Scleral Lenses vs. Standard Contacts: Managing Hard-to-Fit Keratoconus

For many people, standard soft contact lenses provide clear, comfortable vision. But when keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea, traditional contacts may no longer sit properly or provide consistent vision. At Willis Family Eyecare, we evaluate your eyes and vision needs to help determine which type of contact lens may be appropriate for you.

Why Keratoconus Can Make Contact Lenses Difficult

Keratoconus causes the normally rounded cornea to become thinner and develop a more cone-like shape. Because the surface becomes irregular, light may not focus evenly on the retina. This can lead to blurry or distorted vision, glare, halos, and frequent changes in prescription.

Standard soft contact lenses are designed to rest directly on the cornea and generally follow its shape. With keratoconus, that irregular surface can make it harder for a traditional lens to provide stable vision or stay comfortably positioned.

How Scleral Lenses Are Different

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid lenses that extend beyond the cornea and rest on the white portion of the eye, called the sclera. Instead of sitting directly against the irregular corneal surface, the lens vaults over it.

The space between the scleral lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This creates a smooth optical surface that can help compensate for corneal
irregularities while providing a fluid layer over the cornea.

For patients with keratoconus, potential benefits may include:

•          Sharper and more stable vision

•          Less lens movement during blinking

•          Improved comfort compared with some smaller rigid lenses

•          Coverage of an irregular corneal surface

•          A customized fit based on the individual shape of the eye

Scleral Lenses vs. Standard Soft Contacts

Standard soft contacts remain a convenient option for many common prescriptions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, they may have limitations when the cornea has significant irregularities.

Scleral lenses are designed differently and typically require a more customized fitting process. Measurements of the eye help determine the appropriate lens size, shape, and prescription. Follow-up visits may also be needed to evaluate comfort, vision, and how the lens interacts with the eye.

Finding the Right Contact Lens for Keratoconus

For people with keratoconus, contact lens needs can vary based on the shape of the cornea, overall eye health, comfort, and vision goals. A personalized contact lens evaluation allows us to assess these factors and determine whether standard contacts are still effective or if specialty lenses, such as scleral lenses, may offer clearer and more comfortable vision.

If keratoconus is making clear vision difficult, schedule a contact lens exam with Willis Family Eyecare to learn if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Willis, TX, or call (936) 856-9400 to book an appointment today.