Sclerals for Athletes: Why Active UCI Students Are Making the Switch

Sclerals for Athletes: Why Active UCI Students Are Making the Switch

At UC Irvine, life rarely stands still. Between the energy of intramural sports, beach weekends, and the endless bustle of campus, students are always on the move. For many, vision correction has to keep pace with their lifestyle—and that’s where scleral lenses are stepping into the spotlight. These lenses are quietly becoming the secret weapon of UCI’s most active students.

Stability That Outruns the Competition

One of the most frustrating challenges for athletes wearing traditional contacts is slippage. A quick pivot on the basketball court or a gust of wind while running along Back Bay can shift soft lenses out of place, blurring vision at the worst possible moment. Scleral lenses, with their larger design, create a secure and reliable fit. They rest gently on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and stay put—no matter how fast, how hard, or how unpredictably you move.

A Cushion of Comfort

Any athlete knows the feeling of dry eyes after hours of training or late-night study sessions. Scleral lenses come with a built-in solution: a reservoir of fluid that sits between the lens and the cornea. This clever design not only hydrates the eye throughout the day but also makes wearing lenses far more comfortable, even during long practices or tournaments. Imagine finishing a match with vision as fresh as when you started—it’s more than possible with scleral lenses.

Precision in Every Play

Success in sports often depends on fractions of a second and the finest of details. A clear view of a fastball, a sharp outline of a goalpost, or the perfect read on an opponent’s movement can make all the difference. By creating a smooth optical surface, scleral lenses sharpen vision in ways that glasses and standard contacts sometimes cannot. For students with conditions like keratoconus or astigmatism, the difference can feel like upgrading from a fuzzy livestream to 4K resolution.

Beyond the Field of Play

The brilliance of scleral lenses is that their benefits extend far beyond athletics. They are equally valuable during marathon study sessions in Langson Library, late-night project collaborations, or simply enjoying a walk through Aldrich Park without battling glare or shifting lenses. Scleral lenses support every aspect of a student’s vibrant, demanding life.

Final Whistle

At University Optometric Center, we celebrate the dynamic energy of UCI students. For those who refuse to compromise on clarity, comfort, or performance, scleral lenses offer more than just an upgrade—they offer a competitive edge. Whether you’re chasing a ball, a degree, or both, scleral lenses are here to help you see your goals more clearly.