Can Scleral Lenses Improve Your Sports Performance? Vision & Stability in Action

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or an active weekend warrior, visual clarity and stability play a critical role in your performance. You train your body, condition your reflexes, and fuel your health, but are you giving your vision the same attention? Scleral lenses are an advanced option that not only enhance vision but offer significant benefits for athletes seeking consistency, comfort, and reliability in their visual performance.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the eye. This design offers superior comfort, stability, and visual correction, especially for those with irregular corneas, dry eye, or high refractive errors.

Enhanced Vision on the Field or Court

Athletes require crisp, reliable vision under varying conditions such as bright stadium lights, shifting weather, or fast-moving environments. Scleral lenses provide consistent optical quality because they remain stable on the eye, minimizing lens movement during physical activity. This means fewer distractions and more precise visual input, which can improve reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and overall performance.

Stability for High-Impact Sports

From cycling to basketball, scleral lenses stay in place better than soft lenses during rapid motion. The design helps avoid issues such as lens dislodgement or blurry vision during sudden movements or impact. For sports that involve contact or high levels of activity, scleral lenses offer both security and performance reliability.

Relief for Dry Eyes in Athletes

Outdoor sports and long training sessions can lead to dry, irritated eyes. Because scleral lenses maintain a liquid reservoir over the cornea, they provide constant hydration, reducing symptoms of dryness or discomfort. This makes them ideal for athletes exposed to wind, dust, or extended periods of screen time during analysis and review.

Customized to Fit You

At Drs. Hiura & Hiura Optometrists, we use advanced diagnostic technology to custom-fit each scleral lens to your unique eye shape and visual needs. Whether you have a complex prescription or simply want a more reliable vision correction option during sports, scleral lenses can be tailored to support your goals.

Elevate Your Game and Your Vision 

For athletes looking to sharpen their vision and gain a competitive edge, scleral lenses offer a unique combination of clarity, stability, and comfort. Whether you’re on the field, in the pool, or behind a set of handlebars, these lenses may help you perform at your best.

Schedule an eye exam with Drs. Hiura & Hiura Optometrists to see if scleral lenses are the right fit for your active lifestyle. Visit our office in San Francisco, California, or call (415) 776-2352 to book an appointment today.