Scleral Lens Types Explained Full Mini and Semi Scleral

If you have ever been told that regular contact lenses are not an option for you, it can feel frustrating. Maybe your eyes are too dry, your cornea is irregularly shaped, or you have a condition like keratoconus.

Standard soft lenses just do not work. But there is another choice: scleral lenses. They are larger, more stable, available in different sizes, and designed for hard-to-fit eyes.

Scleral Lenses

Think of scleral lenses as the larger, rigid cousins of soft contacts. While soft lenses sit right on your cornea, scleral lenses clear it completely and rest on the white of your eye, called the sclera. This creates a small space between the lens and your cornea. That space fills with saline solution, keeping your eye hydrated and comfortable all day.

These do not touch the cornea, which makes them ideal for those with corneal irregularities, severe dry eye, or discomfort with standard lenses. They also provide stable vision by minimizing lens movement.

The Three Types of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are grouped by size. The main difference is where they sit on your eye and how much they clear the cornea.

• Semi-Scleral Lenses

These are the smallest type of scleral lens. Semi-scleral or corneo-scleral lenses sit at the junction of the cornea and sclera. This offers less clearance over the cornea compared to mini-scleral and full scleral lenses.

Because they do not arch as high, semi-scleral lenses suit those needing scleral lens stability without major corneal issues. They are easier to insert than mini-scleral or full scleral lenses, making them a user-friendly entry point.

• Mini-Scleral Lenses

These are the mid-sized options. They arch over the cornea and land on the front part of the sclera. Because they clear the cornea completely, they work well for more significant corneal issues. The issues include keratoconus and post-surgical corneas.

They are the most commonly prescribed type of scleral lenses. They strike a balance between comfort, stability, and ease of handling compared to other scleral lens types.

• Full Scleral Lenses

Full scleral lenses are the largest, landing further onto the sclera and providing the highest vault over the cornea of all three types. This creates the largest saline reservoir. This is especially helpful for severe corneal irregularities or profound dry eye.

Full scleral lenses deliver maximum stability and are the least likely to dislodge. Inserting them is more challenging than other types, but their benefits make them transformative for those with the highest needs.

Who Might Need Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are not just for people who want an alternative to glasses. They are often medically necessary. Common reasons include keratoconus, where the cornea bulges into a cone shape.

They also help with pellucid marginal degeneration, post-surgical corneas, and severe astigmatism. People with severe dry eye syndrome often find relief because the saline reservoir keeps their eyes moist all day.

If you have been told your eyes are too sensitive or too irregular for standard contact lenses, scleral lenses might be the answer.

For more on scleral lenses, visit Parkway Vision. Our office is in Houston, Texas. Call (281) 558-1832 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/optical/guide-to-contact-lenses/what-are-scleral-lenses/

https://www.ttuhsc.edu/medicine/ophthalmology/documents/Charles_Stockwell_Scleral_Lens_Update.pdf