Tired of Blurry Vision in Standard Contacts? Why Scleral Lenses Are a Game-Changer for Keratoconus"

If you have keratoconus, you may already know how frustrating it can be to achieve consistently clear vision with standard glasses or contact lenses. As the cornea becomes thinner and develops a more irregular shape, conventional vision correction may no longer provide the sharpness or stability you need.
 

At Alta Loma Optometric in Rancho Cucamonga, we offer specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, for patients whose vision needs go beyond what standard contacts can provide.
 

Why Does Keratoconus Cause Blurry Vision?

The cornea normally has a smooth, rounded shape that helps focus light clearly onto the retina. With keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a more cone-like shape.
 

This irregular surface can cause distorted or blurry vision, increased astigmatism, glare, halos, and frequent prescription changes. Because the corneal shape itself is irregular, simply increasing the strength of a glasses prescription may not fully correct the distortion.
 

Why Can Standard Contacts Fall Short?

Soft contact lenses generally follow the shape of the cornea. For someone with a relatively regular corneal surface, that can provide excellent vision. With keratoconus, however, a standard soft lens may conform to the same irregularities that are causing the visual distortion.
 

Patients may notice:
 

• Blurry or fluctuating vision even with their contacts in
• Glare or halos, especially at night
• Difficulty achieving sharp vision with new prescriptions
• Contact lenses that shift or feel unstable
• Discomfort with conventional lens designs
• Frequent changes in their vision as keratoconus progresses

When these issues persist, a customized specialty contact lens may provide a better optical solution.
 

How Are Scleral Lenses Different?

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid gas-permeable lenses designed to vault over the cornea rather than resting directly on it. Instead, the edges of the lens rest on the sclera, which is the white portion of the eye.
 

The space between the scleral lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This creates a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea and can provide clearer, more stable vision.
 

For patients with keratoconus in Rancho Cucamonga, this design can make a significant difference when traditional glasses or contacts are no longer producing satisfactory clarity.
 

Can Scleral Lenses Be More Comfortable?

Although scleral lenses are larger than ordinary contacts, their design can be surprisingly comfortable for appropriate patients. Because they rest on the sclera and vault over the sensitive corneal surface, they may reduce some of the movement and irritation experienced with smaller rigid lenses.
 

The fluid reservoir beneath the lens also keeps the cornea continuously bathed in liquid while the lens is worn. This feature can be particularly helpful for patients who experience ocular surface dryness along with an irregular cornea.
 

Do Scleral Lenses Treat Keratoconus?

Scleral lenses improve vision, but they do not stop keratoconus from progressing. Their purpose is to create a more regular optical surface so light can focus more effectively.
 

Monitoring remains important, particularly if your prescription or corneal shape continues to change. If there are signs that keratoconus is progressing, additional evaluation or treatment may be recommended separately from contact lens correction.
 

What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting?

Scleral lenses are customized rather than selected like standard disposable contacts. During your fitting, we evaluate your corneal shape, prescription, eye health, and how the lens sits on the eye. Follow-up visits allow us to check comfort, vision, and fit and make adjustments when needed.
 

If standard contacts are no longer giving you the clear, reliable vision you want, schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation with Alta Loma Optometric at 9596 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701 by calling (909) 787-1760. We can determine whether customized scleral lenses may provide the clarity and comfort your keratoconus requires.