Updated: January 21, 2026
Scleral contact lenses are large rigid gas permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Because they create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, they can improve vision and comfort for people with irregular corneas or severe dry eye. They require a specialized fitting and specific insertion and removal techniques to ensure safe wear.
What to Know:
- Scleral lenses are larger than standard contacts and are designed to vault the cornea rather than sit directly on it.
- They are commonly used for keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, irregular astigmatism, and some cases of significant dry eye.
- They are filled with preservative-free saline before insertion, which helps create the fluid cushion that supports comfort and optics.
- Scleral lenses usually require a dedicated care routine and may use specific solutions or tools recommended by your eye care professional.
- Remove lenses and seek prompt eye care for pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision.
Scleral lenses can provide stable vision and comfort for complex eye needs, but successful wear depends on a specialized fitting and careful daily handling.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
Scleral Lenses. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/scleral-lenses. Updated January 18, 2024.
Scleral Lens Education Society: What Are Scleral Lenses? Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS). https://sclerallens.org/what-are-scleral-lenses/. Updated 2025.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses. American Optometric Association (AOA). https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lenses/rigid-gas-permeable-contact-lenses. Updated 2024.
