It’s frustrating to keep switching prescriptions and still not get the clarity you need. One of our patients told us it felt like they were looking through a foggy window, no matter how many new lenses they tried. That all changed after they were fitted with scleral lenses at Dr Elmalem and Associates.
We often see this with keratoconus and other corneal conditions—where traditional lenses don’t work. That’s why we’ve focused on offering advanced, customized contact lens solutions that can make a real difference in how you see and feel.
What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
These are lenses that go beyond standard contact lenses and glasses. They are designed for people whose eyes need a more tailored approach.
Scleral lenses are one example. These lenses are larger than regular soft contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. Because they don’t touch the sensitive corneal surface, they are more stable and comfortable for many patients, especially those with misshapen or damaged corneas.
Who Needs Specialty Contact Lenses?
Certain eye conditions make traditional vision correction methods, like soft lenses, ineffective or uncomfortable. That’s where these custom lenses come in. Common eye conditions that benefit from these lenses include:
- Keratoconus – A progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward in a cone shape
- Post-corneal surgery – Including LASIK complications or corneal transplants
- Corneal scarring – From infections, injuries, or chronic conditions
- Severe dry eye syndrome – The lens creates a fluid-filled layer that keeps the eye hydrated, helping to combat dry eye symptoms
- Pellucid marginal degeneration – Another condition that changes the cornea’s shape
Different types of lenses may be recommended depending on the condition. But for many of our patients at Dr Elmalem and Associates, scleral contact lenses offer the most relief and clarity.
Scleral Lenses for Improved Vision and Comfort
For many of our patients with keratoconus or other corneal conditions, standard treatment options simply can’t provide the clarity or comfort they need. That is where scleral lenses come in—it is a game-changing option that not only restores vision but also makes daily wear more comfortable.
A Smooth Optical Surface
When your cornea isn’t perfectly shaped—as with keratoconus or after certain eye surgeries—light entering your eye doesn’t focus as it should. This causes everything from double vision to ghosting around lights, even with glasses. Scleral lenses solve this problem by creating a new, smooth front surface for light to pass through.
The fluid reservoir that forms between the back of the lens and the front of the cornea fills in those irregular shapes. Think of it like filling in the potholes on a road—the smoother surface of the eye makes for fewer vision problems. This means sharper, more stable vision for you, especially if your current correction isn’t cutting it.
Long-Lasting Comfort
One of the biggest reasons our patients love scleral lenses is the comfort. Unlike standard lenses that rest on the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses rest on the sclera—the white part of your eye—which has fewer nerve endings and is far less sensitive. That makes these lenses much easier to wear, especially for long hours or full-day use.
This design is especially helpful for people who have tried wearing contact lenses but couldn’t tolerate the discomfort. Whether it’s irritation, dryness, or the lens moving around too much, scleral lenses offer a more stable and comfortable solution that lets you go about your day without constantly thinking about your eyes.
Protection and Hydration
Because these lenses vault over the cornea, they create a little chamber of moisture that stays with you all day. This benefits patients with dry eye disease, corneal scarring, or sensitivity from past infections or surgeries. The lens acts like a shield, protecting your eye from environmental irritants like wind, dust, or air conditioning.
Many of our patients are surprised that their eyes feel more comfortable and less dry, even after long hours in front of a screen or time spent outside. That continuous layer of hydration can be a game changer for anyone who’s struggled with chronic dryness or discomfort.
Personalized Fit
No two eyes are the same, and that is especially true for people with corneal irregularities. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we custom-design each scleral lens to fit your eye precisely. We take detailed measurements of your eye’s shape, curvature, and structure using advanced imaging and topography. That allows us to create a lens that fits snugly, stays in place, and gives you the clearest vision possible.
This level of customization means fewer issues with slipping, rotating, or rubbing—just consistent, clear vision and all-day comfort. It also allows us to adjust the lens to suit specific needs, whether it’s adding extra moisture for dry eye relief or modifying the vault height to protect a particularly fragile cornea.
What to Expect During a Specialty Lens Fitting
Getting fitted for these lenses at Dr Elmalem and Associates is a detailed but comfortable process designed around your needs. Here is what it looks like:
- Initial Evaluation – We assess your eye health and vision needs to determine if these lenses are right for you
- Corneal Mapping – Using advanced imaging, we capture detailed measurements of your eye’s surface
- Trial Lens Fitting – You will try on lenses while we observe how they fit and make adjustments
- Custom Lens Design – We order lenses made specifically for your eyes
- Follow-Up Appointments – We fine-tune your fit and vision as your eyes adapt
Throughout the process, we are here to answer questions and ensure your lenses feel as good as they look.
See Better with Custom Lenses in Newmarket
At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we understand that dealing with corneal conditions like keratoconus can be overwhelming. That is why our team is here to offer support, education, and lens solutions tailored to your eyes, not just your prescription.
With a focus on vision rehabilitation and custom scleral lens fittings, our experienced eye doctors take the time to ensure you not only see clearly—but feel your best, too.
If glasses or standard contacts haven’t helped, it may be time to explore a different path to clarity. Schedule your appointment and find out how these lenses can change how you see your world.