Onefit Scleral Lenses: The Complete Guide for UAE Patients With Keratoconus, Irregular Corneas & Dry Eyes

If you have been told that regular contact lenses are not suitable for your eyes, or you have simply struggled to find lenses that are comfortable and give you clear vision, you are not alone — and you may not have run out of options. Around 90% of wearers report significantly enhanced visual acuity after switching to scleral contact lenses compared with their previous lenses, which tells you something important: the right lens design makes an enormous difference. Among the most respected scleral lens platforms available worldwide, Onefit Scleral Lenses, developed by Blanchard Contact Lenses, have earned a strong reputation for helping patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, post-surgical corneas, and a range of other challenging eye conditions. This guide explains everything you need to know, in plain language, so you can have an informed conversation with your eye care professional.

What Are Onefit Scleral Lenses?

Before understanding the Onefit design specifically, it helps to understand what scleral lenses are in general.

A standard soft contact lens sits directly on the surface of your cornea — the clear dome at the front of your eye. Scleral lenses are different. They are larger rigid lenses that vault completely over the entire cornea and come to rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. Because the lens never actually touches the cornea itself, this design can make a significant difference for people whose corneas are irregular, scarred, or simply too sensitive for conventional lenses.

The space between the back of the scleral lens and the front of your cornea does not remain empty — it is filled with sterile, preservative-free saline solution before you put the lens in. This creates a fluid reservoir, a thin layer of liquid that sits in constant contact with your cornea throughout the wearing period. This reservoir is one of the most important features of scleral lenses, as it continuously bathes the eye’s surface.

Onefit Scleral Lenses are a specific, highly engineered platform within this category, designed and manufactured by Blanchard Contact Lenses — a laboratory that has specialized in complex contact lens design for decades. The Onefit system comes in two primary versions: the standard Onefit design and the more advanced Onefit MED, each tailored to a different level of corneal complexity.

How Do Onefit Scleral Lenses Work?

The mechanism is elegant in its simplicity once you understand it.

When a cornea is irregular — whether due to keratoconus, scarring, or previous surgery — its surface is uneven. Standard soft lenses drape over this uneven surface and adopt its shape, meaning the optical surface of the lens is also irregular. The result is blurred, distorted vision that glasses or ordinary contact lenses cannot easily correct.

A Onefit scleral lens vaults over the entire cornea, leaving a small gap. The saline solution fills this gap and creates a perfectly smooth, liquid optical surface in front of the cornea. Light entering the eye now passes through the smooth front surface of the lens and then through the even saline layer, effectively bypassing the corneal irregularity altogether. This is why many patients with keratoconus report a dramatic improvement in clarity when they move to scleral lenses.

Beyond vision, the constant hydration from the fluid reservoir means the corneal surface stays moist throughout the day. For anyone dealing with dry eye or ocular surface disease, this is a meaningful advantage over lenses that rely on the eye’s natural tear film — which may be inadequate.

Onefit lenses are also designed to remain stable on the eye. Because they rest on the sclera rather than floating on a thin tear film over the cornea, they move very little with each blink, which contributes to consistent, reliable vision.

Who Can Benefit From Onefit Scleral Lenses?

Onefit scleral lenses are a specialty product. They are not designed for every contact lens wearer — they are specifically engineered for patients whose eyes present a particular challenge. Below are the most common conditions where scleral lenses, including the Onefit platform, are recommended.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distorts vision in a way that spectacles and soft lenses often cannot adequately correct. Because Onefit scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea and create a smooth optical surface, they can restore functional vision for many keratoconus patients — even those in more advanced stages.

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD)

Similar to keratoconus, PMD is a corneal thinning condition, but the thinning occurs in a crescent-shaped band near the lower edge of the cornea. The irregular shape makes conventional lens fitting very difficult. Scleral lenses bypass the problem by resting on the sclera entirely.

