Question 1

What are scleral contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Scleral lenses are specialty contact lenses that are larger than standard soft contact lenses. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they gently vault over the front surface of the eye and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera.This design creates a smooth optical surface and a fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye, which can improve comfort and vision for patients who may not do well with traditional contact lenses.

Question 2

Who can benefit from scleral lenses?

Accepted Answer

Scleral lenses can be helpful for patients with a wide range of vision and comfort concerns, including keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, corneal scars, post-surgical corneas, corneal transplants, severe dry eye, and certain inflammatory or ocular surface conditions.They may also be a good option for patients who have been told they are “hard to fit” or who have not been successful with standard soft or gas permeable contact lenses.

Question 3

Are scleral lenses only for keratoconus?

Accepted Answer

No. While scleral lenses are commonly used for keratoconus, they can also help many other patients. They are often used for irregular corneas, post-LASIK or post-RK vision issues, corneal scarring, dry eye disease, and ocular surface protection.At LOOK Optometric, we evaluate both the vision needs and the health of the ocular surface to determine whether scleral lenses are the right fit.

Question 4

How are scleral lenses different from regular contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Traditional soft contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and move with each blink. Scleral lenses are larger, more stable, and designed to vault over the cornea. This can provide sharper, more consistent vision for irregular corneas and can also create a protective reservoir of fluid over the eye.Because they are custom-fit, scleral lenses require a more detailed fitting process than standard contact lenses.

Question 5

Are scleral lenses comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Many patients are shocked by how comfortable scleral lenses are. Even though they are larger and more rigid than soft contacts, they rest on a less sensitive part of the eye and do not rub directly on the cornea. From a research standpoint, scleral lenses have been shown to be similar to monthly soft contact lenses when it comes to comfort.

Question 6

Will scleral lenses improve my vision?

Accepted Answer

For patients with irregular corneas, scleral lenses can provide clearer and more stable vision than glasses or standard contact lenses. This is because the lens creates a smooth optical surface over the front of the eye.The amount of improvement depends on the underlying condition, the health of the eye, and the fit of the lens.

Question 7

Can scleral lenses help with dry eye?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scleral lenses can be helpful for some patients with moderate to severe dry eye or ocular surface disease. The fluid reservoir behind the lens can keep the front surface of the eye hydrated while the lens is worn.Scleral lenses are not the right treatment for every dry eye patient, but they can be an excellent option when dryness is significantly affecting comfort, vision, or quality of life.

Question 8

What happens during a scleral lens fitting?

Accepted Answer

A scleral lens fitting is more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. We evaluate your corneal shape, ocular surface health, prescription, vision goals, and how a diagnostic lens fits on your eye.We use several types of advanced imaging and measurements to help customize the lens design. The goal is to create a lens that provides clear vision, healthy alignment with the eye, and comfortable wear.

Question 9

How many visits does a scleral lens fitting take?

Accepted Answer

Scleral lens fittings usually require multiple visits. The first visit includes evaluation, measurements, and trial lens assessment. Once custom lenses are ordered, you return for dispensing, insertion and removal training, and follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit as needed.Because scleral lenses are highly customized, adjustments are common and are part of the fitting process, and take place over a 90 day fitting period.

Question 10

Can children or teens wear scleral lenses?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Scleral lenses may be appropriate for motivated childre, especially when they have conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas, or significant visual needs that are not well corrected with glasses or standard contacts.Success depends on the patient’s maturity, comfort with lens handling, and support at home.

Question 11

How long can I wear scleral lenses each day?

Accepted Answer

Wear time varies depending on the patient, the lens fit, the eye condition, and the doctor’s recommendations. Most patients are able to wear scleral lenses comfortably all day, while others may need to adjust wear-time based on the state of their eyes.We will provide specific wearing instructions based on your eyes and your lenses.

Question 12

Can I sleep in scleral lenses?

Accepted Answer

No. Scleral lenses should not be worn while sleeping unless your doctor has specifically instructed otherwise for a unique medical reason.Sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infection and other complications.

Question 13

How do I care for scleral lenses?

Accepted Answer

Scleral lenses require daily cleaning and disinfection. They are filled with preservative-free saline before insertion and stored overnight in an approved contact lens disinfection system.We will provide detailed instructions on which products to use and how to care for your lenses safely.

Question 14

How long do scleral lenses last?

Accepted Answer

With proper care, scleral lenses can often last around one to two years, but this varies depending on lens condition, prescription changes, deposits, handling, and ocular health.

Question 15

Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Coverage depends on your specific vision plan or medical insurance and the reason the lenses are being prescribed. Most vision plans will cover scleral lenses with only a small copay. Medical insurances will generally not cover the cost of the lenses, but will provide coverage for the visits required to fit the lenses.Our team can help review your benefits and explain estimated costs before moving forward.

Question 16

Can I wear scleral lenses if I have had LASIK, RK, or a corneal transplant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Scleral lenses are often used for patients who have irregular vision after procedures such as LASIK, RK, PRK, or corneal transplantation.A detailed exam is needed to determine whether scleral lenses are safe and appropriate for your eyes.

Question 17

What if I have tried contact lenses before and they did not work?

Accepted Answer

Many scleral lens patients come to us after struggling with traditional soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses fit elsewhere. Because scleral lenses are designed differently, they may still be an option even if other contact lenses were uncomfortable or if you did not have a good experience with scleral lenses elsewhere.Given the complexity of fitting scleral lenses, it is not uncommon for Dr. Elson to be able to obtain great vision and fit, even when patients have struggled with vision or comfort of lenses fit at another office.

Question 18

How do I know if I am a good candidate for scleral lenses?

Accepted Answer

The best way to know is to schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation. During the exam, we will assess your eye shape, prescription, corneal health, tear film, visual goals, and prior contact lens history.From there, we can determine whether scleral lenses are likely to be a good option for you.

Vision restored, not just corrected.

A different kind of contact lens.

Who scleral lenses are for.

Keratoconus

Severe Dry Eye

Post-Surgical Correction

Irregular Astigmatism

Hard-to-Fit Prescriptions

Corneal transplants

Fellowship-level fitting, end to end.

Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment

Initial Fitting

Custom Order

Dispense and Training

Follow-Up

A different kind of vision.

A note on cost.

Scleral Lens FAQ