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Finding Your Lens Fit: Scleral vs. Soft – What Works for You?

Choosing the right contact lenses can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Two of the most common choices are scleral lenses and soft contact lenses, each designed to meet different vision and lifestyle needs. While soft lenses are popular for their lightweight comfort and ease of use, scleral lenses provide unmatched stability and clarity—especially for people with irregular corneas or complex vision issues.

Whether you’re a long-time contact lens wearer or just considering switching from glasses, understanding the differences between scleral and soft lenses can help you make the best decision for your eyes. In this post, we’ll break down their key features, benefits, and considerations so you can discover which option works best for your lifestyle, vision needs, and budget.
  • Scleral Lenses – The Stability Heroes of Vision Care
Think of scleral lenses as the superheroes of stability and comfort. Unlike traditional soft lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over it and sit on the sclera (the white part of your eye). This unique design creates a smooth optical surface and offers remarkable benefits for patients with complex vision needs.
  • Stable for Irregular Corneas: For individuals with keratoconus, corneal ectasia, or post-surgery irregularities, scleral lenses provide unmatched stability by masking corneal irregularities and creating a consistent visual surface.
  • Dry Eye Relief: Acting like a protective reservoir, scleral lenses hold a layer of tears against the cornea. This makes them a game-changer for patients struggling with chronic dry eye syndrome.
  • Sharper, High-Definition Vision: Their rigid, gas-permeable material delivers clearer and crisper vision, especially for those with astigmatism or severe refractive errors.

With their combination of comfort, hydration, and stability, scleral lenses are often the go-to solution for people who haven’t found success with standard soft lenses.

  • Soft Contact Lenses – Your Comfortable Everyday Sidekick
If scleral lenses are the superheroes, then soft contact lenses are the reliable sidekick—flexible, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear. Made from breathable hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, these lenses gently hug the cornea, delivering comfort and clear vision throughout the day.
  • All-Day Comfort: Soft lenses are known for their lightweight feel, making them an ideal choice for first-time wearers or those with sensitive eyes.
  • Variety of Options: From daily disposables to bi-weekly and monthly replacements, soft lenses offer flexible choices to match your routine, budget, and eye health needs.
  • Wide Prescription Range: Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, dealing with astigmatism, or presbyopia, there’s a soft lens designed to correct your vision effectively.
Soft contact lenses combine ease of use, comfort, and versatility, making them one of the most popular choices for millions of people worldwide.
  • Soft Lenses - Your Comfortable Sidekick
When it comes to convenience, soft contact lenses are the adaptable sidekick—flexible, lightweight, and perfect for everyday wear. Made from advanced hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, these lenses gently conform to the cornea, delivering comfort and clarity all day long.
  • All-Day Comfort: Soft lenses are loved for their gentle feel, making them a popular choice for first-time contact lens wearers.
  • Plenty of Options: Whether you prefer daily disposables, bi-weeklies, or monthly lenses, there’s a soft lens option designed to fit your lifestyle and budget.
  • Fits Most Prescriptions: From nearsightedness and farsightedness to astigmatism and presbyopia, soft lenses can correct a wide range of vision needs.

So, whether you’re team stability with scleral lenses or team comfort with soft contact lenses, the best choice depends on your unique eyes and lifestyle. Always consult with an eye care professional to determine which lenses are right for you.

At the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute, our doctors specialize in advanced lens fittings and personalized care. Ready to find your perfect fit? Call us today at (704) 800-5230 or email hello@charlottecontactlens.com to schedule your free phone consultation.

  • Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between scleral lenses and soft contact lenses?

Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, making them ideal for irregular corneas and dry eye, while soft contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and are designed for comfort and everyday use.

Scleral lenses are best suited for patients with keratoconus, corneal irregularities, severe astigmatism, or chronic dry eye, whereas soft lenses are usually sufficient for people with common vision corrections like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or mild astigmatism.
Yes, scleral lenses require more time for insertion, removal, and cleaning compared to soft lenses, but many patients find the superior vision and comfort worth the extra effort.
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