Post-LASIK Complications

Most LASIK procedures are successful, but a small number of patients develop complications such as irregular astigmatism or corneal ectasia (a progressive weakening of the cornea). For these patients, returning to spectacles or soft lenses may not provide adequate vision, and scleral lenses can become an important management option.

Post-Corneal Transplant

After a corneal transplant (keratoplasty), the new corneal surface is rarely perfectly regular. Scleral lenses can accommodate these irregularities and help patients achieve functional vision after surgery.

Other Corneal Irregularities

Corneal scars from infections or injury, post-radial keratotomy changes, and other structural issues can all make conventional lenses uncomfortable or optically ineffective. Specialty contact lenses for irregular corneas, like the Onefit design, are often a practical solution.

Severe Dry Eye

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, standard contact lenses can be almost impossible to wear comfortably. The saline-filled reservoir in Onefit scleral lenses provides continuous moisture, making them one of the most comfortable lens options available for dry eye sufferers — particularly relevant in the UAE’s warm, arid climate.

Ocular Surface Disease

Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and graft-versus-host disease can severely compromise the ocular surface. Scleral lenses act as a protective shell, keeping the cornea hydrated and shielded from environmental irritants.

Advantages of Onefit Scleral Lenses

Like any lens system, Onefit scleral lenses have genuine strengths — and it is worth being honest about both sides.

• Potentially sharper vision: By neutralizing corneal irregularities with a smooth fluid surface, many patients experience a level of clarity they have not achieved with any other form of correction.
• Improved wearing comfort: Because the lens rests on the insensitive sclera rather than the cornea — which contains a dense network of nerve endings — many patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than corneal RGP lenses.
• Stability and centration: The large diameter keeps the lens centred and stable during blinking and eye movement, contributing to consistent vision throughout the day.
• Built-in hydration: The fluid reservoir provides ongoing moisture to the corneal surface, which is a major benefit for dry eye sufferers and people living in hot, dry environments.
• Highly customizable: The Onefit platform can be tailored in multiple parameters — vault, power, diameter, and peripheral curves — to accommodate a wide range of corneal shapes.
• Suitable for challenging corneas: Where soft lenses, spectacles, or standard RGP lenses have failed, Onefit scleral lenses often succeed.

Onefit Scleral Lenses vs Regular Soft Contact Lenses

Here is a straightforward side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key differences:

Onefit Scleral Lenses vs RGP Corneal Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses — sometimes called hard lenses — are a common alternative for patients with keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. They share some similarities with scleral lenses, but there are important practical differences.

What they have in common: Both are rigid lenses made from oxygen-permeable materials. Both correct irregular corneas by providing a smooth optical front surface. Both typically offer sharper vision than soft lenses for patients with significant corneal irregularity.

Where they differ: A standard corneal RGP lens is small — typically between 9 and 11 mm in diameter — and sits on top of the cornea. Scleral lenses are significantly larger, typically between 15 and 18 mm, and sit entirely on the sclera without touching the cornea.

The practical consequence of this difference is significant for comfort. Corneal RGP lenses can cause irritation, particularly at the lens edge, and many patients find them difficult to tolerate, especially initially. They can also dislodge more easily from the eye. Scleral lenses, because they rest on the less sensitive scleral tissue and have no edge that contacts the sensitive corneal periphery, are generally considered more comfortable to wear once fitted correctly.

Many patients who have struggled with corneal RGP lenses — or who have found that their corneas have become too irregular or too steep for RGP lenses to fit well — are transitioned to scleral lenses like Onefit. This is a well-established progression in the management of advanced keratoconus and related conditions.

What Is the Onefit MED Design?

Within the Onefit platform, there is a more advanced configuration called Onefit MED. While the standard Onefit design works well for the majority of patients, Onefit MED was created specifically for corneas that present an even greater fitting challenge — highly irregular, steep, or decentred cones, as well as corneas that have been significantly altered by surgery.

