and continuous hydration, which helps maintain comfort from morning to night. Many patients report that scleral lenses allow them to wear contacts comfortably for the first time in years.
 

The Scleral Lens Fitting Process at Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists

Fitting scleral lenses requires specialized expertise and technology. During your visit, our team will:

• Evaluate your eye health and corneal shape

• Use advanced imaging tools to map your cornea

• Determine the ideal lens size and vault

• Customize a lens to fit your exact needs

• Ensure proper comfort, hydration, and visual clarity

You’ll also receive education on inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses to ensure success and long-term comfort.
 

Improve Your Comfort With Specialized Lenses

For patients with dry, irritated, or sensitive eyes, scleral lenses can truly be a game-changer. Their ability to hydrate, protect, and stabilize the eye offers a level of comfort and clarity unmatched by traditional lenses.

Schedule a consultation with Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Albion, Kendallville, or Ligonier, Indiana. Please call (260) 636-7788, (260) 347-3458, or (260) 894-3909 to book an appointment today.