If standard contact lenses leave your eyes red, sore, or blurry, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we offer advanced vision solutions, including scleral lenses, designed for patients with keratoconus, chronic dry eye, or complex post-surgical corneas.
Our optometrists in Newmarket and Richmond Hill, ON, provide speciality contact lens fittings with your comfort, eye health, and long-term vision in mind.
If you're searching for scleral lenses in Ontario, here’s what to know.
What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) instead of directly on the cornea. Think of the lens as a clear dome that gently hovers over your eye, creating a cushion of moisture and clarity. This design creates a reservoir of fluid between the lens and your eye, which:
- Hydrates and protects the cornea
- Smooths irregularities for clearer vision
- Supports healing for fragile or post-surgical tissue
Because of these benefits, scleral lenses are often a better fit for patients who can’t tolerate soft contact lenses.
How Scleral Lenses Help with Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, distorting vision. As the condition progresses, glasses and standard contacts typically become ineffective.
Scleral lenses work differently:
- They vault over the cornea, creating a smooth, uniform surface to correct distorted vision
- Their rigid design keeps them stable on the eye, minimizing shifting and glare
- They avoid direct corneal contact, reducing the risk of irritation or further damage
If you’ve been told you’re “hard to fit” for contacts, keratoconus contacts—especially scleral lenses—may finally offer reliable vision correction.
Relief for Chronic Dry Eye, Beyond Artificial Tears
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, including those with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, scleral lenses offer long-lasting comfort by:
- Sealing in moisture and shielding the cornea
- Blocking out environmental irritants like dust and wind
- Allowing for extended wear with fewer symptoms
Even if you’ve tried prescription drops, punctal plugs, or lifestyle changes with no relief, specialty lenses may be the next step.
Supporting Post-Surgical Eyes
After LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants, the eye’s shape and surface can become difficult to correct with traditional lenses. Scleral lenses are often recommended for post-surgical eyes because they:
- Vault over scarring or uneven corneal surfaces
- Create a protective layer while the eye continues healing
- Restore clarity when other options fall short
If you're still experiencing blurred or unstable vision after corneal surgery, a scleral lens evaluation could be the key to improved comfort and stability.
What to Expect from a Specialty Lens Fitting
Scleral lens fittings are highly customized. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we use advanced imaging tools—such as corneal topography and OCT—to create a lens that matches your unique eye shape.
Your fitting process includes:
- Digital mapping to assess corneal curves and irregularities
- Trial lens fittings to optimize vision and comfort
- Education on insertion, removal, and cleaning
- Follow-up care to ensure your eyes stay healthy over time
Scleral lenses are part of a long-term solution—not a quick fix—so we walk with you through each step.
Book a Speciality Contact Lens Consultation
If you’ve been told you're not a candidate for contact lenses, it might just mean you haven’t tried the right kind. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we fit scleral lenses in Ontario for patients with keratoconus, dry eye, and complex corneal conditions.
Book a specialty contact lens consultation today at either our Newmarket or Richmond Hill locations and discover what personalized care can do for your vision.