Restoring Clear Vision with Scleral Lenses
One Patient’s Story of Better Sight and More Freedom
At Kendall Optical, we see a lot of patients who think they’ve run out of options. Some have tried multiple pairs of glasses. Others have seen different specialists. Many have simply learned to live with blurry or distorted vision because they assume nothing else can be done.
Recently, a patient came into our office with a condition called lattice dystrophy of the cornea. It’s a genetic eye disease that causes scarring in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Over time, that scarring can make vision cloudy, warped, and frustratingly hard to correct.
By the time he came to see us, his vision with glasses was only 20/70. Even with the best prescription possible, things still looked distorted.
Driving had become difficult. Night driving was even worse.
Like many people with corneal conditions, he had started depending on others to get around. That loss of independence was affecting his everyday life more than most people realized.
As an experienced optometrist in Kendall, we knew standard glasses were not going to solve the problem. He needed something more specialized. That’s when we introduced him to scleral lenses.
Why Corneal Scarring Causes So Many Problems
The cornea plays a huge role in how clearly you see. Light has to pass through it cleanly and evenly for your vision to stay sharp.
When the cornea becomes scarred or irregular, light scatters instead of focusing properly. That’s why patients with lattice dystrophy often describe their vision as blurry, stretched, shadowed, or distorted.
Glasses can only correct so much. They work well for common problems like nearsightedness or astigmatism. But when the surface of the eye itself becomes uneven, glasses usually hit a wall.
That’s exactly what happened with this patient. He wasn’t just struggling to read signs or see clearly at a distance. His entire visual experience felt distorted, especially at night when glare and halos became overwhelming.
At Kendall Optical, we performed a full eye exam and carefully evaluated the shape and condition of his corneas before discussing treatment options.
What Makes Scleral Lenses Different?
Scleral lenses are not regular contact lenses. They are larger, custom-designed lenses that rest gently on the white part of the eye instead of directly on the cornea. The lens creates a smooth optical surface over the damaged cornea, which helps correct distorted vision in ways glasses cannot.
There’s also a thin layer of fluid between the lens and the eye. That added moisture often makes the lenses more comfortable for patients dealing with corneal disease or dry eye symptoms.
For many people, scleral lenses are life-changing. They are commonly used for:
- Corneal scarring
- Keratoconus
- Severe dry eye
- Corneal dystrophies
- Irregular corneas
- Post-surgical corneas
As a trusted optometrist in Miami, we fit specialty lenses for patients who have often been told they are difficult to correct.
The Difference Was Immediate
Once we fit the patient with customized scleral lenses, his vision improved dramatically. He went from seeing 20/70 with glasses to 20/30 in each eye. That’s a huge jump!
But what stood out most to him wasn’t just the numbers on the eye chart. It was how much better life felt.
Night driving became manageable again. Streetlights looked clearer. Headlights stopped creating as much glare. Every day tasks felt easier and less stressful. Most importantly, he was legally able to drive again.
That one change gave him back a level of independence he thought he had lost for good.
He no longer had to rely on family or friends to drive him around. He could handle daily errands on his own again. He could go where he wanted, when he wanted. Those moments matter.
Specialty Eye Care Can Change Lives
A lot of people assume bad vision is something they just have to accept. That’s not always true.
Modern specialty lenses can do things that were impossible years ago. Patients with corneal disease now have options that can dramatically improve how they see and function day to day. The key is finding the right provider.
Fitting scleral lenses takes experience, precision, and patience. Every eye is different. Every cornea has its own shape and challenges.
At Kendall Optical, we take the time to customize each fit carefully. We also guide patients through the process of learning how to wear and care for the lenses comfortably.
As an optometrist, Kendall patients trust us for advanced eye care. We work closely with each person to find solutions that fit their real-life needs, not just their prescription.
Signs You May Need Specialty Contact Lenses
Many patients don’t realize they may be good candidates for scleral lenses. You should consider getting evaluated if:
- Your vision stays blurry even with glasses
- You notice ghosting or distortion
- Night driving feels difficult
- You have corneal scarring
- You’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal dystrophy
- Your eyes feel dry or irritated with regular contacts
These symptoms can seriously affect your quality of life. They can also make everyday tasks exhausting.
A proper evaluation can help determine whether specialty lenses could improve your vision.
If you’ve been struggling with these issues, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is a good place to start.
Caring for Patients Across South Florida
Patients visit Kendall Optical from all over the area, including:
- Kendall
- Miami
- Pinecrest
- Palmetto Bay
- Coral Gables
- Doral
- South Miami
Some come in for routine eye exams. Others are looking for answers after years of blurry vision and frustration.
No matter the reason, our goal stays the same. We want patients to leave seeing better and feeling more confident about their daily lives.
From specialty eyewear to advanced contact lens fittings, we focus on practical solutions that make a real difference.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
Blurry vision is not something you should brush off. Neither is distorted vision, glare, or trouble driving at night.
These symptoms can point to underlying corneal problems that deserve proper attention. The sooner they’re diagnosed, the sooner treatment options can be explored.
For many patients, the right specialty lenses can completely change how they see the world.
Looking for an Optometrist in Kendall or Miami?
If your vision has been getting worse, or if glasses no longer seem to help, it may be time for a more detailed evaluation. At Kendall Optical, we help patients find real solutions for difficult vision problems every day.
If you’re searching for a trusted optometrist in Kendall or an experienced optometrist in Miami, our team is here to help.
Call us today to schedule an appointment or contact us online to learn more about scleral lenses and specialty eye care.
