Improving comfort and clarity with custom scleral contact lenses

Our eyes work hard every day, and for many people, standard treatments like artificial tears, medications or soft contact lenses keep vision clear and comfortable. 

But for some patients with more complex eye conditions, those options may not be enough.

Custom scleral contact lenses offer an advanced solution for patients with severe dry eye, corneal irregularities and complex ocular surface disease — helping improve both quality of vision and quality of life.

What are scleral contact lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger, custom-designed contact lenses that form a dome over the cornea and rest gently on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface.

This unique design allows the cornea to remain continuously bathed in fluid throughout the day, helping protect the surface of the eye and maintain hydration.

Who can benefit from scleral lenses?

Custom scleral lenses are often recommended for patients whose symptoms or vision cannot be adequately managed with standard contact lenses or medical therapies alone. They can be especially effective for patients with:

• Severe dry eye disease
• Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities
• Ocular surface disease
• Post-surgical corneal changes
• Neurotrophic keratopathy
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Other conditions that cause extreme dryness or discomfort

For many of these patients, scleral lenses can significantly improve comfort, reduce irritation and provide clearer, more stable vision.

How scleral lenses improve comfort and vision

Because scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, they can help minimize friction and irritation for people with sensitive or irregular eye surfaces. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens provides constant lubrication, which many patients describe as life-changing — especially those who have struggled for years with chronic dryness or discomfort.

In addition to improving comfort, the smooth optical surface of the lens can correct visual distortions caused by corneal irregularities, often resulting in sharper, more consistent vision throughout the day.

Precision fitting with advanced technology

Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Each lens is custom-designed using advanced imaging technology to map the unique shape of a patient’s eye. This allows for precise customization, improved comfort and better long-term outcomes.

Fittings are performed by specially trained clinicians within the Department of Ophthalmology as part of a comprehensive approach to managing ocular surface disease and complex vision conditions.

A comprehensive approach to eye health

At UK HealthCare, scleral lenses are one component of a broader treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Our specialists work closely with patients to evaluate symptoms, assess eye health and determine whether scleral lenses may be an appropriate option.

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent eye discomfort, dryness or vision problems that haven’t improved with standard treatments, advanced specialty contact lenses may offer new hope for clearer, more comfortable vision.

To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, contact the UK HealthCare Department of Ophthalmology.