Onefit MED offers greater flexibility in how the lens is customized across its different zones. The lens is divided into four distinct fitting zones: the central zone (which vaults over the apex of the cornea), the mid-peripheral zone, the limbal zone (which transitions over the junction between the cornea and sclera), and the peripheral edge zone. Each of these zones can be adjusted independently to achieve the best possible fit over a highly complex corneal shape.

For the patient, this means that even if a standard scleral lens has not achieved an ideal fit on your eye, Onefit MED provides the additional precision your specialist needs to accommodate your unique corneal topography.

What Is the Fitting Process Like?

It is important to have realistic expectations about what getting Onefit scleral lenses involves. This is not a process where you walk in, pick a power from a chart, and leave with your lenses the same day. Specialist fitting takes time and expertise — which is precisely why the results tend to be so much better for complex eyes.

Step 1 — Comprehensive eye examination: Your specialist will carry out a thorough evaluation of your eyes, including an assessment of your corneal health, ocular surface condition, and overall eye health. If you have keratoconus, this will likely include corneal topography — a detailed map of the shape of your cornea’s surface.

Step 2 — Corneal and ocular measurements: Precise measurements of the corneal curvature, scleral shape, and eye dimensions are taken. These measurements guide the initial lens selection.

Step 3 — Diagnostic trial fitting: A trial lens is placed on your eye and assessed using a slit lamp — a magnifying instrument used by eye care professionals. The specialist evaluates how well the lens vaults over the cornea, how it sits on the sclera, and how well the fluid reservoir is maintained.

Step 4 — Lens assessment and refinement: If the initial trial lens does not achieve the ideal fit or vision, parameters are adjusted. In some cases, this involves ordering a lens with modified specifications. For Onefit MED, this process may involve more detailed zone-by-zone adjustments.

Step 5 — Follow-up visits: After your final lenses are ordered and delivered, follow-up visits confirm that the fit remains appropriate and that your eyes are healthy. These visits are an important safety component of scleral lens care.

The entire process from initial consultation to final lenses may span several weeks. Patients who approach it with patience consistently report that the outcome — clearer, more comfortable vision — is worth the investment of time.

Are Onefit Scleral Lenses Difficult to Wear?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask — and the honest answer is: there is a learning curve, but most people manage it successfully.

Insertion: Unlike soft lenses, which are placed with a fingertip, scleral lenses are typically inserted using a small plunger or tripod tool. The lens is filled with sterile saline before insertion, so it must be handled without spilling. Most patients feel awkward at first but become confident within one to two weeks of practice. Your specialist will guide you through the technique at your fitting appointments.

Removal: Removal is done with a small suction device designed for scleral lenses. Again, this feels unfamiliar at first but becomes routine quickly.

Cleaning and maintenance: Onefit scleral lenses require daily cleaning and disinfection with recommended contact lens solutions. Because they are refillable with saline each day, they require more preparation than simply putting in a soft lens. Using appropriate contact lens solutions is essential for both lens hygiene and eye health.

Adaptation period: Most patients adapt to scleral lenses within two to four weeks. During this period, wearing time is typically built up gradually, and some patients experience mild end-of-day awareness as their eyes adjust to the new lens type.

The key point is that the perceived difficulty of scleral lenses diminishes quickly with practice. For patients who have struggled for years with inadequate vision or constant discomfort, most report that the adaptation is a minor inconvenience compared with the improvement in their daily quality of life.

Common Questions About Onefit Scleral Lenses

Who can benefit from Onefit scleral lenses?

Onefit scleral lenses are suited to patients with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, irregular corneas, post-LASIK complications, post-corneal transplant eyes, severe dry eye, ocular surface diseases, and anyone who has not been able to achieve comfortable or functional vision with soft lenses or spectacles. A specialist assessment is needed to confirm whether they are appropriate for your individual situation.

Can Onefit lenses help keratoconus?

