Advanced Dry Eye Solution
Scleral Lenses
for Dry Eye
Need scleral lenses dry eye? Our Dry Eye Spa helps you get to the cause of your symptoms and build a plan that lasts. We take time to explain your options and recommend what fits your eyes and your routine.
- Find the root cause of your symptoms
- Advanced options like Radio Frequency, IPL, BlephEx, and more
- A clear plan that fits your day
Quick Summary
- Scleral lenses hold a reservoir of saline against the eye, providing continuous moisture
- Can reduce or eliminate dependence on artificial tears for severe dry eye
- Custom-fitted using advanced corneal mapping technology
- Part of the CVC Dry Eye Spa — Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta
Last reviewed:
The Science
How Scleral Lenses Relieve Dry Eye
Standard contact lenses sit directly on your cornea, absorbing moisture from your tear film and often making dry eye worse. Scleral lenses take a completely different approach. These specialty lenses are larger in diameter (14-24mm compared to 9-14mm for soft lenses) and rest entirely on the sclera, the white part of your eye. The lens vaults over the cornea, creating a dome-shaped space that holds preservative-free saline solution against your eye surface all day long.
Fluid Reservoir
The space between the lens and cornea holds preservative-free saline, keeping your eye continuously hydrated for 12-16 hours.
Corneal Protection
The lens shields your cornea from environmental factors like wind, air conditioning, and dust that trigger dryness.
Superior Vision
The smooth optical surface corrects vision, often better than glasses, while simultaneously treating dry eye.
Ideal Candidates
Who Benefits from Scleral Lenses?
Our doctors in Kennesaw and East Cobb have fitted scleral lenses for patients with a wide range of conditions. These lenses are particularly life-changing for patients with:
- Severe Dry Eye: When drops, plugs, and other treatments aren't enough
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Autoimmune dry eye that requires constant hydration
- Graft-vs-Host Disease: Post-transplant dry eye complications
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Severe ocular surface damage
- Corneal Irregularities: Keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, scarring (also correct vision)
- Contact Lens Intolerance: People who want contacts but can't tolerate soft lenses
The Fitting Process
Comprehensive dry eye assessment and corneal topography to map your eye's unique shape.
We try different lens designs to find the optimal fit, clearance, and comfort.
Your lenses are custom-manufactured based on your exact measurements.
We teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your scleral lenses.
Regular check-ins ensure the fit remains optimal and your eyes stay healthy.
Why Sclerals
Scleral Lenses vs. Soft Contacts
| Feature | Scleral Lenses | Soft Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Fluid reservoir keeps eye moist all day | Can absorb tears and worsen dryness |
| Corneal Contact | No corneal contact (vaults over) | Sits directly on cornea |
| Wear Time | 12-16 hours comfortably | Often limited by dryness |
| Vision Quality | Exceptional (corrects irregularities) | Good (limited by corneal surface) |
| Stability | Extremely stable (no movement) | Can shift with blinking |
| Environmental Protection | Full shield from wind, dust, AC | Minimal protection |
Common Questions
Scleral Lens FAQ
Are scleral lenses difficult to insert?
There's a learning curve, but most patients master insertion within a week or two. We provide thorough training and won't send you home until you're comfortable. Many patients say insertion becomes second nature.
Will I feel the lens in my eye?
Because scleral lenses rest on the sclera (not the sensitive cornea), most patients report they're more comfortable than soft contacts. You may feel awareness initially, but this fades quickly.
How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care, scleral lenses typically last 1-3 years before replacement. They're made from durable gas-permeable material that maintains its shape over time.
Can I wear scleral lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes! Scleral lenses actually excel at correcting astigmatism because they create a new, smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. Many patients achieve better vision than with glasses.
Details That Matter
A more helpful guide to Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye
Dry eye is more than an occasional annoyance. If your eyes burn, feel gritty, or fluctuate between blurry and clear, it often means the tear film is not staying stable on the eye. Our goal is to identify what is driving your symptoms and build a plan you can realistically maintain.
For many patients, the fastest improvement comes from pairing the right in-office option with consistent at-home care. We talk through what you have tried, what helped, and what did not. Then we design a step-by-step approach that fits your comfort goals and your schedule.
Quick ways to get more value from your visit
- Tell us when symptoms are worst, such as mornings, afternoons, or during screen time.
- Bring any drops or supplements you have tried so we can build a clearer plan together.
- If you wear contacts, share your wear schedule and comfort level so we can tailor treatment.
- Dry eye is often multi-factorial. A mix of in-office care and at-home habits usually works best.
Two convenient locations in Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta. Call if you want help choosing the best appointment type.
Common questions
Clear answers help you move forward with confidence.
Is dry eye always a chronic problem?
Dry eye can be ongoing, but symptoms can improve significantly with the right plan. We focus on identifying the drivers, then combining in-office options with sustainable home habits.
Do I have to stop wearing contacts?
Not always. Some people can keep wearing contacts once dryness is better controlled. We will talk about comfortable options and a schedule that protects your eyes.
How do you diagnose the cause?
We evaluate the tear film and eyelids and ask detailed questions about symptoms and triggers. This helps us choose treatments that match what is actually driving your dryness.
How soon might I feel relief?
Some people notice changes quickly, while others improve over several weeks. We will set expectations and adjust your plan based on how your eyes respond.
Related resources
If you are exploring options, these pages can help you compare next steps.
All-Day Comfort for Severe Dry Eye
If you've tried everything and still struggle with dry eye, scleral lenses may be the solution you've been waiting for.