What Are Scleral Lenses and How Are They Different from Regular Contact Lenses?

Scleral lenses are specialty contact lenses that are larger than standard contacts. They vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), creating a fluid-filled space that improves comfort, eye health, and vision quality, especially for complex eye conditions.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are often recommended for people with irregular corneas, such as keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, or eye injuries, as well as patients with severe dry eye disease or vision that cannot be corrected well with glasses or standard contact lenses.

Are Scleral Lenses Comfortable to Wear?

Yes. Many patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than traditional rigid contact lenses, especially if they experience dryness or irritation. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens keeps the eye hydrated throughout the day, helping reduce discomfort.

What Is Involved in a Scleral Lens Fitting?

Scleral lenses require a customized fitting process that includes detailed eye measurements and advanced diagnostic imaging. Multiple visits may be needed to ensure the lenses fit properly and provide the best possible vision and comfort.

Do Scleral Lenses Require Ongoing Follow-up Care?

Yes. Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor eye health, lens fit, and comfort. Ongoing care ensures that scleral lenses continue to perform well as your eyes change over time.

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Scleral Lenses Help Your Vision in Edmonton

At Heritage Vision Care, scleral lenses are part of a highly specialized approach to vision correction and ocular health. These lenses are not a cosmetic or convenience option; they are a medical-grade solution designed for patients with complex vision challenges or underlying eye conditions. Our Edmonton team provides advanced assessments and personalized care to ensure that scleral lenses deliver both clear vision and long-lasting comfort. Contact us today to book your appointment.

By integrating scleral lenses into our broader services, including dry eye treatment, ocular disease management, and contact lens care, we offer a comprehensive, patient-focused treatment pathway built on clinical expertise and education.

What Scleral Lenses Are

Scleral lenses are large-diameter specialty contact lenses that are designed to vault over the cornea and rest gently on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, they do not sit directly on the cornea.

This unique design creates a smooth optical surface that can significantly improve vision clarity, especially for irregular corneas. In addition, the lens holds a reservoir of sterile fluid between the cornea and the lens surface. This fluid layer continuously hydrates the eye, helping to protect delicate tissues while maintaining consistent comfort throughout the day.

Who Scleral Lenses Are For

Scleral lenses are typically recommended for patients whose vision or comfort needs cannot be fully addressed with glasses or standard contact lenses. They are especially beneficial for patients with: • irregular corneas, including conditions such as keratoconus or corneas altered by surgery • severe dry eye disease where traditional lenses become uncomfortable or intolerable • complex or reduced-quality vision that requires a more stable and customized optical solution

Comfort and Vision Benefits

Many patients find scleral lenses to be more comfortable than traditional rigid gas permeable lenses. Because the lenses rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, they are often better tolerated, even for individuals who have struggled with contact lens wear in the past. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens offers several key benefits. It protects the ocular surface from environmental irritation, reduces dryness throughout the day, and supports a stable, smooth refractive surface for clearer vision.

A Customized Fitting Process

Fitting scleral lenses requires a detailed and highly individualized process. At Heritage Vision Care, this includes advanced diagnostic imaging and precise measurements to map the unique shape of your eye. The fitting process often involves multiple steps to refine the lens design and ensure optimal fit, comfort, and visual clarity. Each lens is custom-crafted to match your specific needs, making this a truly specialized service.

Ongoing Care and Follow-up

Scleral lenses require ongoing monitoring to maintain proper eye health and long-term performance. Regular follow-up visits allow our team to assess the fit of the lenses, ensure continued comfort, and make adjustments as needed if the eye changes over time. At Heritage Vision Care, we prioritize long-term relationships with our patients, providing consistent support and clinical oversight to protect both comfort and vision.

Integrated, Whole-Eye Care

Scleral lenses are not treated as a standalone solution. Instead, they are integrated into a broader care strategy that may include dry eye treatment, ocular disease management, and general contact lens services. This integrated approach ensures that both the symptoms and root causes of vision issues are addressed.

An Education-First Approach

At Heritage Vision Care, patient education is central to every aspect of care. We take the time to explain how scleral lenses work, what patients can expect during the fitting process, and how to properly care for and handle their lenses. Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels confident, comfortable, and fully supported throughout their scleral lens journey.

Book Your Appointment with Heritage Vision Care Today

If you are experiencing discomfort with traditional contact lenses or have been diagnosed with a complex eye condition, scleral lenses may offer a clear and lasting solution. Our team is here to guide you through every step with expertise, precision, and patient-focused care. Please reach out to us today to book your appointment.