If you’ve ever felt like your eyes were constantly dry, irritated, or sensitive to light, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Some people find that traditional contact lenses or even prescription eye drops don’t offer enough relief. That’s where scleral lenses for dry eye can come in. These oversized lenses don’t just correct vision — they protect and hydrate your eyes in a way that no standard contact lens can.
At Broward Eye Care, we regularly work with patients dealing with corneal disease, chronic dry eye, and hard-to-fit eyes. For many of them, scleral contact lenses have been the answer they didn’t know they were looking for.
What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. This design creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the back of the lens and the surface of the eye — a key feature that soothes dry eyes and protects sensitive or damaged corneas.
These lenses are custom-designed for each patient, and they’re especially effective for individuals with:
- Severe dry eye disease or ocular surface disease
- Keratoconus or irregularly shaped corneas
- Post-surgical corneal changes (like after LASIK or corneal transplant)
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or Sjögren’s syndrome
- Sensitivity to light or frequent eye irritation
While they do take a little more getting used to than soft lenses, many patients say the trade-off is more than worth it.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye and More
Scleral lenses act like a therapeutic shield, offering continuous hydration throughout the day. That’s one reason they’re gaining popularity not just for correcting vision, but for managing conditions that cause eye pain and inflammation.
Other benefits include:
- Enhanced comfort: Because they vault over the sensitive cornea, they don’t irritate damaged or irregular surfaces.
- Stable vision: Their rigid design offers sharp, consistent vision, especially for patients whose corneas are cone-shaped or scarred.
- Extended wear time: Many patients are able to comfortably wear scleral lenses for longer hours than traditional contacts.
- Reduced need for other treatments: When properly fitted, they often reduce a patient’s dependence on eye drops or other medical therapies.
It’s also worth noting that advances in scleral lens technology mean today’s lenses are more breathable, customizable, and comfortable than ever before.
What to Expect from a Scleral Lens Fitting
Fitting a scleral lens is different from a regular contact lens exam. It involves advanced imaging, topography, and careful measurements to ensure a proper fit — especially important given the lens size and therapeutic goals.
During your visit to Broward Eye Care, your Dr. John Bascome will:
- Perform a detailed evaluation of your eye health
- Measure the surface of your eye with specialized tools
- Discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and history with previous lenses
- Customize and order a set of trial lenses
- Make any needed adjustments after your initial wear
Once your final lenses arrive, we’ll walk you through everything — from insertion and removal to cleaning and storage. With a bit of practice, most patients find the routine manageable and the results transformative.
Scleral Contact Lenses in Ft. Lauderdale
If you’ve struggled to find relief from dry eyes, or if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for regular contacts, scleral lenses could be the solution. At Broward Eye Care, we specialize in helping patients find the right vision correction — especially when the typical approach just isn’t cutting it.
From advanced fittings to follow-up care, our eye care team will work closely with you to make sure your lenses fit well, feel comfortable, and give you the clarity and relief you’ve been looking for.
Ready to see if scleral lenses are the right fit for you? Schedule a scleral lens fitting today to learn more.