Yes. Keratoconus is one of the primary indications for Onefit scleral lenses. By vaulting over the irregular cone-shaped cornea and creating a smooth optical surface, these lenses can help restore functional vision that spectacles and soft lenses cannot provide. They do not treat or reverse keratoconus — that requires separate clinical management — but they can significantly improve visual function for affected patients.

Are scleral lenses comfortable?

Many patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than corneal RGP lenses because they rest on the less sensitive scleral tissue and do not touch the cornea. Comfort levels vary between individuals, and an initial adaptation period is normal. Most patients report good to excellent comfort once settled into wearing their lenses.

Can I wear Onefit scleral lenses all day?

Wearing time depends on the individual patient, the condition being managed, and the specific lens parameters. Many patients wear their lenses comfortably for eight to twelve hours. Some patients may experience fogging of the fluid reservoir during extended wear, which may require lens removal, rinsing, and reinsertion. Your specialist will advise on appropriate wearing schedules for your eyes.

Can Onefit lenses help dry eyes?

The saline-filled reservoir provides constant moisture to the corneal surface, which makes scleral lenses one of the most effective contact lens options for patients with dry eye syndrome or ocular surface disease. However, the underlying cause of dry eye should still be evaluated and managed by your eye care professional.

How long do Onefit scleral lenses last?

With proper care, scleral lenses typically last between one and two years, though this depends on the material, how well they are maintained, and any changes in the patient’s prescription or corneal shape over time. Your eye care specialist will advise on replacement intervals.

Are Onefit scleral lenses available in the UAE?

Yes. Onefit Scleral Lenses are available in the UAE through specialist optical providers including Optic One UAE. See the section below for more details on how to access these lenses.

Do I need a specialist fitting for scleral lenses?

Absolutely. Scleral lens fitting is a specialized process that requires professional expertise, precise corneal measurements, diagnostic trial lenses, and follow-up care. It is not suitable to purchase scleral lenses without a proper specialist fitting — both for safety and to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision and eye health.

Where Can You Get Onefit Scleral Lenses in the UAE?

Access to properly fitted specialty contact lenses in the UAE has improved considerably in recent years. For patients seeking Onefit Scleral Lenses — whether in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or elsewhere across the Emirates — Optic One UAE is a trusted provider of scleral lens consultations and fitting services.

Optic One UAE offers professional scleral lens assessments and can process your Onefit lens orders directly. For patients who cannot visit in person, or for those who need replacement lenses after their initial fitting has been completed, Optic One can handle orders online and ship across the UAE and globally. Whether you are based in Abu Dhabi, are visiting from another emirate, or are an international patient who has previously been fitted and needs ongoing lens supply, the team at Optic One are equipped to assist.

If you are considering scleral lens fitting in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE, starting with a professional eye examination is always the right first step. This ensures that your eye health is properly assessed before any specialty lens fitting begins.

You can explore the full range of optical products and services, or browse the Optic One online shop to learn more about what is available. For specific enquiries about Onefit scleral lenses or specialty contact lenses, contacting the Optic One team directly will give you the most accurate information for your individual needs.

Final Thoughts

Onefit Scleral Lenses represent one of the most significant advances in specialty contact lens care for patients who have traditionally struggled to find an effective visual solution. By vaulting over the cornea, neutralizing optical irregularities, and providing continuous hydration through a fluid reservoir, they address multiple challenges simultaneously — improving both vision quality and wearing comfort in a single lens system.

They are not the right choice for every patient, and they require a genuine commitment to the fitting process and to daily lens care. But for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or post-surgical complications who have not found satisfactory results with conventional options, Onefit scleral lenses can be genuinely life-changing in terms of functional vision and daily comfort.

If you think you might be a candidate — or if you simply want to understand whether scleral lenses are appropriate for your eyes — the best next step is always a proper consultation with a qualified eye care professional. In the UAE, Optic One UAE offers the professional expertise and access to Onefit scleral lenses you need to explore this option with confidence.