Scleral Lenses

What makes scleral lenses different

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault entirely over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, the sclera, instead of resting directly on the cornea like a standard contact lens. That gap between the lens and the cornea fills with tears, creating a smooth, stable optical surface in front of an eye that may otherwise be too irregular for clear, comfortable vision.

Because they don't touch the cornea itself, scleral lenses can correct vision that standard soft or gas-permeable lenses simply can't, while often feeling more stable and comfortable throughout the day.

Who scleral lenses are typically fitted for

Scleral lenses are most often recommended for patients with keratoconus or other conditions that cause an irregular corneal shape, eyes that have had corneal surgery or a transplant, and patients with severe dry eye who need the tear reservoir a scleral lens provides to keep the eye's surface protected and comfortable throughout the day. They're also an option when glasses or standard contacts no longer provide sharp, reliable vision.

Not every irregular cornea needs a scleral lens — some respond well to standard toric or corneal gas-permeable lenses — which is why a comprehensive fitting evaluation matters before settling on the right design.

What the fitting process involves

Fitting a scleral lens starts with detailed measurements of your cornea and the surrounding scleral shape, often using corneal topography to map the eye's surface precisely. Because these lenses are custom-designed to vault a specific eye, the fitting process typically involves trial lenses to assess how the lens settles, how it moves, and how the tear layer beneath it behaves before finalizing the design.

This is a more involved process than a standard contact lens fitting, and it may take a visit or two to fine-tune the fit. We walk you through each step and explain what we're checking for along the way, so you understand why adjustments are being made.

Wearing and caring for scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are inserted with a small amount of preservative-free saline to fill the space between the lens and the cornea, and removed with a technique that's a little different from standard contacts. We provide hands-on training on insertion, removal, and lens care until you're confident handling your lenses on your own.

Because the fit and comfort of a scleral lens depend on how well it interacts with your specific eye, we recommend regular follow-up visits to confirm the lenses continue to fit well and to make adjustments as needed over time.

Is a scleral lens right for you?

If you've been told your cornea is too irregular for standard contacts, or you're living with keratoconus, a corneal transplant, or severe dry eye that hasn't responded to other treatments, a scleral lens evaluation at Estevez and Associates Vision Centers, LLC can determine whether this option is a good fit for your eyes. Schedule an evaluation to find out more, or learn about our other contact lens options if you're not sure which path is right for you.