When patients visit our eye clinic, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Are my contacts still the best option for me?” For some, traditional soft lenses just don’t cut it anymore. Dry eyes, shifting prescriptions, or difficulty seeing clearly at multiple distances often make people wonder if it’s time to explore alternatives.
That’s where scleral and multifocal lenses come in — and both are game-changers for different reasons.
Why Residents Are Asking About Specialty Lenses
Life in has its unique demands. Many families here juggle full schedules, with kids in school activities, parents working long hours, and seniors wanting to stay active and independent. Combine that with Texas heat, which can make dry eye symptoms worse, and it’s easy to see why more people are rethinking their lens choices.
- Parents often notice eye strain after helping kids with homework or spending long evenings on screens.
- Working professionals in tech, healthcare, and education deal with hours of computer use, which can dry out traditional lenses quickly.
- Older adults may struggle with reading menus or phone screens, even if their distance vision is sharp.
These day-to-day frustrations are why patients in are turning to scleral and multifocal lenses as more reliable options.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Instead of sitting directly on the cornea, they vault over it, creating a tear-filled cushion underneath. That design makes them especially useful for:
- People with chronic dry eye, since the tear reservoir keeps eyes hydrated.
- Patients with irregular corneas (like keratoconus) who can’t get sharp vision with glasses or soft contacts.
- Anyone struggling with discomfort from regular lenses.
Think of scleral lenses like switching from a stiff old chair to a cushioned seat — the difference in comfort can be remarkable, especially for patients who thought contact lenses would never work for them again.
What Are Multifocal Lenses?
Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, are designed to address presbyopia — the age-related loss of near vision that often starts in the 40s. Instead of switching between reading glasses and distance correction, multifocals combine both in one lens. This means you can drive, read a text, or work on a laptop without constantly swapping eyewear.
For many residents who want to stay active without the hassle of carrying extra glasses, multifocals are a practical solution.
Who Benefits Most from These Lenses?
Not every patient needs scleral or multifocal lenses, but for the right candidates, the change can be life-changing.
- Scleral lenses are especially popular with North Texas patients managing dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or those who’ve had trouble tolerating soft contacts. With Texas heat and frequent air conditioning, dry eye complaints are common — making sclerals a smart choice for year-round comfort.
- Multifocal lenses are ideal for patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who notice small-print menus, phone screens, and books getting blurrier. Instead of juggling readers, bifocals, or multiple pairs of glasses, multifocals simplify daily life while keeping vision sharp at every distance.
At , we’ve seen patients who once struggled through long workdays suddenly enjoy clear, comfortable vision again after switching to one of these advanced lens options.
Lifestyle and Eye Health
Our local community reflects a wide range of needs. Many parents balance careers with raising kids, meaning they spend hours between work screens and helping with schoolwork. Seniors in nearby retirement communities want to maintain independence while driving or reading. And with more professionals working remotely in Collin County, screen time has skyrocketed — leading to more eye strain and lens fatigue than ever before.
Texas weather also plays a role. Hot, dry summers and seasonal allergens can leave eyes irritated, and patients often tell us their soft contacts feel less comfortable during peak allergy season. Specialty lenses like sclerals and multifocals can offer consistent comfort despite these environmental challenges.
Why an Eye Exam Matters
Deciding whether scleral or multifocal lenses are right for you isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. A comprehensive eye exam at in allows our doctors to evaluate not just your prescription, but also your corneal health, tear film, and lifestyle needs. From there, we can recommend the best option tailored to you.
We know that for many patients, the goal isn’t just clearer vision — it’s the freedom to work, play, and live without compromise.
Scleral and Multifocal Lenses in
At , we offer scleral and multifocal lenses as part of our commitment to providing vision solutions that fit real life. Whether you’re managing dry eyes, noticing age-related changes, or simply curious about your options, our team is here to help.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to switch, now is the perfect moment to find out. Book your contact lens exam at and see how the right lenses can make your daily life clearer and more comfortable.