Scleral Lenses After LASIK or RK: Restoring Clear, Comfortable Vision
- A Fresh Look at Vision After LASIK or RK
LASIK and radial keratotomy (RK) helped millions achieve freedom from glasses. But for some patients, years later, new challenges arise — fluctuating vision, ghosting, glare, or halos that interfere with daily life, especially nighttime driving. These visual changes can be frustrating and may affect confidence in everyday activities.
At the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute, we help post-surgical patients reclaim clarity and comfort with advanced scleral lenses. By vaulting over the surgically altered cornea, scleral lenses create a smooth, uniform optical surface. This not only sharpens vision but often restores the confidence patients thought they had lost.
- Why Scleral Lenses Work for Post-Surgical Eyes
LASIK and RK alter corneal shape. While effective initially, these changes sometimes cause light to scatter irregularly — producing glare, halos, or double vision. Unlike regular lenses, scleral lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and completely vault the cornea. The fluid layer beneath the lens masks corneal irregularities, ensuring that light enters the eye in a more uniform, focused way. The result? Improved sharpness, reduced distortions, and more stable vision.
- Customization with Advanced Technology
Our approach goes beyond standard fittings. Using tools like the Pentacam AXL Wave, scleral profilometry, and wavefront aberrometry, we design lenses that match your unique eye shape and visual needs. For patients with stubborn higher-order aberrations (HOAs), we also offer wavefront-guided optics via the Ovitz system for exceptional clarity. This level of precision ensures your lenses are both comfortable and effective.
- Who May Benefit?
Scleral lenses may be right for you if you’ve had LASIK or RK and now experience:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision despite a stable prescription
- Glare, halos, or ghosting, especially at night
- Visual distortions caused by corneal irregularities
- Dry eye discomfort that worsens with standard contacts
Even patients told “nothing more can be done” are often pleasantly surprised by the improvement scleral lenses provide.
- What to Expect During Your Fitting
Your journey starts with advanced imaging to capture a detailed map of your eye. We then test trial lenses for vision, comfort, and fit, refining the design until the result is just right. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in vision — often during the very first fitting session.
- Taking the Next Step Toward Clearer Sight
If your post-LASIK or post-RK vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, scleral lenses may be your solution. Schedule a consultation with the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute to see how our personalized fitting process can help restore clarity and confidence in your vision.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can scleral lenses reverse the effects of LASIK or RK?
No, scleral lenses don’t undo surgery. Instead, they improve vision by masking corneal irregularities
How long does it take to adapt to scleral lenses?
Most patients adjust within a few days to a week, with follow-up visits to fine-tune comfort and vision
Are scleral lenses comfortable for post-surgical eyes?
Yes — because they rest on the sclera instead of the cornea, most patients find them very comfortable.
Do scleral lenses also help with dry eye?
Yes, the fluid reservoir under the lens often provides soothing relief for dryness.