Scleral Lenses: The New Recommendation for High Astigmatism and High Prescription Contact Lenses

For those with high myopia or astigmatisms, finding suitable contact lenses has always been a challenge. While daily disposable contact lenses are convenient, they can fail to provide stable vision for complex prescriptions like high astigmatisms. Issues such as insufficient correction or lens rotation can lead to fluctuating vision, and users may also experience dryness and discomfort. Many patients with high myopia or astigmatisms have considered SMILE refractive surgery, but the prescription range for SMILE is limited and may not effectively correct high astigmatisms—especially when the astigmatism exceeds the safe limits for surgery, or if corneal thickness or curvature is unsuitable for SMILE. These obstacles leave many people seeking a more professional and suitable solution for astigmatism correction.

Scleral lens is a specialized contact lens option designed exactly for those whose high astigmatism or high prescription needs cannot be met by daily disposables or SMILE surgery. Whether you are limited by SMILE surgery, have residual prescription after surgery, or simply cannot achieve clear vision with disposable lenses, scleral lenses are a viable option to help you regain crisp, stable vision.

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Why Are Scleral Lenses Ideal for High Astigmatism and High Prescription Wearers?

Scleral lenses are custom-made contact lenses that can correct prescriptions up to -20.00 diopters (or even higher), making them perfect for those with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatisms. Unlike traditional daily disposable lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and create a tear lens between the lens and the cornea, offering several key advantages:

• Stable Astigmatism Correction: The tear lens formed by scleral lenses effectively neutralizes corneal astigmatism. Even if the lens rotates, vision remains stable—making them ideal for high, oblique, or irregular astigmatisms that are difficult to correct with disposable contacts.
• Superior Comfort and Reduced Dryness: The fluid layer beneath the lens keeps the cornea hydrated, minimizing discomfort from dryness or extended lens wear.
• Ultra-High Prescription Customization: Whether you have high myopia, high hyperopia, or complex astigmatisms, scleral lenses can be custom-made to overcome the prescription limitations of daily disposables.

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ESP Scleral Topographer: The Only One in East Asia for Precision Customization

We are the first and only vision center in Hong Kong and East Asia to introduce the ESP Scleral Topographer. This advanced device scans each patient’s scleral shape with high precision, and the data is sent to the United States, where experts use free-form technology to design and manufacture bespoke scleral lenses. This personalized approach ensures an extremely precise fit, making these large-diameter rigid lenses sometimes even more comfortable than conventional soft contact lenses.

Case Study: Meeting the Needs of High Myopia and Astigmatism with Scleral Lenses

Recently, we assisted a patient with -7.00 diopters of myopia and -3.00 diopters of astigmatisms. The patient had long relied on daily disposable contact lenses, but frequent lens rotation led to unstable and blurry vision, along with persistent dryness. After trying personalized scleral lenses for the first time, the patient immediately experienced clear and stable vision. Eye exam results showed that the patient’s -3.00 diopters of astigmatisms were fully corrected by the spherical spherical lens, without the needs of adding additional astigmatism corrections, achieving optimal visual acuity. The patient reported excellent comfort, with no more fluctuations in vision during long hours of work or reading, and a significant improvement in quality of life.

This case demonstrates the outstanding vision correction performance of scleral lenses for high prescriptions and astigmatisms.

Who Should Consider Scleral Lenses?

• Those with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatisms who cannot achieve good results with traditional contact lenses
• Users who experience dryness or unstable vision with daily disposable contacts
• Individuals not suitable for SMILE, LASIK, or other refractive surgeries due to high prescriptions or corneal conditions
• Contact lens wearers seeking long-term comfort and stable vision

If you are struggling with high prescriptions, astigmatisms, or discomfort from daily disposable lenses, scleral lenses with personalized design using the ESP Scleral Topographer may be your best solution. Contact us to book a scleral lens fitting assessment and learn more about the best contact lens options for your needs!