What Are Sclera Lenses? A Complete Guide to Safety, Fit, & Style

Contact lenses have long been used to improve vision, but today, they also offer a fun and creative way to express personal style. From enhancing your natural eye color to creating dramatic, eye-catching looks for costumes or special effects, contact lenses provide endless possibilities. Sclera lenses, a unique type of contact lens, take this concept even further. These large, bold lenses cover not just the cornea but the entire white part of the eye, creating a striking visual effect.

Beyond aesthetics, sclera lenses also serve important medical purposes. They are used to treat conditions like keratoconus, dry eyes, and other corneal issues, offering both comfort and improved vision. Whether you're looking to make a statement at a cosplay event or seeking a solution for a medical condition, sclera lenses combine both function and flair.

What are sclera lenses?

Sclera lenses are rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that cover the entire visible part of your eye. Larger than traditional lenses, they typically range from 15mm to 24mm in diameter, resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye) while creating a pocket of tear fluid over the cornea.

These lenses are custom-made for comfort and safety, with materials that allow oxygen to pass through, promoting eye health. Sclera lenses are commonly used for medical conditions like keratoconus, dry eyes, and corneal scarring, but they are also popular for their dramatic aesthetic look. For example, black, red and white sclera lenses are often used for cosplay and halloween costumes.

Sclera contact lenses vs. traditional contact lenses

Sclera contact lenses are larger, typically 15mm to 24mm in diameter, and cover the entire white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a tear-filled vault over the cornea. In contrast, traditional contact lenses are smaller (13mm to 14mm), covering only the cornea.

Sclera lenses are often used for medical conditions like keratoconus or dry eyes, providing more comfort and support for those with corneal irregularities. They also offer dramatic aesthetic changes. 

Traditional lenses, on the other hand, are primarily for vision correction and are more common for people with standard refractive errors.

Types of sclera lenses

Sclera lenses come in a variety of types, each designed for specific needs and purposes. Here are the most common types

Full sclera contact lenses

These lenses cover the entire sclera, giving a dramatic, bold appearance. They are often used in special effects, costume design, and cosplay. Full sclera lenses can also be used medically to treat conditions like keratoconus, providing a smooth surface for vision correction.

Mini sclera lenses

Slightly smaller than full sclera lenses, mini sclera lenses cover part of the sclera but do not extend as far as full sclera lenses. 

These lenses provide a less dramatic look but still offer the benefits of improved comfort and support for those with corneal irregularities or dry eyes. They are also popular for people looking for a subtle but unique change in their eye appearance.

Prescription sclera lenses

These lenses are customized to fit the specific prescription of the wearer. Whether for medical reasons, such as treating keratoconus or dry eyes, or for vision correction purposes, prescription sclera lenses are designed to improve eyesight while providing the unique benefits of large-diameter lenses.

Cosmetic sclera lenses

Used primarily for aesthetic purposes, these lenses are designed to create bold and unique looks. Cosmetic sclera lenses come in various colors and patterns, including black sclera lenses, red sclera lenses, and even more unusual shades like white, blue, or yellow sclera lenses. They are often used in cosplay, theater, or for Halloween to create dramatic, otherworldly eye effects.

Medical benefits of sclera lenses

Sclera lenses are not only used for aesthetic purposes but also provide significant medical benefits. These lenses offer a solution for people with various eye conditions, improving comfort and vision. Below are the key medical benefits of sclera lenses.

Sclera lenses for keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. Sclera lenses help by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, improving vision and providing a stable fit that reduces discomfort.

Sclera lenses for dry eye

For individuals suffering from severe dry eye, sclera lenses provide relief by trapping a layer of moisture between the lens and the eye. This helps keep the eye hydrated and prevents irritation, making them a great option for long-lasting comfort.

Prescription sclera lenses

Prescription sclera lenses are custom-made to fit your eye's unique shape and address specific vision needs. Whether for keratoconus, dry eye, or other corneal conditions, these lenses provide tailored solutions that enhance both comfort and vision.

