Michigan's Contact Lens Specialists
Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Some people believe their eye condition cannot be improved any further. However, Dr. Shira Kresch at Michigan Contact Lens has helped hundreds of patients in Southfield and Metro Detroit improve their vision with scleral lenses. These lenses offer a solution that standard glasses and contacts often cannot provide.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses that provide a different fit than standard glasses. They cover the cornea completely and rest on the sclera. Many patients find them more stable and comfortable to wear.
The design of lenses creates a cushion of fluid over the cornea. This fluid smooths uneven areas on the eye and helps improve both comfort and vision quality. People with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal conditions often respond very well to this treatment.
The Benefits of Scleral Lenses
The primary benefits of scleral lenses extend far beyond simple vision correction. They offer a comprehensive approach to eye health and long-term comfort.
Improved Comfort for Sensitive Eyes
Scleral lenses do not touch the cornea directly like traditional rigid lenses. They rest on the less sensitive white part of the eye, which helps reduce irritation and discomfort. Many patients find them far more comfortable for daily wear.
Superior, High-Definition Vision
Irregular corneas can scatter light and cause blurry or distorted vision that glasses cannot fix. Scleral lenses create a smooth surface over the eye to improve how light enters the eye. Patients with keratoconus, corneal scarring, or high astigmatism often notice much sharper vision.
All-Day Relief for Chronic Dry Eye
One of the biggest benefits of scleral lenses for dry eye is continuous hydration. The saline layer keeps the eye surface moist throughout the day and helps reduce dryness and irritation. Patients with chronic dry eye or Sjögren’s Syndrome often experience major relief from burning, redness, and discomfort.
Stability for Active Lifestyles
Standard soft lenses can move or shift during physical activity and affect vision quality. Scleral lenses use a larger custom fit that stays stable during movement and active routines. This helps athletes and active patients maintain clear and reliable vision.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Specific Eye Conditions
Scleral lenses are widely regarded as the gold standard for complex cases. Dr. Kresch at Michigan Contact Lens specializes in fitting scleral lenses for patients with:
Keratoconus
Keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea and causes blurry or distorted vision. Scleral lenses cover the uneven surface and help focus light more clearly. This provides sharper and more stable vision throughout the day.
Severe Dry Eye and Sjögren’s Syndrome
Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome often deal with severe dryness and eye irritation every day. Scleral lenses hold a layer of moisture over the eye to improve hydration and comfort. This helps protect the eye surface and reduce discomfort.
Corneal Scarring and Astigmatism
Corneal scars and severe astigmatism can distort how light enters the eye. Scleral lenses help by covering these irregular areas with a smooth surface. This improves vision quality and reduces blur or distortion.
Post-LASIK Complications
Some patients lose vision quality after LASIK because of glare, halos, or corneal irregularities. Scleral lenses help by creating a more even optical surface over the eye.
This improves clarity and reduces visual distortion for many patients.
Post-Corneal Transplant
Patients who undergo corneal transplant surgery often struggle with irregular healing and unstable vision. Scleral lenses help by creating a smooth optical surface over the eye. This improves lens stability, comfort, and visual clarity.
The Custom Scleral Lens Fitting Process
The benefits of scleral lenses depend heavily on a precise and custom fit. At Michigan Contact Lens, Dr. Shira Kresch designs each lens using detailed eye mapping for better comfort and vision. Patients across Southfield and Metro Detroit visit the practice for this advanced level of care
Scleral Lenses vs. Traditional Contact Lenses
Feature | Traditional Soft Lenses | Scleral Contact Lenses |
Surface contact | Rests on the sensitive cornea | Vaults over the cornea; rests on the sclera |
Vision sharpness | Good for standard prescriptions | Superior for irregular or high prescriptions |
Moisture | Can absorb tears and cause dryness | Provides a constant saline reservoir |
Stability | Can shift or dislodge during activity | Extremely stable; shields against wind and debris |
Cost | Lower upfront; recurring expense | Higher upfront; 1–3 year lifespan |
Insurance coverage | Widely covered | Often covered for keratoconus, dry eye, and corneal disease |
Durability | Disposable (daily/monthly) | Long-lasting (1–3 years with proper care) |
How Much Do Scleral Lenses Cost?
The cost of scleral lenses is higher than standard contacts due to custom manufacturing and the specialized expertise required for a proper fitting. In the United States, total investment typically includes both the fitting process and the lenses themselves.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for scleral lenses when doctors prescribe them for medical conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal ectasia. Patients can contact their insurance provider before the appointment.
Michigan Contact Lens can help explain coverage options during the consultation. For many patients, the long-term value outweighs the cost by improving vision, comfort, and daily quality of life.
Are Scleral Lenses Worth It?
Many patients describe scleral lenses as a major improvement in their daily life. They often experience clearer vision, reduced eye strain, and greater comfort during everyday activities. For patients living with chronic irritation or blurry vision, these lenses can make a significant difference.
What to Expect During the Adjustment Period
Patients usually need a little time to learn how to insert and remove scleral lenses properly. Most people feel confident handling them within a few weeks. The team at Michigan Contact Lens guides patients through the process with detailed training and support.
5 Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Your Scleral Lenses
A consistent care routine helps protect your eyes and maintain the long-term benefits of scleral lenses.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses daily using only the solutions recommended by your eye specialist. This helps remove debris and reduce harmful bacteria.
- Always fill the lens with fresh preservative-free saline before insertion. Never reuse old solution from a previous session.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses each time. Avoid bending or pressing the lens to maintain its custom shape.
- Replace your scleral lenses based on your specialist’s recommended schedule. Most lenses need replacement every one to two years.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so your specialist can monitor eye health and confirm the lenses still fit correctly.
Who Should Ask About a Scleral Lens Evaluation?
Consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kresch at Michigan Contact Lens if you experience any of the following:
- Vision that remains blurry even with your strongest prescription glasses.
- Ongoing eye dryness or discomfort that eye drops and artificial tears cannot relieve.
- Poor comfort or unstable vision while wearing standard soft or rigid contact lenses.
- Diagnosed conditions like keratoconus, corneal ectasia, Sjögren’s Syndrome, or severe dry eye disease.
Conclusion
The benefits of scleral lenses represent a genuine intersection of therapeutic healing and visual excellence. Whether you are managing keratoconus in Southfield, chronic dry eye in Troy, or post-surgical complications anywhere across Metro Detroit, custom scleral lenses may be the solution that finally works where everything else has fallen short. Dr. Shira Kresch and the team at Michigan Contact Lens are ready to help you determine whether scleral lenses are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses provide clearer vision, better comfort, and protection for the eye surface. They are often used for keratoconus, dry eye, and irregular corneas when regular contact lenses cannot provide stable vision.
Are scleral lenses better than regular contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye, which makes them more stable than soft contact lenses. Many patients experience sharper vision and less irritation, especially when they have keratoconus or dry eye.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
Patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, astigmatism, corneal scars, or irregular corneas may benefit from scleral lenses. These lenses are custom fitted and can help when glasses or regular contacts do not work well.
Do scleral lenses help with dry eyes?
Yes, scleral lenses create a fluid layer between the lens and the eye, which helps keep the surface moist. This can reduce dryness, irritation, and discomfort for patients with chronic dry eye.
Do scleral lenses improve vision in keratoconus?
Scleral lenses are commonly used for keratoconus because they cover the irregular cornea and create a smooth optical surface. This allows many patients to see more clearly than with glasses or soft contact lenses.
Why are scleral lenses more comfortable?
Because scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, they often feel more comfortable than regular contact lenses. The lens rests on the sclera and holds a layer of fluid that keeps the eye protected.