Struggling to find comfort and clarity with your current contacts or glasses? For some, standard vision correction just doesn’t cut it—and that’s where scleral lenses step in. These lenses offer a tailored solution for patients with unique eye conditions or comfort challenges, and they’re available right here in San Jose at River Oaks Family Optometry.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are a type of rigid gas-permeable lens that vaults over the cornea and rests on the white part of your eye (the sclera). This design creates a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea, which helps keep the eye hydrated while offering a smooth, even surface for light to pass through—greatly improving visual clarity.
These lenses are larger than typical contact lenses and are custom-made to fit the unique contours of your eye. That precision makes them a great option for people who haven’t had success with other types of contacts or who need more advanced vision correction.
Who Might Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses aren’t just for people with extreme cases of eye conditions—they’re for anyone whose eyes need a bit of extra support. Here are a few groups that often see major improvements:
- Patients with Keratoconus: This condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape. Scleral lenses mask that irregularity and improve vision.
- People with Dry Eye Syndrome: The fluid reservoir under the lens provides continuous hydration, offering relief from irritation and dryness.
- Post-Surgical Eyes: Whether from LASIK or corneal transplants, scleral lenses help stabilize vision after surgery.
- High Prescriptions or Astigmatism: Scleral lenses offer more precise correction than traditional contacts for those with complex prescriptions.
- Anyone Struggling with Contact Lens Discomfort: Some patients simply never adjust to standard contacts. Scleral lenses can offer new levels of comfort and clarity.
Why Standard Lenses Might Not Be Enough
If you've ever struggled with blurred vision, persistent discomfort, or dry eyes—even after trying a few different types of contact lenses—you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that their eye shape, corneal health, or tear film could be the reason behind their ongoing issues. Scleral lenses are often the missing piece for those with “hard-to-fit” eyes.
Unlike traditional soft lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses avoid touching this sensitive area altogether. That means less irritation and a much more stable visual experience—particularly helpful for people who play sports, work long hours on screens, or live in dry or dusty climates like we sometimes get here in San Jose.
A Personalized Fit You Can Feel at River Oaks Family Optometry
At River Oaks Family Optometry, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our eye doctors take the time to carefully map the surface of your eye using advanced diagnostic tools. That map is then used to design a scleral lens tailored precisely to your eye’s unique shape and needs.
The fitting process may take a few visits, but the payoff is worth it. Patients often report sharper vision and significantly improved comfort—especially those who’ve been living with vision issues for years. It’s not uncommon for someone to say they finally feel like they can see clearly again.
Curious About Scleral Lenses in San Jose?
If your current vision correction just isn’t cutting it, scleral lenses might be the right fit. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, experience chronic dry eye, or you’re just tired of contacts that don’t feel quite right, we’re here to help.
At River Oaks Family Optometry, we are skilled in providing custom-fit scleral lenses for patients across San Jose and the surrounding communities. Our team is dedicated to helping you see more clearly, comfortably, and confidently—every day.
Ready to experience the difference? Schedule your contact lens exam to get started.
