If you’ve been told that contact lenses aren’t an option for you or you’ve tried them and given up due to discomfort, you’re not alone. Many people in Lathrup Village and nearby communities struggle with blurred vision, light sensitivity, or chronic dry eye that glasses or standard contacts just don’t fix.
Scleral lenses offer a different approach. These advanced contact lenses help patients with complex vision needs see clearly and comfortably, often after years of frustration. At Sobel Eyecare, scleral lens fittings are one of Dr. Sobel’s most rewarding areas of care, especially for patients who thought clear vision was out of reach.
This article explains what scleral lenses are, who they help most, and why they’ve become a trusted solution for patients with keratoconus, dry eye disease, and irregular corneas.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses designed to rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), rather than directly on the cornea. This design creates a smooth optical surface over the eye while holding a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea.
That fluid layer plays a major role in both vision and comfort. It keeps the eye hydrated throughout the day and protects sensitive or irregular corneal tissue. Because the lens vaults over the cornea, it avoids rubbing against areas that may be fragile or misshapen.
Patients often describe scleral lenses as surprisingly comfortable, very different from their past experiences with rigid lenses.
Who Benefits Most From Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are often recommended when glasses or traditional contacts cannot provide stable, clear vision. They are especially helpful for patients with:
Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted and blurry vision. Scleral lenses create a smooth visual surface that bypasses corneal irregularities, allowing many patients to achieve sharp vision, often close to 20/20.
Dr. Sobel has fit hundreds of patients with keratoconus, including advanced cases and those who have undergone corneal transplants. His meticulous fitting process focuses on both vision quality and long-term eye health.
Severe or Chronic Dry Eye
Patients with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus, or a history of cancer treatment often deal with extreme dry eye. Scleral lenses help by keeping the eye continuously bathed in moisture, reducing redness, irritation, and burning sensations.
Many patients who tried drops, medications, or other treatments without relief find that scleral lenses finally allow their eyes to feel normal again.
Post-Surgical or Injured Eyes
Eyes that have undergone corneal surgery or trauma may struggle with vision correction using standard options. Scleral lenses provide stability and protection while improving visual clarity.
How Scleral Lenses Improve Both Vision and Comfort
Unlike soft lenses that can dry out or shift during the day, scleral lenses remain stable on the eye. This stability reduces glare, halos, and fluctuating vision, common complaints among patients with irregular corneas.
Because they don’t rest on the sensitive corneal surface, many patients experience less irritation than they did with smaller rigid lenses. The result is clearer vision, better comfort, and greater confidence in daily activities like driving, working, or reading.
What to Expect During a Scleral Lens Fitting
At Sobel Eyecare, we take the time to get it right. A scleral lens fitting begins with a thorough eye exam and corneal mapping, which helps us understand your unique eye shape and condition. This level of detail is essential because no two eyes are alike, especially when conditions like keratoconus or scarring are involved.
Dr. Sobel uses advanced diagnostic tools to customize your lens design. The goal is to ensure your lens vaults over the cornea properly, holds fluid as needed, and fits snugly for all-day comfort. Once the lenses are created, you’ll return for a fitting and training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in both comfort and vision. However, it may take a few visits to fine-tune the fit. Dr. Sobel closely monitors your progress and makes any needed adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Lenses
Are scleral lenses hard to care for?
With the right training, most patients find the care routine easy to follow. We’ll walk you through each step and provide everything you need to keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy.
Can scleral lenses correct astigmatism or bifocals?
Yes. Scleral lenses can be designed to correct astigmatism and multifocal vision needs. In some cases, they may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses altogether.
Will insurance cover my lenses?
That depends on your condition and your plan. Medicare and some private insurance providers may cover scleral lenses for certain medical diagnoses, such as keratoconus or dry eye caused by autoimmune disease. Our eye care team can help you understand your coverage and estimate any out-of-pocket costs before moving forward.
Scleral Lenses in Lathrup Village, MI
If you’ve struggled with contact lenses in the past or thought you were out of options, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Dr. Sobel has years of experience fitting patients with advanced eye conditions, helping them regain clear, comfortable vision.
Whether you’re living with keratoconus, recovering from eye surgery, or dealing with dry eye that drops and medications haven’t relieved, it’s worth asking if scleral lenses can help.
Book your eye care appointment online to schedule your personalized scleral lens fitting. See what’s possible when your lenses are made to fit you perfectly.
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