Scleral Contact Lenses
What Scleral Lenses Are?
Scleral lenses are custom, rigid lenses designed to rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera, while creating a fluid-filled space over the cornea. This design helps improve vision clarity and provides protection to the eye.
Unlike soft contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the sclera, which means they don’t touch the center of the eye. This feature makes them more stable and comfortable than regular lenses. These lenses are also much larger, typically ranging from 16 to 24 millimeters in diameter, compared to the 14 to 16 millimeters of standard lenses.
Each scleral lens is filled with a preservative-free saline solution before it is inserted into the eye. This fluid layer creates a smooth surface between the lens and the cornea, improving vision and keeping the eye moist and comfortable for long periods of time.
Modern scleral lenses are made from materials that allow oxygen to pass through, which is crucial for maintaining the health of your cornea. The level of oxygen that reaches the eye depends on factors such as the thickness of the lens and the materials used. A proper fit and consistent care ensure that your eye gets the oxygen it needs while wearing the lenses.
Scleral lenses are beneficial for individuals with various eye conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eyes, corneal scarring, and abnormal eye shapes. They offer a solution for those whose vision cannot be corrected adequately by glasses or standard contact lenses.
Eye Conditions We Treat
Our specialists use scleral lenses to treat a wide range of eye conditions, particularly those that make traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or unfeasible. These lenses not only correct vision but also improve the overall health and comfort of the eyes.
Keratoconus causes the cornea to become cone-shaped, leading to blurry and distorted vision that glasses cannot adequately correct. Scleral lenses provide a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, significantly improving vision. They also offer protection to the cornea by preventing damage from rubbing, although they do not halt the progression of keratoconus.
Individuals with severe dry eye often find regular contact lenses uncomfortable, if not impossible, to wear. Scleral lenses offer relief by maintaining a layer of moisture between the lens and the cornea. This continuous hydration helps reduce symptoms such as burning, irritation, and redness, while promoting healing of the affected tissue.
Corneal scars caused by injury, infection, or previous surgeries can lead to blurry vision and difficulties wearing regular contact lenses. Scleral lenses create a new, smooth surface over the scar tissue, which often results in clearer vision. These lenses also protect the sensitive cornea from additional irritation caused by blinking.
Some individuals with high refractive errors or irregular eye shapes struggle to achieve clear vision with glasses or traditional contacts. Scleral lenses correct these issues by staying in a stable position and creating a uniform surface that improves focus.
For those who have undergone eye surgery, such as a corneal transplant or laser surgery, the shape of the cornea may be irregular, making traditional contact lenses difficult to wear. Scleral lenses provide a comfortable, stable option for clear vision, and should be fitted under the supervision of an experienced eye doctor to ensure optimal comfort and safety.
Benefits and Advantages
Scleral lenses offer several advantages over standard contact lenses, providing superior comfort and vision quality, especially for individuals with specialized needs.
Scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye and not on the sensitive cornea, making them significantly more comfortable than traditional contact lenses. Because of their larger size, they move less during blinking, which reduces irritation. Many people can wear them for 12 to 16 hours without discomfort.
The rigid design and large size of scleral lenses ensure that they stay in place throughout the day, providing consistent and stable vision. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with irregular corneas or eye shape issues, as the lenses remain stable and do not rotate like soft lenses.
The saline solution layer between the lens and the cornea ensures that the eye remains moist throughout the day, reducing discomfort caused by dryness. This feature also helps promote healing of damaged corneal tissue by providing a constant supply of moisture.
Scleral lenses provide a barrier against environmental irritants such as dust, wind, and debris. Additionally, they protect the cornea from the friction caused by blinking, creating a better environment for healing, especially for individuals with corneal injuries or conditions.
Many people experience clearer and sharper vision with scleral lenses compared to glasses or regular contact lenses. These lenses help correct uneven corneal surfaces, providing crisp, clear vision, even for individuals with complex or severe eye conditions.
Getting Fitted for Scleral Lenses
Fitting scleral lenses requires multiple visits to ensure the best possible fit and optimal results. The process is thorough and personalized to ensure that the lenses meet the individual needs of each patient.
Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive eye exam where the doctor will assess your vision, eye health, and suitability for scleral lenses. Detailed measurements of your eyes, including the curvature and shape of your cornea, will help determine the right type of lenses for you.
During the fitting session, the doctor will try different lens sizes and designs to determine the best fit. The use of special dyes and lighting helps ensure the lenses sit correctly on the eye, creating a smooth and comfortable surface for vision correction. Several trials may be necessary to find the perfect fit.
Once the proper fit is found, the doctor or staff will teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. This training typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and you will practice with guidance until you feel confident managing the lenses on your own.
After the initial fitting, you will have follow-up visits to monitor the performance of the lenses and ensure they fit well. Most patients require two to three follow-up visits in the first few months to check their eye health and make any necessary adjustments to the lenses.
Once your lenses are properly fitted and working well, regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months will be scheduled. During these visits, the doctor will check for any changes in your eye health and make sure your lenses continue to provide optimal vision and comfort.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of scleral lenses is essential for ensuring long-lasting comfort and clear vision. Consistent care will also help prevent infections and damage to the lenses.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. At the end of the day, remove the lenses and rinse them with the prescribed cleaning solution. Gently rub the lenses with your fingertips to clean both sides for at least 10 seconds, ensuring thorough cleaning.
Your eye doctor will recommend a cleaning solution specifically designed for scleral lenses, either peroxide-based or multi-purpose. If you use a peroxide-based solution, ensure that your lenses soak for at least 6 hours before re-wearing them to avoid irritation or discomfort.
Store your lenses in a clean, fresh solution in a proper lens case. It's important to replace your lens case every 3 months to prevent contamination. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean or store your lenses, as this can lead to serious infections.
Fill your lenses with preservative-free saline solution before insertion. This fluid layer ensures comfort and hydration. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped underneath the lens when inserting it.
With proper care, scleral lenses can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Signs that it's time to replace your lenses include reduced comfort, a decline in vision quality, or visible damage to the lens. Regular check-ups will help determine when replacement is necessary.
Safety and Managing Problems
Scleral lenses are safe when properly fitted and maintained, though there are risks if not handled with care. Understanding potential issues and following proper care guidelines helps minimize risks and ensures a safe wearing experience.
Ensuring that the lenses allow sufficient oxygen to reach your cornea is essential to prevent swelling or blurred vision. If your lenses cause discomfort or cloudiness, remove them and contact your eye doctor to ensure proper fit and oxygen flow.
Although the risk of infection is low, it's important to follow proper hygiene practices to avoid contamination. Never sleep in your lenses unless directed by your doctor, and avoid exposing them to water. If you experience symptoms such as pain, redness, or sensitivity to light, remove the lenses immediately and seek medical advice.
Air bubbles trapped under the lenses can reduce vision clarity and cause discomfort. If this happens, remove the lens and reinsert it carefully, ensuring it is fully filled with saline and no air is trapped inside.
Debris can sometimes build up in the fluid layer, causing vision to become cloudy. If this happens, remove the lens, rinse it, and refill it with saline. Regular cleaning and good hygiene can help prevent this issue.
If the edges of your lenses feel scratchy or lift away from the eye, it may indicate a poor fit. Your eye doctor may need to adjust the lens size or shape to improve comfort and stability.
Living with Scleral Lenses
Once fitted correctly, scleral lenses can be worn comfortably for long hours. With proper care and occasional adjustments, most individuals enjoy a comfortable experience while benefiting from enhanced vision quality.
Initially, you may feel some awareness of the lenses, but most people adapt quickly. If discomfort persists beyond the initial adjustment period, your doctor can make changes to improve the fit.
Scleral lenses provide stable, clear vision for tasks such as reading, working on a computer, or other detailed activities. Taking short breaks to blink and rest your eyes will help prevent discomfort.
Many people find that scleral lenses provide excellent vision stability during sports and outdoor activities. However, protective eyewear is recommended for contact sports or activities involving dust and debris.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks to adjust to wearing scleral lenses for the entire day. Some patients may need to remove and refill their lenses during the day initially. Over time, this requirement often decreases.