Sclera lenses for corneal scarring

Corneal scars caused by injury, surgery, or infection can distort vision. Sclera lenses can help by creating a smooth surface over the cornea, improving clarity and reducing the visual impact of the scarring.

Sclera lenses: Safety and comfort considerations

Safety and comfort is essential when it comes to any type of contact lenses. However, as sclera lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses, they require proper fitting, care, and maintenance to prevent complications. 

Are sclera lenses safe?

Sclera lenses are safe when properly fitted by an eye care professional and used as directed. They are made from rigid gas-permeable (RGP) materials that allow oxygen to pass through, which helps maintain eye health. 

However, improper use or poor hygiene can lead to discomfort or eye infections, so it’s crucial to follow your eye care provider's instructions and schedule regular checkups.

How long can you wear cclera lenses?

The recommended wearing time for sclera lenses typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours a day, depending on your eye health and the type of lenses. Wearing them for too long can cause dryness, discomfort, or irritation. 

Always consult your eye care provider for personalized recommendations on wearing time and make sure to give your eyes rest by removing the lenses each night.

How to put sclera lenses in?

Putting sclera lenses in requires extra care due to their size. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

2. Place the lens in a clean lens case with a small amount of saline solution.

3. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid and the lower eyelid with your dominant hand.

4. Gently place the lens on your eye, ensuring it rests comfortably on your sclera without touching your cornea.

5. Blink a few times to center the lens.
   
   

Always practice proper hygiene and avoid using damaged or expired lenses.

How to clean and maintain sclera lenses?

To ensure your sclera lenses stay comfortable and free from infection, they must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Use a recommended lens cleaning solution to clean the lenses each time after use. 

Follow your eye care provider’s instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses in a sterile case. Avoid using tap water or any non-approved solutions, as they can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes.

Sclera lenses for Halloween and cosplay

Sclera lenses are not only functional but also offer a bold, dramatic change to your appearance. Whether for cosplay, fashion, Halloween, or special effects, sclera lenses can completely transform your eyes with unique colors, patterns, and sizes. Here’s how sclera lenses are making waves in the world of style and fashion.

Black sclera contact lenses

Black sclera lenses are among the most striking aesthetic lenses available. They cover the entire sclera, creating a solid black look that gives your eyes an intense, otherworldly appearance. 

These lenses are popular in horror films, cosplay, and for people who want to make a bold statement at special events. They are often used for creating characters like vampires, demons, or other creatures with a dark, edgy look.

Red sclera contact lenses

Red sclera lenses provide a dramatic effect with their fiery hue, often associated with supernatural or evil characters. These lenses are perfect for Halloween, cosplay, or horror-themed events, where you want to create a striking, intimidating look. 

They cover the entire sclera, giving the eyes a completely altered appearance, perfect for characters like possessed individuals, vampires, or villains in fantasy genres.

White, blue, and yellow sclera contact lenses

For a more vibrant and unique aesthetic, white, blue and yellow sclera lenses offer various options for creative expression. For instance:

• White sclera lenses provide an ethereal or ghostly look, often used in supernatural or fantasy-themed costumes.

• Blue sclera lenses give a bold and unusual look, with a striking contrast to natural eye colors, popular for creating alien or fantasy creatures.

• Yellow sclera lenses are commonly used for characters with a sickly or supernatural look, such as werewolves or certain types of monsters.
  

These colorful sclera lenses help bring imagination to life, offering versatility for any costume or dramatic eye makeover.

Where to buy sclera lenses?

Purchasing sclera lenses requires careful consideration to ensure safety, quality, and suitability for your needs. Reputable online retailers such as PinkyParadise offer a wide range of sclera lenses that cater to both cosmetic and corrective needs. 

Conclusion 

Sclera lenses offer both medical benefits and bold aesthetic changes, making them ideal for vision correction or creative expression. Whether used for conditions like keratoconus or for cosplay, there’s a sclera lens to suit your needs. 

Ensure proper fitting, maintenance, and hygiene to maximize safety and comfort. Always consult with an eye care professional and buy from trusted sources to get the best experience.

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