scleral lenses

Clearer, More Comfortable Vision for Irregular Corneas and Difficult-to-Fit Eyes

If standard contact lenses are uncomfortable or do not provide the vision you need, scleral lenses may offer a better solution.

At Eyemazing Optometric Care, we provide customized scleral lens evaluations and fittings for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, severe dry eye, and other complex vision needs.

Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses are larger rigid lenses that rest on the white portion of the eye—the sclera—rather than directly on the cornea. The lens vaults over the cornea and creates a reservoir of preservative-free saline between the lens and the eye.

This unique design can provide excellent vision, improved comfort, and protection for the ocular surface.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are specialty gas-permeable contact lenses designed to vault completely over the cornea.

Because the lens does not rest on the sensitive corneal surface, scleral lenses can be especially helpful for patients who have irregular corneal shapes or who cannot comfortably wear conventional contact lenses.

The space underneath the lens is filled with preservative-free saline before insertion. This fluid reservoir remains over the cornea while the lens is worn, helping maintain a smooth optical surface and providing continuous hydration.

  • Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thinner and develop an increasingly irregular or cone-like shape.

    As the cornea becomes more irregular, glasses and standard soft contact lenses may no longer provide clear vision.

    A scleral lens vaults over the irregular cornea rather than conforming to its shape. The fluid underneath the lens creates a smooth optical surface that can significantly reduce visual distortion caused by irregular astigmatism.

    For many patients with keratoconus, scleral lenses can provide substantially clearer and more stable vision than glasses.

  • Patients with significant dry eye sometimes struggle to wear conventional contact lenses because the lenses become uncomfortable as the eye dries.

    Scleral lenses work differently.

    Before insertion, the lens is filled with preservative-free saline. Once applied, this fluid remains between the lens and the cornea, creating a continuously hydrated environment over the ocular surface.

    For appropriately selected patients, this can improve comfort and protect sensitive corneal tissue throughout the day.

    Scleral lenses may be considered for patients with severe ocular surface disease when conventional dry-eye treatments alone do not provide adequate relief.

  • Irregular corneas scatter light unevenly as it enters the eye. This can cause:

    • Blurred vision

    • Ghosting or double images

    • Glare

    • Halos

    • Distorted vision

    • Poor night vision

    A scleral lens creates a new, smooth optical surface in front of the irregular cornea.

    Instead of trying to correct every irregularity with glasses, the lens and fluid reservoir help neutralize much of the irregular corneal shape.

    The result can be dramatically improved visual quality for appropriately selected patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are scleral lenses comfortable?

Many patients find scleral lenses surprisingly comfortable.

Because the lens rests primarily on the less-sensitive sclera rather than directly on the cornea, properly fitted scleral lenses can often be worn comfortably for extended periods.

Are scleral lenses hard contact lenses?

Scleral lenses are made from rigid gas-permeable materials, but they are much larger than traditional corneal rigid lenses.

Their larger diameter and scleral support are important reasons why they can feel more stable and comfortable than smaller rigid lenses.

Can scleral lenses correct keratoconus?

Scleral lenses do not eliminate keratoconus or permanently reshape the cornea.

Instead, they provide an optical surface that compensates for the irregular corneal shape while the lens is being worn.

Patients with progressive keratoconus should also be evaluated by an appropriate eye-care specialist to determine whether treatments such as corneal cross-linking are indicated.

Can I wear scleral lenses if soft contacts have failed?

Possibly.

Difficulty with traditional soft lenses does not automatically mean that scleral lenses will be uncomfortable. Because scleral lenses interact with the eye differently, some patients who cannot tolerate conventional lenses do very well with scleral lenses.

A specialty contact lens evaluation is necessary to determine whether you are a candidate.

How long does a scleral lens fitting take?

Simple cases may require only a few visits, while more complicated eyes may require several lens modifications.

Our goal is not simply to provide a lens that fits—we want the lens to provide good vision, comfort, and a healthy relationship with the ocular surface.

How long do scleral lenses last?

With appropriate handling and care, scleral lenses can often be used for an extended period. However, lenses may eventually need to be replaced because of prescription changes, changes in the eye, lens wear, scratches, deposits, or damage.

Regular follow-up examinations remain important even when your lenses feel comfortable.

Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?

Coverage varies significantly between insurance plans.

When scleral lenses are required because of a medical condition such as keratoconus or significant corneal irregularity, some plans may provide medically necessary contact lens benefits.

Coverage, authorization requirements, deductibles, and patient responsibility depend on the individual insurance policy.

Our office can help you understand the benefits available under your plan.