- Follow your personalized break-in schedule
- Carry saline solution and removal tools for convenience
- Avoid naps while wearing lenses
- Remove lenses if you experience discomfort or irritation
When traveling, carry a small kit with saline, cleaning solution, and a lens case. It's also a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses or extra lenses in case of emergencies.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of scleral lenses reflects the custom nature of the lenses, materials, and the fitting process. Coverage may vary depending on whether the lenses are prescribed for medical purposes.
The cost of scleral lenses includes the eye exam, fitting, follow-up visits, and the custom-designed lenses. Complex cases may require additional steps, which can affect the overall cost. However, many patients find that scleral lenses provide superior vision and comfort compared to other options.
Many insurance plans will cover scleral lenses if they are deemed medically necessary for conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye. We can help you understand your insurance benefits and assist in obtaining coverage if applicable.
Many scleral lenses come with a warranty that allows for adjustments or exchanges during the initial period. The lifespan of the lenses depends on how they are worn, maintained, and the health of your eyes.
Regular purchases of saline solutions, cleaning supplies, and cases will be needed. However, these ongoing costs are typically lower than those associated with daily disposable lenses. We can help you find the most cost-effective options for lens care supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers provide insights into common concerns regarding scleral lenses. For more personalized guidance, a consultation with an eye care professional is recommended.
Yes, most people find them comfortable after a brief adjustment period. Because they rest on the sclera and not the sensitive cornea, they generally cause less irritation than standard contact lenses.
With proper care, scleral lenses can last from 1 to 2 years or more. Regular check-ups are important to ensure they continue to fit well and provide optimal vision.
Yes, the fluid layer between the lens and cornea provides constant moisture, which helps alleviate the symptoms of dry eye, including burning and irritation.
Most people can comfortably wear scleral lenses for 8 to 14 hours a day once they are fully adjusted. Some individuals may wear them for longer periods.
Contact our office immediately to discuss replacement options. We keep backup information for most patients or can quickly order new lenses.
Yes, scleral lenses can be a safe and effective solution for children with conditions like keratoconus. Proper training and regular follow-ups are important to ensure safe use.
Yes, many people who have had corneal transplants find that scleral lenses provide better vision and comfort than glasses after the procedure.
While scleral lenses improve vision and protect the cornea from rubbing, they do not stop the progression of keratoconus. Other treatments may be necessary to slow the condition.
It is recommended to remove scleral lenses before swimming, showering, or engaging in water activities to avoid the risk of eye infections.
Scleral lenses are larger than regular contacts, but with proper instruction, most people find them easy to handle and insert.
Some patients may need to remove and refill their lenses during the day, especially in the beginning. This is normal and usually decreases as the eyes adjust to wearing them.
If you accidentally sleep in your lenses, remove them as soon as you wake up and check for any irritation. If you experience discomfort or redness, contact our office for advice.
Yes, preservative-free eye drops can be used with scleral lenses. Many people find they need fewer drops because the lenses provide continuous moisture to the eyes.
After the initial fitting, most patients need follow-up visits every 6 to 12 months to ensure their lenses continue to fit properly and provide clear vision.
Schedule Your Scleral Lens Consultation
If you think scleral lenses may be the right solution for you, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our experienced eye doctors at ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield are ready to help you find the perfect fit and provide you with the best vision possible.
I got a same-day appointment with Dr. Pasternack after a walk-in clinic visit. He confirmed no debris, gave me treatment, and my eye quickly improved. Great care—lesson learned: always wear safety glasses!
Michael Pieper
Dr. Dinowitz and his team are wonderful. The staff was extremely courteous. Dr. Dinowitz personalized my experience by getting to know me, was patient, and answered my questions thoroughly.
ماركوان جونز
Had an emergency visit and felt great relief knowing I didn't have to wait any to be seen. Thank you to the great staff and Doctor Dinowitz!
Debi Carpenter
The medical staff is professional and friendly. Dr Dinowitz was attentive and provided reassurance and option to contact the office anytime I had an issue.
Pamela Dutta
The doctors and staff are outstanding. I was seen the same day for possible retina issues. Thankfully it wasn’t serious, but I truly appreciated the respectful, thorough care I received.
Kevin Noblet
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