Scleral Lens vs Soft Contact Lenses: Understanding Your Options for Clearer Vision
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Scleral lenses and soft contact lenses both offer vision correction, but they work very differently for various eye conditions. They have unique designs that make them more suitable for different corneal profiles and patient needs. Below, we explore how these lens types compare, what makes them distinct, and when one may be better than the other for your visual and comfort requirements. Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of NJ proudly offers eye care at four convenient locations: Belleville serving Essex County, Rahway serving Middlesex and Union Counties, Jersey City serving Hudson County, and Union serving Union County.
From pediatric exams and myopia management to specialty contact lens fittings and ocular disease care, Dr. Javeed combines deep clinical knowledge with a patient-centered, calming style.
Understanding the Lens Types
Key Considerations for Irregular Corneas
When dealing with an irregular cornea, the type of contact lens that most effectively corrects your vision is crucial. Soft contact lenses, especially the standard designs, are made to fit the average ocular dimensions and are very successful for the majority of eyes. However, about one-quarter of the patient population has a corneal size or shape that deviates from the norm.
Before recommending a lens type, our eye doctors carefully assess your corneal profile using tools such as topography maps and anterior segment imaging. These examinations help decide whether a standard soft contact lens might be sufficient or if a custom or specialty design is necessary to achieve the best vision correction.
Who Can Benefit Most from Scleral Lenses?
Addressing Specific Challenges in Lens Fitting
When discussing lens options, it’s important to note that not every patient’s eyes respond identically to a particular lens design. Even with the advantages of soft contact lenses, there may be cases where their “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t provide full coverage of the cornea, especially if the eye is irregular. This is where the customizability of scleral lenses shines.
For instance, when a patient’s corneal topography reveals uneven astigmatism or skewed radial axes in the central vision zone, our eye doctors carefully consider whether a soft lens will meet the visual requirements. In those instances, a diagnostic lens fitting helps determine if a custom soft lens or scleral lens would yield a superior outcome. By evaluating the extent of lens rotation, decentration, and coverage, our specialists can pinpoint the lens modality that will provide the most stable and crisp vision.
Advanced imaging and measurement of the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) and sagittal depth enable our practice to tailor the lens design precisely. With these parameters, a scleral lens can be designed to extend beyond the limbus, ensuring that the tear reservoir is effective while maintaining proper alignment and adequate lens movement, which collectively enhance both vision quality and comfort.
Cost, Maintenance, and
Durability Considerations
When deciding between scleral and soft contact lenses, cost, maintenance, and durability play a significant role in the decision-making process.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam goes beyond a standard eye check-up. Here’s what you can expect:
Your Trusted Eye Doctors Serving Central and Northern NJ
In summary, scleral lenses and soft contact lenses each offer unique benefits depending on your individual vision needs. For patients with regular corneas, soft contact lenses provide comfort and convenience, while scleral lenses shine for those with irregular corneas or dry eyes. Understanding these options is vital for maintaining optimal eye health and achieving clear vision. At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey, our eye doctors are dedicated to helping you find the best lens type to suit your specific requirements. Experience personalized, expert eye care by scheduling an appointment with our eye doctors in Belleville, Jersey City, Rahway, or Union, NJ.
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At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey, we proudly serve Northern and Central New Jersey through four convenient locations. Our Belleville office cares for patients in Essex County, including Newark, Bloomfield, and Nutley. The Rahway location serves Middlesex and Union Counties, including Elizabeth, Avenel, Woodbridge, and Perth Amboy. In Union, we see patients from Union County, including Elizabeth and Cranford. And our Jersey City office welcomes Hudson County residents from Hoboken, Bayonne, and beyond.