Struggling with Keratoconus Contacts? Try Scleral Lenses!

Living with keratoconus can make vision correction feel like a frustrating guessing game. Glasses often don’t provide clear focus, and standard contact lenses can be downright uncomfortable. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses help some – but their tendency to shift or pop out can be a dealbreaker.

Scleral lenses are different. Designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, they create a stable surface for vision correction and trap a reservoir of fluid underneath. This reduces irritation and improves both comfort and clarity – especially for irregular corneas.

What Makes Scleral Lenses So Effective?

The secret lies in the design. By arching over the cornea rather than sitting on it, scleral lenses stay centered and secure, reducing common issues like lens displacement or debris getting underneath.

That tear-filled reservoir not only cushions the cornea, but also helps relieve dryness. For keratoconus patients tired of sore eyes and shifting lenses, this stability can feel like a game-changer.

Should I Try Scleral Lenses First?

Not always – but often, yes. Here's a breakdown of typical treatment paths:

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Recommended early, especially for younger patients. It stabilizes keratoconus but doesn’t improve vision.
• Scleral Lenses Post-CXL: This combination is common – CXL halts progression, scleral lenses restore vision.
• Corneal Transplants: Considered a last resort for severe cases.

If you're struggling with current lenses or your vision feels unstable, this might be your signal to try something new.

Glasses vs. RGP vs. Scleral: What Works Best?

• Glasses: Often ineffective in moderate-to-severe keratoconus. You may notice ghosting, glare, and distortion.
• RGP Lenses: Offer sharper vision but can be uncomfortable or unstable.
• Scleral Lenses: Provide unmatched comfort, stability, and optical clarity – especially for irregular corneas.

For many patients, scleral lenses restore the ability to drive at night, read without eye strain, and feel confident navigating their day.

What If I Can’t Tolerate Them?

Most scleral lenses come with a warranty period – typically three to six months. During this time, your eye care provider will work with you to tweak the fit and ensure you're comfortable. If the lenses truly aren’t right for you (which is rare), only a small fitting fee is non-refundable.

This trial period makes trying scleral lenses a low-risk step toward better vision.

Long-Term Safety and Maintenance

When properly cared for, scleral lenses are safe for long-term use. Best practices include:

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting
• Using approved solutions only
• Avoiding overwear

With the right care, many patients wear their scleral lenses comfortably for years.

Your Next Step in

If keratoconus is disrupting your vision or your current lenses aren’t cutting it, you deserve a better option. At Vision On Park, we specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients just like you.

Our experienced team will assess your condition, answer your questions, and walk you through every option – whether you’re new to keratoconus or exploring advanced care. We’ll make sure your lenses are a good fit for your eyes and your lifestyle.

Ready to try scleral lenses? Contact us to request your appointment today.