Many people worldwide wear contact lenses. They are a popular alternative to eyeglasses. They are ideal for individuals who need vision correction but do not want to wear eyeglasses. Contact lenses are easy to use, lightweight, and tiny, making them a preferred choice for many.
 

There are two primary forms of contact lenses available. They include regular contacts and specialty contact lenses such as scleral lenses. Conventional contact lenses are popular. However, scleral lenses have also become increasingly popular in recent years.
 

Design

Regular contact lenses differ from scleral lenses in design. They rest directly on the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye. They are of soft, flexible material that conforms to the shape of the eye. These conventional lenses are easy to use. They come in different styles, like daily wear, disposable lenses, and extended wear.
 

Scleral lenses, on the other hand, have a larger diameter than regular contacts. They rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye surrounding the cornea. They also allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea because of their rigid, gas-permeable material. Eye doctors often prescribe scleral lenses for individuals with specific eye conditions that make it difficult to wear regular contact lenses.

Comfort

Regular contact lenses provide a significant advantage of comfort for their wearers. They are soft and flexible and so do not cause irritation and discomfort. They also conform to the shape of the eye. However, these lenses can also fall out or get dislodged from the eye. People with dry eyes may also experience worse symptoms when they wear regular contact lenses.
 

Scleral lenses are more comfortable by design compared to regular contact lenses. They are ideal for individuals with dry eyes or other eye conditions that make wearing conventional contacts difficult. 
 

They are advantageous because they rest on the sclera and not the cornea. This design prevents them from causing irritation or discomfort. They also provide a stable and smooth surface to allow light into the eye. As a result, they help improve vision for people with complex vision problems.
 

Customization

Regular contact lenses comprise different prescriptions and styles. This makes them a popular choice for many individuals. They require little customization and are easy to use. As a result, they are an ideal choice for individuals who require vision correction but do not have complex eye conditions.
 

Scleral lenses, on the other hand, require more customization than regular contacts. They are large with different shapes. They have to be customized to ensure a proper fit. This may entail multiple adjustments and fittings to ensure they are comfortable and give you the best possible vision.
 

Price 

Regular contact lenses are less expensive than scleral lenses. Thus, they are a more accessible option for many people. However, the cost accumulates over time, especially if you need frequent replacements or have a high prescription.
 

Scleral lenses cost more than regular contact lenses. However, flexible spending accounts or insurance can cover them, making them more affordable for some people. They are also more durable than conventional contact lenses and may need replacing less frequently. This helps offset their higher cost.
 

Vision Correction

Regular contacts and scleral lenses offer excellent vision correction for different eye conditions. They include myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and stigmatism. Scleral lenses are a better option for people with complex vision problems or eye conditions that make wearing regular contact lenses difficult. 
 

They provide a stable and smooth surface to allow light into the eye. Thus, they improve vision for individuals with complex vision problems like keratoconus and irregular astigmatism.
 

For more about scleral and regular contact lenses, visit Everything Eyes at our office in Delray Beach, Florida. Call (561) 499-2055 to book an appointment today.