For many patients, traditional glasses or soft contact lenses are simply not enough. When conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal injuries affect vision, people often feel trapped between poor eyesight and invasive surgical options. Fortunately, modern eye care now offers another path: scleral lenses – highly specialized medical devices that combine comfort, protection, and clarity.
What Are Scleral Lenses and Who Needs Them?
Unlike regular contact lenses, scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), vaulting over the cornea without touching it. This unique design creates a liquid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, protecting delicate tissue and providing consistently clear vision.
These lenses are particularly effective for people with:
-
Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities
-
Severe dry eye disease, including Sjögren’s syndrome
-
Post-corneal transplant complications
-
Corneal trauma or scarring
-
Neurological or functional eyelid conditions such as ptosis
Beyond Standard Fittings: EyePrintPRO
For some patients, even advanced lenses require further customization. This is where EyePrintPRO comes in. Instead of adapting a standard lens, this technology creates a “fingerprint” of the eye’s surface using a 3D impression. The result is a lens designed with micron-level precision – often the only option for patients with extremely irregular corneas or complex eye conditions.
The Quality of Life Impact
Patients fitted with scleral lenses often report dramatic improvements: the ability to read comfortably again, return to professional activities, or even drive safely at night. A 2022 study published in Eye & Contact Lens reported that over 80% of keratoconus patients using scleral lenses experienced “significant quality-of-life improvement,” including reduced discomfort and fewer visual distortions.
In fact, epidemiological studies show keratoconus affects about 1 in 2000 people worldwide, while chronic dry eye symptoms are reported in nearly 10% of adults over 50 – highlighting the broad need for solutions that go beyond glasses or basic contact lenses.
Comparing Options: Scleral vs. Standard Lenses
While soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses remain common, they often fail in advanced cases. Standard lenses can move excessively on an irregular cornea, causing blurred vision or discomfort. Scleral lenses, on the other hand, create a stable optical surface, improving vision where other methods fall short.
Why the Middle East Needs Access to Advanced Solutions
In the Middle East, advanced corneal care is often limited, leaving many patients without effective solutions for complex eye conditions. M’Eye Clinic in Israel specializes in cutting-edge scleral lenses, opening the doors for patients from across the region – including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Turkey. By offering technologies such as EyePrintPRO and personalized fittings, M’Eye Clinic provides international patients with life-changing access to treatments that can mean the difference between dependency and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scleral lenses uncomfortable because of their size?
Not at all. They rest on the less sensitive sclera, which makes them surprisingly comfortable – often more than soft lenses for patients with sensitive eyes.
How long can scleral lenses be worn each day?
With proper fitting, patients can wear them for 10–14 hours comfortably, enjoying both clear vision and constant corneal hydration.
Are scleral lenses expensive?
They are more costly than standard lenses due to their medical-grade customization, but many patients find the life-changing results justify the investment. In some cases, insurance or health plans may cover part of the cost when there is a clear medical indication.
Are scleral lenses safe for patients with prior eye surgery or corneal transplants?
Yes. In fact, they are often the preferred solution for patients who struggle with vision quality after corneal surgery, helping them regain clarity without additional invasive procedures.
