Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses offer superior vision and comfort.

They are a perfect solution for individuals with high prescriptions/astigmatism, irregular corneas, dry eyes and those that need readers over contact lenses.

Scleral contact lenses have improved the lives of many people by allowing them to see clearer and more comfortably than with off-the-shelf contact lenses. The fit of scleral lenses is customized to each individual, based on the shape of one's eye.

Scleral contact lenses provide profound comfort and vision for patients with keratoconus, post-LASIK complications, post-radial keratectomy surgery, high astigmatism, high prescriptions, corneal scarring, and "hard-to-fit" eyes. Scleral contact lenses are also great options for dry eyes, as they keep the eye lubricated throughout the day.

Our doctors have years of experience prescribing custom scleral lenses. During the contact lens evaluation experience, a topographical map of the eyes' surface is performed to ensure optimal alignment of the scleral contact lens to the contour of the eye. With this custom alignment, the resultant vision will be sharp and precise. The scleral lens only touches the white part of the eye, which has limited nerve endings. This results in superior comfort.

Scleral contact lenses truly change patient's lives. Visit our specialty contact lens experts for a scleral lens consultation.

What happens in a scleral lens evaluation?

After scheduling a scleral contact lens evaluation, a series of scans will be performed on the eye to determine the proper contact lens design for the shape of the eye. One of these scans includes a corneal topography, which reveals the elevation, contour, and height of the cornea.

One of our doctors will then choose a diagnostic lens that will be placed on the eye. From that diagnostic lens, further modifications are made for a truly customized fit. Once the scleral contact lens parameters are determined, the custom scleral lenses will be ordered and will arrive within one to two weeks.

Our specialty contact lens technicians review how to properly care and handle the lenses, including how to insert and remove the scleral lenses, how to clean the lenses, and how to care for the scleral lenses.

Why are scleral lenses larger than other contact lenses?

Scleral lenses are custom designed to vault over the cornea and land on the white part of the eye. Lenses that rest on the cornea tend to be less comfortable, due to a high density of sensitive nerves in the cornea. In contrast, the sclera (the white part of our eye) has a limited amount of nerves that are not very sensitive. This is what allows the scleral lens to be so comfortable for patients.

With the lens vaulting over the cornea, there is a constant fluid reservoir between the contact lens and cornea, keeping the eye lubricated throughout the day. This fluid reservoir will mask any corneal irregularities and prevent fluctuations in vision.

Who benefits from scleral lenses?

• High or complicated prescriptions
• Those that have been told they are not a candidate for contact lenses
• Unsuccessful history with other contact lenses, either due to poor vision or comfort
• Keratoconus
• Patients who have have a history of corneal transplant surgery, corneal scarring,
• trauma, or post-LASIK complications
• Aphakia
• Chemical and burn injuries
• Corneal degenerations and dystrophies
• Dry eyes
• Allergies
• Eyelid abnormalities
• Graft vs host disease
• Sensitivity to light
• Steven’s Johnson Syndrome

Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?

Many vision insurance plans and some medical insurances will offer benefits toward the cost of services and materials associated with scleral contact lens evaluations for certain conditions and prescriptions. This type of coverage is called medically necessary contact lens coverage. Our office can help determine if you have this option or how to get this coverage with your insurance.