Toric Haptics & Landing Zones: Why Edge Alignment Matters

In the world of specialty contact lenses, success often hinges on millimeters, microns, and moments of thoughtful observation. At OC Optometry Group, we like to say that scleral lenses don’t merely sit on the eye—they negotiate a long-term lease. And as with any good lease, the details of where and how they land matter tremendously. Enter the often-underappreciated stars of scleral design: toric haptics and landing zones.

A Quick Refresher: What Are Haptics and Landing Zones?

In scleral lenses, the haptic is the peripheral portion of the lens—the part that lands on the sclera (the white of the eye). The landing zone describes how that haptic aligns with the scleral shape. While the cornea gets most of the attention early in fitting, it’s the scleral alignment that determines long-term comfort, lens stability, and ocular health.

Here’s the twist: the sclera is not uniformly round. In fact, for many patients, it’s toric—meaning it has different curvatures in different meridians. A spherical haptic on a toric sclera is a bit like putting a round table on an uneven floor. Something will rock, press, or lift where it shouldn’t.

Why Toric Haptics Exist (and Why They Matter)

Toric haptics are designed to match the asymmetric shape of the sclera. When properly aligned, they distribute pressure evenly across the ocular surface. This seemingly small adjustment can dramatically improve:

• Comfort: Even pressure reduces localized soreness and end-of-day fatigue.

• Stability: Better alignment means less lens rotation and fewer awareness issues.

• Ocular health: Proper landing minimizes conjunctival blanching, compression, and rebound redness.

Patients often describe the difference succinctly: “I forgot I was wearing them.” In specialty lens fitting, that’s high praise.

The Art and Science of Edge Alignment

Edge alignment is where precision meets patience. A lens that lands too tightly may restrict blood flow, causing blanching and discomfort. Too loose, and you may see edge lift, debris infiltration, or bubbles that compromise vision and comfort.

At OC Optometry Group, we evaluate edge alignment dynamically—looking not only at how the lens appears at application, but how it behaves after hours of wear. Scleral lenses are marathon runners, not sprinters. What matters is how the landing zone performs over time.

Subtle signs guide us: sectoral redness, lens awareness in specific quadrants, or fluctuating vision. These clues often point directly to the need for toric or quadrant-specific haptic adjustments.

When Patients Feel It Before They See It

Interestingly, patients may feel edge misalignment long before it becomes obvious under the slit lamp. A vague sense of pressure, awareness on one side, or discomfort that worsens throughout the day is often the lens politely asking for refinement.

This is why follow-up visits are not optional—they’re essential. Scleral lenses are customized medical devices, and refinement is part of responsible care, not a sign of failure.

Precision That Pays Off

When toric haptics and landing zones are thoughtfully designed, the results are transformative. Patients experience longer wear times, better comfort, and healthier eyes. For those with irregular corneas, ocular surface disease, or complex prescriptions, this precision can be life-changing.

At OC Optometry Group, we embrace the philosophy that excellence lives at the edge—literally. Because when a scleral lens aligns beautifully with the eye, it doesn’t draw attention to itself. It simply does its job, quietly and elegantly.

And in optometry, that kind of subtle perfection is always worth pursuing.

Author

Alejandro Gallego Having joined us in 2025, Alejandro has quickly shown his adaptability and commitment. Knowing the importance of our practice as he has had several years of experience in other healthcare areas. Efforts to excellence are evident from day one. We’re excited to support him as he continues to grow within our organization.