Scleral lenses are large, custom-fitted contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye instead of the cornea. They create a protective pocket of fluid over the cornea, making them an excellent choice for people with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or discomfort from regular contact lenses.
Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea without touching it. The space between the lens and the cornea fills with a preservative-free saline solution. This fluid reservoir keeps the eye hydrated and creates a smooth optical surface for clear vision.
Scleral lenses are made from rigid gas-permeable materials. These materials allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, which is important for keeping your eyes healthy during all-day wear.
Every scleral lens is custom-made to match the unique shape of your eye. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our optometrists use advanced imaging tools like corneal topography, the Pentacam, and the Tomey WaveDyn Aberrometer to map the surface of your eye. This ensures a precise fit that feels comfortable and stays stable throughout the day.
Traditional soft lenses sit directly on the cornea and conform to its shape. Scleral lenses, by contrast, rest on the sclera and create a new optical surface over the cornea. This makes them far more effective for people with corneal irregularities or chronic dryness.
Because scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive cornea, they tend to feel more comfortable than other types of contact lenses. The larger diameter spreads pressure evenly over the sclera, reducing irritation. Many patients report that they cannot feel the lenses once they are in place.
Scleral lenses create a uniform optical surface that smooths out corneal irregularities. This provides sharp, consistent vision that does not fluctuate throughout the day. The lenses stay securely in place, even during physical activity.
The fluid reservoir under the lens constantly bathes the cornea in moisture. This is especially helpful for people with dry eye conditions. The hydrating effect can also support healing in cases of corneal damage.
Modern scleral lenses allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea, which helps maintain eye health. This reduces the risk of redness, irritation, or complications from limited oxygen flow.
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision. Scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea and create a smooth surface for light to pass through. This can dramatically improve vision and comfort for patients with these conditions.
Patients who have had radial keratotomy, LASIK, or other refractive surgeries may develop corneal irregularities. Scleral lenses can mask these distortions and provide stable vision. They also work well for patients recovering from corneal transplants.
Conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy can cause corneal swelling and visual problems. Scleral lenses act as a protective, hydrating layer while improving clarity.
When the cornea is healing from burns or chemical exposure, scleral lenses act as a protective barrier. They shield the delicate tissue while promoting the healing process.
People with conditions like lagophthalmos or Bell's palsy may have incomplete blinking, which exposes the cornea to dryness. Scleral lenses provide continuous hydration and protection in these cases.
The built-in fluid reservoir keeps the eye surface constantly hydrated. This provides lasting relief from dry eye symptoms like burning, stinging, and irritation that do not respond well to other treatments.
Conditions like Sjogren's syndrome reduce tear production and cause painful dryness. Scleral lenses act as a moisture chamber that keeps the eye comfortable throughout the day. Patients with graft versus host disease or Stevens-Johnson syndrome may also benefit from the hydration and protection these lenses provide.
Some patients experience chronic dryness after LASIK or other refractive surgeries. Scleral lenses can relieve discomfort while also correcting any residual vision problems.
Kids with irregular corneas or severe dry eye often struggle with glasses or standard contacts. Scleral lenses offer a safe, stable, and comfortable option for younger patients.
Traditional lenses can shift during movement, causing blurred vision at critical moments. Scleral lenses stay securely in place and provide clear, consistent vision with reduced glare. This makes them a popular choice for sports.
Standard contact lenses may not provide sharp vision for people with strong prescriptions or significant astigmatism. Scleral lenses offer enhanced optical clarity and stability for these patients.
Some people experience irritation or allergic reactions to soft contact lens materials. The rigid gas-permeable materials in scleral lenses can be a comfortable alternative that does not trigger these sensitivities.
Getting scleral lenses starts with a detailed evaluation of your eyes. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our optometrists use tools like the Pentacam for corneal tomography and the Tomey WaveDyn Aberrometer to create a detailed map of your eye's surface. This information guides the design of your custom lenses.
You will try on diagnostic lenses so your eye doctor can assess the fit and make adjustments. The goal is to achieve a comfortable fit with proper clearance over the cornea and even resting on the sclera.
Our team teaches you how to safely insert and remove your scleral lenses. With practice, handling your lenses becomes a quick and easy part of your daily routine.
Regular follow-up visits ensure your lenses continue to fit well and your eyes stay healthy. Your eye doctor can make adjustments over time if needed.
Always fill your lenses with preservative-free saline solution before inserting them. This protects your eyes from irritation and maintains the fluid reservoir.
Clean your lenses each day with a cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. This removes debris and protein buildup, keeping your lenses clear and comfortable.
Store your lenses in a clean, dedicated case. Replace your case regularly and follow your eye doctor's instructions about lens care products.
Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Avoid tap water, which can contain harmful microorganisms. These habits help prevent eye infections.
Insight Vision Center Optometry has multiple optometrists with advanced training in scleral lens fitting. Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA holds fellowships from the Scleral Lens Education Society and the British Contact Lens Association. He co-founded the International Congress of Scleral Contacts and serves as a principal investigator for the WaveDyn wavefront-guided scleral lens study.
Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC also holds the FSLS fellowship and uses Pentacam corneal tomography for complex fittings. Dr. Nhi Nguyen, OD has experience with prosthetic lenses and scleral lenses for dry eye. Dr. Ariel Chen, OD and Dr. Valerie Lam, OD, FAAO, FOVDR round out the team with experience in pediatric and specialty contact lens care.
Our office uses the Tomey WaveDyn Aberrometer, anterior segment OCT, and Pentacam imaging to design lenses with precision. We fit lenses including HERO Scleral, EyePrintPRO, and wavefront-guided custom scleral designs.
Most patients adapt to scleral lenses within one to two weeks. The initial fitting appointments ensure the lenses fit properly. With practice, insertion and removal become easier, and any initial awareness of the lenses typically fades quickly.
Many patients wear their scleral lenses comfortably for 12 to 16 hours per day. Your eye doctor will recommend a wearing schedule based on your specific needs and eye health. Some patients may need to remove and refill their lenses midday.
There is a learning curve, but most patients become comfortable with the process within a few days of practice. Special tools like plungers can make insertion and removal easier. Our team provides hands-on training at your fitting appointments.
Scleral lenses are durable and typically last one to two years with proper care. Your eye doctor will monitor lens condition at follow-up visits and recommend replacement when needed.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for your lenses. Our staff can help you understand your benefits. Many patients find scleral lenses are a worthwhile investment in their vision and comfort.
Yes. Scleral lenses address both vision correction and dry eye symptoms at the same time. The fluid reservoir hydrates your cornea while the lens optics correct your prescription. This makes them an excellent option for people dealing with both issues.
