Hard-to-Fit Contacts in Austin: Specialty Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus and Cornea Issues

For some patients, standard soft contact lenses simply do not provide the comfort or clear vision they need. Irregular corneas, keratoconus, previous eye surgery, severe dry eye, or high astigmatism can make traditional contacts difficult to wear. In these cases, specialty scleral lenses may provide a more stable and comfortable option.

At EyeRis Vision, we offer specialty contact lens fittings for patients with complex corneal conditions and hard-to-fit eyes. A personalized fitting helps us determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate for your vision and eye health needs.

What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?

Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than standard soft contacts. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they vault over it and rest on the sclera, which is the white part of the eye.

The space between the lens and cornea is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This creates a fluid reservoir over the corneal surface. For people with irregular corneas, this design can help create a smoother optical surface and improve visual clarity while reducing direct contact with sensitive corneal tissue.

Why Scleral Lenses Can Help With Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thinner and develop a cone-like shape. Because the corneal surface is irregular, glasses or standard soft contacts may not fully correct the resulting distorted or blurred vision.

A properly fitted scleral lens vaults over the irregular cornea rather than conforming to its uneven shape. The combination of the rigid lens surface and fluid layer can provide more consistent vision for many people with keratoconus.

Who May Benefit From Specialty Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses may be considered for patients who have difficulty achieving dependable comfort or vision with traditional contacts. They can be useful for conditions such as:
 

• Keratoconus

• Irregular corneas

• Severe dry eye

• High astigmatism

• Corneal changes after LASIK or other eye surgery

• Other hard-to-fit contact lens needs

Because every cornea is different, a specialty contact lens evaluation is important before deciding which lens design is best.

What Happens During a Specialty Contact Lens Fitting?

A scleral lens fitting is more detailed than a routine contact lens exam. We evaluate the shape and health of the cornea, review your vision needs, and use precise measurements and imaging to select an initial lens design.

Trial lenses may be placed on the eyes so we can assess vision, comfort, movement, and how well the lens vaults the cornea. Adjustments may be needed to fine-tune the fit. Once the final lenses are selected, we also provide guidance on insertion, removal, cleaning, and proper lens care.

Clearer Vision Starts With the Right Fit

Being told that you are difficult to fit for contacts does not necessarily mean contact lenses are no longer an option. Specialty lenses are designed for eyes that need a more customized approach. If standard contacts have caused discomfort, unstable vision, or poor results, an evaluation can help determine whether scleral lenses or another specialty lens design may work better for you.

See what clearer, more comfortable vision can feel like with a customized specialty contact lens fitting at EyeRis Vision in Austin, TX.  Call or text (512) 222-5636 to schedule your consultation today.