Do You Need Scleral Lenses? A Solution for Dry Eye and Hard-to-Fit Eyes in Princeton

For many people in Princeton, contact lenses are supposed to make life easier. But if traditional soft contacts feel uncomfortable, shift throughout the day, or fail to provide clear vision, you may need a more specialized option. Scleral lenses are custom contact lenses designed to help patients with dry eye, irregular corneas, and hard-to-fit eyes experience clearer, more comfortable vision.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera, rather than directly on the cornea. This unique design creates a smooth optical surface and leaves space between the lens and the cornea. That space holds a layer of preservative-free saline, which helps keep the eye hydrated throughout the day.

Because they are custom-fit, scleral lenses can be especially helpful for patients who have struggled with regular contacts or glasses. They are often recommended when the front surface of the eye is uneven, sensitive, or affected by chronic dryness.

How Scleral Lenses Help With Dry Eye

Dry eye can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, and working on a computer uncomfortable. Patients may experience burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. For some people, traditional contact lenses make these symptoms worse because they sit directly on the cornea and can dry out quickly.

Scleral lenses work differently. The fluid layer beneath the lens helps protect the eye from friction and provides ongoing moisture. This can make scleral lenses a strong option for Princeton patients with moderate to severe dry eye who need better comfort and more stable vision.

A Better Fit For Hard-to-Fit Eyes

Some eyes simply do not work well with standard contact lenses. This may be due to corneal shape, past eye surgery, eye injury, or conditions that affect the surface of the eye. Scleral lenses are designed around your unique eye shape, allowing for a more precise and stable fit.

Scleral lenses may be recommended for patients with:

• Keratoconus or irregular corneas
• Moderate to severe dry eye
• Previous corneal surgery or scarring
• Contact lens discomfort
• Astigmatism that is difficult to correct with soft lenses
• Vision that changes or blurs with traditional contacts

This custom approach can help improve both comfort and vision clarity, especially when other options have not worked well.

What To Expect During A Scleral Lens Fitting

A scleral lens fitting is more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. Your eye doctor will carefully evaluate the shape of your eyes, the health of your cornea, and your tear film. Advanced measurements help guide the lens design so it fits properly and provides the best possible vision.

Once the lenses are made, you will learn how to insert, remove, clean, and care for them. Follow-up visits are also important to make sure the lenses are fitting well and your eyes stay healthy.

Are Scleral Lenses Right For You?

If you have been told you are not a good candidate for contact lenses, or if dry eye keeps you from wearing them comfortably, scleral lenses may be worth considering. They offer a customized solution for patients who need more than a standard contact lens can provide.

Ready for contacts that finally feel as good as they help you see? Schedule your scleral lens evaluation with Eye Care Associates of Princeton in Princeton, NJ by calling (609) 536-1017.