Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus & Severe Dry Eye: Specialty Contact Lens Solutions in Pleasant Hill

For patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or an irregular corneal surface, traditional contact lenses may not provide the clear vision or lasting comfort they need. At Pleasant Hill Optometry, we offer specialty contact lens solutions designed for more complex vision needs. Scleral lenses can provide a more stable fit, improved visual clarity, and greater comfort for patients who have struggled with conventional contacts.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter gas permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea rather than resting directly on it. The edges of the lens rest on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera.

The space between the lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This creates a smooth optical surface while maintaining a layer of fluid over the cornea throughout wear. Because of this unique design, scleral lenses can be especially useful when the cornea has an irregular shape or the eye requires additional moisture.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and gradually develop a cone-like shape. As the cornea becomes more irregular, glasses and traditional soft contact lenses may no longer provide adequate vision correction.

Scleral lenses can vault over the irregular cornea and create a more uniform refractive surface. This can reduce visual distortion and provide sharper, more consistent vision. A customized specialty contact lens fitting allows us to evaluate the shape of the eye and determine the lens design needed for proper alignment, comfort, and visual performance.

How Scleral Lenses Can Help Severe Dry Eye

Patients with severe dry eye may find that standard contact lenses increase irritation or become difficult to wear for extended periods. Scleral lenses offer a different approach because the fluid reservoir beneath the lens continuously bathes the corneal surface.

Patients may benefit from scleral lenses if they experience:

•          Persistent dryness, burning, or irritation

•          Contact lens discomfort caused by dry eye

•          Fluctuating or blurry vision

•          Corneal irregularities or scarring

•          Keratoconus or other conditions affecting corneal shape

•          Difficulty wearing standard soft or rigid contact lenses

While scleral lenses do not eliminate the underlying cause of dry eye, they can help protect the corneal surface and improve comfort for appropriately selected patients.

A Customized Specialty Contact Lens Fitting

Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all contacts. Their effectiveness depends on precise measurements and careful fitting. During a specialty contact lens evaluation at our Pleasant Hill practice, we assess your corneal shape, eye health, vision needs, and previous contact lens experience. Follow-up visits also allow us to evaluate the lens fit and make adjustments when necessary. Our goal is to provide a lens that supports both clear vision and comfortable daily wear.

If traditional contacts have not worked because of keratoconus, severe dry eye, or an irregular cornea, schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation with Pleasant Hill Optometry to find out whether scleral lenses may be right for you. Visit our office in Pleasant Hill, California, or call (925) 232-8500 to book an appointment today.