Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with dry eyes because they create a protective, moisture-rich barrier over the cornea, offering both comfort and clear vision where other lenses often fail.
By vaulting over the cornea and maintaining a saline reservoir, scleral lenses keep the surface hydrated throughout the day, reducing irritation and dryness.
If you’ve struggled with gritty, burning eyes or found regular contacts unbearable, you’re not alone. This guide will explain why scleral lenses are a breakthrough for dry eye sufferers, how they work, and what you can expect if you’re considering this option.
Understanding Dry Eye: Why Standard Solutions Fall Short?
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes include:
- Ageing
- Hormonal changes
- Autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome)
- Medications
- Environmental factors (wind, air conditioning, screen time)
Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. For many, standard soft or rigid contact lenses only make things worse.
Why Regular Contacts Often Don’t Help?
Traditional lenses sit directly on the cornea and depend on a healthy tear film for comfort. In dry eye, the lack of moisture leads to friction, irritation, and sometimes lens intolerance. Many patients find that soft lenses dry out quickly, while rigid lenses can feel scratchy and uncomfortable, especially on a dry or inflamed ocular surface.
How Scleral Lenses Work for Dry Eye Patients?
What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?
Scleral lenses are large, rigid gas-permeable lenses designed to cover the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of your eye. Before insertion, they’re filled with sterile saline, creating a liquid cushion between the lens and the cornea. This fluid reservoir is the key:
- It keeps the cornea constantly bathed in moisture.
- It shields the eye from environmental irritants.
- It reduces friction and mechanical irritation.
The Benefits of a Moisture Chamber
The fluid layer under the lens forms a moisture chamber that not only relieves dryness but also helps the corneal surface heal, especially in chronic dry eye.
Key Advantages of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Sufferers
1. Continuous Hydration
Scleral lenses maintain a stable, moist environment on the eye all day long.
This is especially valuable for people with severe or treatment-resistant dry eye, who may have tried countless drops, gels, and ointments without relief.
2. Protection from Irritants
The lens acts as a barrier, protecting the sensitive cornea from wind, dust, pollen, and even the drying effects of air conditioning or heating.
3. Enhanced Comfort
Because scleral lenses don’t touch the irritated cornea, they’re often much more comfortable than other lens types. Most users report that the initial adjustment period is short and that the lenses quickly become part of their daily routine.
4. Improved Vision
Dry eye can cause fluctuating or blurry vision. By masking corneal irregularities and providing a smooth optical surface, scleral lenses often restore sharp, stable sight, sometimes better than glasses or other contacts.
5. Healing Support
The constant fluid layer can support corneal epithelial healing in some patients with chronic dryness, though it doesn’t directly treat the underlying cause or act as an antimicrobial barrier.
Who Should Consider Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye?
Ideal Candidates
- People with moderate to severe dry eye are not relieved by standard treatments
- Patients with ocular surface diseases (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or graft-versus-host disease)
- Individuals who have had corneal transplants or other eye surgeries
- Those with sensitivity or intolerance to regular contact
When to Talk to Your Doctor?
If you use artificial tears multiple times a day, feel persistent discomfort, or struggle with daily activities due to dry eye, ask your eye doctor about scleral lenses. They may recommend a diagnostic fitting to evaluate how well your eyes respond to scleral lenses.
Scleral Lens Fitting Procedure for Dry Eye
Step-by-Step Overview
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: Your doctor will assess your tear film, corneal health, and overall eye condition.
- Custom Lens Design: Scleral lenses are tailored to your unique eye shape for a precise, comfortable fit.
- Trial Fitting: You’ll try on diagnostic lenses so your doctor can assess fit, vision, and how your eyes respond to the lens.
- Training: You’ll learn how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Practice makes perfect!
- Follow-Up: Several visits may be needed to fine-tune the fit and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
Tips for Success
- Always use preservative-free saline to fill your lenses.
- Follow your doctor’s cleaning and hygiene instructions.
- Immediately notify your eye care provider if you experience redness, pain, or changes in vision.
Comparing Scleral Lenses to Other Dry Eye Treatments
| Treatment | Comfort | Vision Improvement | Duration of Relief | Suitability for Severe Dry Eye |
| Artificial tears | Low | None | Minutes | Limited |
| Ointments/gels | Moderate | None | Hours (mostly overnight) | Limited |
| Punctal plugs | Moderate | None | Weeks to months | Moderate |
| Soft contacts | Low | Moderate (varies) | Hours | Poor |
| Scleral lenses | High | High | All day | Excellent |
Scleral lenses stand out for their ability to provide all-day comfort and vision correction, even in severe cases where other treatments fail.
Real-Life Experiences: Scleral Lenses and Dry Eye Relief
Many dry eye patients describe scleral lenses as “life-changing.” People who once struggled to read, drive, or work at a computer often find their symptoms dramatically reduced. Some even report being able to cut back on drops and medications after switching to scleral lenses.
Summary and What to Do Next?
Scleral lenses are a proven, effective solution for dry eye sufferers, offering long-lasting comfort, protection, and clear vision when other treatments fall short.
If you’re tired of battling dry, irritated eyes, talk to your eye doctor about whether scleral lenses could be right for you. With the right fit and care, you can reclaim your comfort and see the world more clearly, every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Lenses
Do scleral lenses require special cleaning solutions?
Yes, scleral lenses need to be cleaned with specific solutions designed for rigid gas-permeable lenses. Using the right cleaning products helps prevent protein buildup and keeps your eyes healthy. Always avoid tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria.
Can I use eye drops or medications with scleral lenses?
Preservative-free artificial tears can be used while wearing scleral lenses. However, most prescription eye drops should be used only when your lenses have been removed. Ask your eye doctor about the right timing for your specific treatment.
How do scleral lenses affect sports or outdoor activities?
Scleral lenses are stable and rarely dislodge, making them a great option for active people. They protect your eyes from wind, dust, and allergens, so many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts find them especially helpful.
What if a scleral lens feels uncomfortable during the day?
Remove the lens, clean it with preservative-free saline, and place it back in your eye. If the discomfort keeps coming back, it could mean the fit isn’t right or there’s something under the lens. Contact your eye doctor if this happens frequently.
