The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute

Finding Your Lens Fit: Scleral vs. Soft – What Works for You?

Explore the world of contact lenses and discover whether scleral lenses or soft lenses are the perfect fit for your eyes. Dive into the comfort of soft lenses or the stability of scleral lenses—while considering your lifestyle, budget, and vision needs. Your journey to clear vision starts here!

Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or just considering making the switch from glasses, the choice between scleral lenses and soft lenses can feel overwhelming. Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between these two contenders and shed light on what might be the perfect fit for your eyes.
Think of scleral lenses as the superheroes of stability. These rigid gas-permeable lenses rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) instead of directly on the cornea, offering several unique benefits:
  • Stable for Irregular Corneas: If your cornea has an irregular shape (such as with keratoconus), scleral lenses provide a stable and clear solution.
  • Dry Eye Oasis: Acting like a fluid-filled shield, scleral lenses hold a reservoir of tears—making them a great option for patients with chronic dry eye.
  • High-Definition Vision: Their rigid design often delivers sharper, more consistent vision, especially for patients with astigmatism or other irregular prescriptions.
Soft contact lenses are the friendly sidekick of vision correction—flexible, adaptable, and easy to wear. Made from advanced hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, they gently hug the cornea like a second skin:
  • Comfort Galore: Renowned for their comfort, soft lenses are an excellent choice for first-time wearers.
  • Options Galore: From daily disposables to bi-weeklies and monthlies, soft lenses come in a wide range of replacement schedules to suit your lifestyle.
  • All Prescriptions Welcome: Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatic, or presbyopic, there’s a soft lens designed for your vision needs.

So, whether you’re Team Stability with scleral lenses or Team Comfort with soft lenses, the real winner is your vision. Consider:

  • Your unique eye condition (irregular corneas, dry eyes, or simple prescriptions)
  • Your daily lifestyle and activities
  • Your budget and convenience preferences
  • Expert guidance from your eye care professional

 

No two eyes are the same—your contact lenses shouldn’t be either.

The doctors at the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute specialize in both scleral and soft lenses, helping patients navigate the options and find their perfect fit.

Call us today for a free phone consultation at (919) 850-5910, or  email us at hello@raleighcontactlens.com.

Your eyes will thank you—and your journey to clear, comfortable vision starts now!

How do I know if scleral lenses or soft lenses are right for me?

The best lens type depends on your eye condition, comfort needs, and lifestyle. Scleral lenses are often recommended for irregular corneas, keratoconus, or severe dry eye, while soft lenses are ideal for general vision correction and first-time wearers. An eye care professional can guide you based on a detailed exam.

Scleral lenses require a bit more care since they are larger and use a filling solution before insertion, but many patients find the routine easy after some practice. Soft lenses, especially daily disposables, tend to be lower maintenance and more convenient for beginners.
Yes, many patients transition between lens types depending on their changing eye health or vision needs. For example, someone with worsening dry eye or keratoconus might move from soft lenses to scleral lenses for greater stability and comfort.

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