What Are the Biggest Differences Between Scleral Lenses and Traditional Contacts?

For many people, contact lenses offer clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. But not all lenses are designed the same. If you’ve been struggling with discomfort, dry eyes, or irregular vision with standard contacts, there may be another option that works better for you. Scleral lenses provide a unique design and advanced technology that can help people with complex vision needs experience sharper, more stable vision and improved comfort. If you’re exploring scleral lenses in Everett, understanding how they differ from traditional contacts can help you decide which option may best suit your eyes.
 

Size and Fit

Traditional contact lenses, whether soft or rigid gas-permeable (RGP), are small and sit directly on the cornea. Because of this, their fit depends heavily on the shape of the corneal surface, which can be a challenge for individuals with irregular corneas.

Scleral lenses, on the other hand, are significantly larger and vault over the cornea entirely, resting on the sclera - the white part of the eye. This broader, more stable base reduces lens movement and enhances comfort, making scleral lenses a strong option for people who struggle to tolerate traditional contacts.
 

Comfort and Eye Sensitivity

Traditional contacts rest on the cornea, one of the most sensitive parts of the eye. As a result, they may cause irritation for people with dry eyes, allergies, or corneal irregularities.

Scleral lenses are designed differently - they create a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, keeping the surface of the eye consistently hydrated. This added moisture makes them especially beneficial for people with chronic dry eye, heightened sensitivity, or discomfort when wearing standard lenses.
 

Support for Corneal Conditions

Standard contact lenses work well for individuals with healthy, regularly shaped corneas, but they may not fit securely or comfortably on eyes with irregular contours. Scleral lenses, because they vault over the cornea, can correct vision even in cases involving keratoconus, corneal scarring, post-surgical complications such as after LASIK or corneal transplants, severe dry eye, or pellucid marginal degeneration. If you’ve previously been told you're not a candidate for traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses may offer a promising solution with guidance from one of our eye doctors in Everett.
 

Vision Quality and Stability

Traditional contacts can shift throughout the day, especially when blinking or engaging in physical activity. For people with irregular corneas, this movement may lead to inconsistent or blurry vision.

Scleral lenses provide a more stable fit because of their larger diameter, minimizing movement and delivering clearer, more consistent vision. This stability is especially valuable for those with astigmatism or corneal distortion.
 

Moisture and Protection

Wearing traditional contacts exposes the surface of the eye to air, which may increase dryness or irritation over time. Scleral lenses protect the cornea with a fluid reservoir that keeps the eye continuously hydrated and nourished. This makes them ideal for individuals with dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, or anyone who spends long hours working on digital screens.
 

Schedule a Scleral Lens Evaluation at Silver Lake Eye Care Center

Both scleral lenses and traditional contacts have their place in vision care, but they serve very different needs. Traditional lenses work well for many people, but if you’ve struggled with comfort, dryness, or irregular vision, scleral lenses may offer a life-changing improvement. Our experienced eye doctors in Everett are here to help you determine which option is right for your eyes and lifestyle.

Schedule a consultation at Silver Lake Eye Care Center to learn whether scleral lenses are the right fit for you. Contact our office in Everett, Washington, by calling (425) 338-5400 to book an appointment today.