If you wear contact lenses or are considering switching from glasses to contacts, you’ve most likely heard of soft contact lenses. They’re the most common type of contact lenses due to their immediate comfort and ease of use. But what if you are unable to wear soft contact lenses because they are uncomfortable, move around too much, and don’t fit properly on your eyes? In these cases, scleral contact lenses could be a better option. These specialized lenses are becoming more popular for people with complex vision needs or chronic dry eye.
At The Eye Center, we offer both soft and scleral lenses in Pembroke Pines to suit a wide range of vision needs. Here’s what you need to know to decide which might be best for you.
What are soft contact lenses?
Soft contact lenses are made from flexible, water-containing plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea. They’re comfortable, easy to adapt to, and available in options for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision).
Benefits of soft lenses:
- Easy to wear and get used to
- Available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly options
- Great for most standard vision prescriptions
- Widely accessible and budget-friendly
What are scleral contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger, gas permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. They vault completely over the cornea and trap a reservoir of fluid underneath, keeping your eyes hydrated and protected.
They’re often used for:
- Keratoconus and other irregular corneas
- Severe dry eye disease
- Post-surgical eyes
- High or hard-to-correct prescriptions
Benefits of scleral lenses:
- Provide clear, stable vision, even with irregular corneas
- Offer all-day moisture and comfort for dry eyes
- Highly customized for a precise fit
- Often more comfortable for people who struggle with soft lenses
Which one is right for you?
If you have relatively straightforward vision needs, have no known corneal conditions, and have had no issues wearing traditional contact lenses previously, soft lenses may work well for you.
However, if you’ve struggled with contacts in the past, experience chronic dry eye, or have an irregular cornea (from conditions like keratoconus or after LASIK eye surgery), scleral lenses could significantly improve your vision, comfort, and quality of life.
Find the best fit for your eyes at The Eye Center
At The Eye Center, our optometrists specialize in fitting both soft and specialty contact lenses, including custom scleral lenses that provide all-day comfort and clear vision, even in complex cases.
If you’re not sure which contacts are right for you, we’ll perform a thorough exam, discuss your lifestyle, and help you find the perfect fit for your eyes. Schedule an appointment for a contact lens exam in Pembroke Pines, Florida, today!
