Scleral Lenses vs. Soft Contacts: Which Is Right for You?

Contact lenses are a convenient and effective alternative to glasses, but with so many options available, choosing the right type can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common options are soft contact lenses and scleral lenses. While both help correct vision, they differ significantly in design, comfort, and purpose. Understanding these differences can help you make the best decision for your eyes.
 

What Are Soft Contact Lenses?

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed type of contacts. Made of flexible, water-containing materials, they mold easily to the surface of your eye.

Benefits of soft contacts include:

• Lightweight and comfortable for most wearers.

• Easy to adjust to, even for first-time users.

• Available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly replacement schedules.

• Suitable for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Because they are widely available, soft contacts are often the first choice for patients who want convenience and comfort.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger, rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, which offers both comfort and therapeutic benefits.

Benefits of scleral lenses include:

• Excellent vision correction for irregular corneas (such as keratoconus or post-surgery eyes).

•Relief for chronic dry eye, since the tear reservoir keeps the eye consistently hydrated.

• Stable fit that doesn’t move as much as soft contacts, making them ideal for certain prescriptions.

•Customization for patients who can’t achieve clear vision with glasses or soft lenses.

While they require a longer fitting process and more careful handling, scleral lenses are life-changing for many patients with complex vision needs.
 

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you have a standard prescription and want a convenient option, soft contact lenses may be the best fit. However, if you’ve struggled with comfort, dry eye, or vision clarity due to corneal irregularities, scleral lenses may offer a better solution. Our optometrist can evaluate your unique eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs to recommend the best option for you.
 

Take the Next Step at Brandon Eyes

Both soft contacts and scleral lenses provide effective vision correction, but the right choice depends on your eyes and lifestyle. At Brandon Eyes, we specialize in helping patients find the perfect solution - whether that’s soft contact lenses for everyday convenience or scleral lenses for advanced vision needs.