Contact lenses have become a popular alternative to traditional eyeglasses, offering a more discreet and convenient way to correct vision. Whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, contact lenses can provide you with the clear, comfortable vision you desire. As advancements in lens technology continue to evolve, you now have more options than ever before when it comes to selecting the right contact lenses for your needs.

Understanding Regular Contact Lenses

Regular contact lenses are the most common type of contact lens worn today. These lenses are designed to sit directly on the cornea, the clear, curved front part of your eye. Regular contact lenses come in a variety of materials, including soft, rigid gas-permeable, and hybrid lenses, each with its own set of advantages.
 

Soft contact lenses are the most popular choice, as they are comfortable, easy to insert and remove, and provide good vision correction. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, on the other hand, are more durable and offer sharper vision, but they may take some time to get used to. Hybrid lenses combine the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of RGP lenses, providing a balanced solution for many wearers.
 

Regardless of the material, regular contact lenses are typically smaller in diameter than your eye, covering only the cornea. This design allows the lenses to move freely with your eye's natural blink and movement, providing a more natural feel and better oxygen flow to the cornea.
 

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are a unique type of contact lens that differ significantly from regular corneal lenses. These larger-diameter lenses are designed to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of your eye. This unique design offers several benefits for individuals with specific vision and eye health needs.
 

Scleral lenses are typically made of rigid gas-permeable materials, which are highly breathable and provide excellent visual acuity. Unlike regular contacts, scleral lenses do not touch the cornea directly, creating a tear-filled space between the lens and the eye. This tear reservoir helps to maintain hydration and protect the cornea, making scleral lenses an ideal choice for individuals with dry eye syndrome, irregular corneal shapes, or certain eye conditions.
 

The larger diameter of scleral lenses also provides increased stability and comfort, as they tend to move less with blink and eye movement. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with conditions that affect the cornea, such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, or post-refractive surgery complications.
 

The Difference Between Scleral Contact Lenses and Regular Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses and regular contact lenses differ significantly in design and purpose:
 

1. Design and Size:

• Regular Contact Lenses: These are small, flexible lenses that cover the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. They are designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger and have a wider diameter, covering not only the cornea but also the entire sclera (the white part of the eye). They vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a gap filled with fluid between the lens and the cornea.

2. Intended Use:

• Regular Contact Lenses: These are primarily used for vision correction and are available in various types, including soft, rigid gas permeable, and hybrid lenses.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Scleral lenses are often used for more complex vision problems, including irregular corneas, such as in cases of keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, and other conditions that make it difficult to achieve clear vision with regular contact lenses.

3. Comfort and Stability:

• Regular Contact Lenses: While they can be comfortable for many users, some individuals with irregular corneas or specific eye conditions may find regular contact lenses uncomfortable or ineffective.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Due to their larger size and unique design, scleral lenses often provide enhanced comfort and stability, making them suitable for individuals with challenging corneal shapes and those who struggle with discomfort from traditional contact lenses.

4. Application and Maintenance:

• Regular Contact Lenses: They require standard insertion and removal techniques and may need to be cleaned and stored daily.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Due to their larger size, scleral lenses require a different insertion and removal process and often involve the use of a specific saline solution for filling the gap between the lens and the cornea.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear Today

Regardless of whether you're considering scleral contact lenses or regular contact lenses, it's essential to consult with an experienced optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination and lens fitting. Your eye care professional will thoroughly evaluate the health and shape of your eyes, as well as your specific vision requirements, to determine the best contact lens option for you.
 

During the fitting process, your optometrist will measure the curvature and size of your eyes, as well as the tear film, to ensure a proper fit. For scleral lenses, this process may involve additional testing, such as corneal topography, to ensure the lenses are tailored to your unique eye anatomy.
 

Once the appropriate lens type and size have been determined, your optometrist will provide detailed instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for your new contact lenses. They will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the fit and performance of your lenses, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and optimal vision.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of scleral contact lenses or regular contact lenses, schedule a consultation with our optometrist today. We can provide personalized guidance and help you determine the best lens option to meet your vision and eye health needs. Visit Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear at our office in Houston, Texas, call (281) 843-5500 to book an appointment today.