A scleral lens is a type of contact lens designed for individuals with complex eye conditions or irregularities where standard contact lenses may not be effective. Unlike traditional soft or rigid contact lenses, which sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses cover a larger portion of the eye and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. This design creates a small space between the lens and the cornea that fills with tear fluid. As a result, scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with dry eyes, as they help to hydrate and protect the surface of the eye from dryness.

Scleral lenses are often prescribed for people with irregular corneal shapes, such as those with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. They are also used for individuals with corneal scarring caused by injury or infection, or after certain eye surgeries. The tear-filled space beneath the lens acts as a cushion, smoothing out any irregularities in the cornea and allowing the wearer to see clearly.

Fitting scleral lenses usually requires precise measurements of the eye, as these lenses are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit. While the process of inserting and removing scleral lenses may take more practice compared to regular contact lenses, many users find them to be highly comfortable after an initial adjustment period. The design of scleral lenses offers a stable fit, meaning they are less likely to shift or fall out of the eye, even during vigorous physical activity.

The development of scleral lenses has had a significant impact on eye care, as they provide a solution for people who previously could not wear contact lenses due to their specific eye conditions. They offer a combination of protection, vision correction, and comfort, making them a valuable option for individuals who struggle with traditional corrective methods.

View clinics >

Why Are Scleral Lenses Used?

Scleral lenses are often recommended for individuals with conditions that cause significant issues with their corneas or general eye health, making traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or ineffective. These lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than directly on the cornea. Scleral lenses are particularly useful for patients with corneal irregularities, such as keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to distorted vision. They are also a preferred option for individuals who suffer from severe dry eye, as the design of scleral lenses creates a tear reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing constant moisture. Additionally, scleral lenses are beneficial for people who have undergone corneal transplants or have experienced trauma to the eye. For these patients, scleral lenses offer a more stable, comfortable fit and can significantly improve vision when other options are not viable. In essence, scleral lenses provide a solution for people who need specialized vision correction or relief from discomfort caused by various corneal or ocular conditions.

How Are Scleral Lenses Fitted?

Fitting scleral lenses is a detailed and personalized process that involves several steps to ensure the lenses provide maximum comfort and effectiveness. The fitting process starts with a thorough eye examination, where an eye care specialist takes precise measurements of the cornea and sclera using special instruments, such as a topographer and a slit lamp. These measurements are essential because scleral lenses must be custom-made to match the unique shape of each eye. Once the lenses are designed, they are placed on the eye to assess how well they fit and to ensure there is a sufficient tear reservoir between the lens and the cornea. The eye care provider will also check for any issues with lens movement or discomfort. Patients may need to try several different lenses or modifications before finding the optimal fit. The fitting process is crucial because poorly fitting lenses can cause discomfort or lead to vision issues. Once the perfect fit is achieved, the patient will be trained on how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses. The fitting process often requires multiple visits over several weeks, as adjustments may be necessary for the lenses to provide the best possible vision and comfort.

What Are the Benefits of Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses offer a wide range of benefits, particularly for individuals who have struggled with standard contact lenses or glasses due to corneal irregularities or other eye conditions. One of the main advantages is the improved comfort they provide, especially for patients with severe dry eye syndrome. The large-diameter design of scleral lenses creates a protective layer of fluid between the lens and the cornea, keeping the eye moisturized throughout the day. This helps alleviate discomfort and irritation that may occur with traditional contact lenses or even glasses. For individuals with keratoconus or corneal scarring, scleral lenses offer significant vision improvement by creating a smooth surface over the irregularly shaped cornea, which helps to correct distorted or blurry vision. The stability and comfort of scleral lenses also make them an excellent choice for those with corneal transplants or other conditions that prevent regular contact lenses from fitting properly. Additionally, scleral lenses are known for their durability and can often last much longer than standard contact lenses, providing a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Overall, the benefits of scleral lenses include better vision, improved comfort, and enhanced quality of life, particularly for individuals with complex eye conditions that traditional lenses cannot address.

View clinics >

Scleral Lenses explained in detail

General questions

Make sure you have all relevant medical information ready, such as previous treatments, allergies, or medical conditions. This allows the doctor to give you better advice.
During your consultation, you will discuss your wishes, medical history, and expectations with the doctor. The doctor will examine you, take measurements if necessary, and explain which treatment suits you best, including risks and recovery. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and then receive a clear treatment proposal.
Through SurgeryBooking.com, you can quickly and easily book a consultation or procedure with doctors and clinics worldwide. SurgeryBooking.com provides an overview of doctors and clinics, allowing you to make an informed and transparent choice when booking a consultation or procedure.
You can easily book through the profile of the desired clinic or doctor. Select the desired treatment, enter your details, and choose an available date and time. If there are any costs involved, you will complete the payment first. Afterwards, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details.
Yes, during the booking process, you can indicate whether you prefer an online consultation or an in-person consultation at the clinic.
Payment is made securely via SurgeryBooking. You pay the amount in advance to SurgeryBooking. We hold the funds and transfer them to the clinic after your treatment. Cancellation or change conditions vary per clinic and are clearly communicated in advance.
During the consultation (online or at the clinic), the doctor will assess this based on your health, expectations, and physical characteristics. You will discuss what you want, what is possible, and what the limitations are. Sometimes there are alternatives if the chosen treatment is not ideal.
With SurgeryBooking.com, you gain access to a global network of doctors and clinics. Through SurgeryBooking.com, you can easily book a consultation or a cosmetic procedure directly. Clinic profiles provide information about available cosmetic procedures, reviews, photos of the clinic, and other relevant details. This enables you to compare costs and make an informed decision when booking a consultation or procedure.