Scleral Lens Fittings

Your fitting begins with a comprehensive eye exam and detailed corneal mapping. We use special equipment to measure the exact shape and size of your cornea and the white part of your eye. This information helps us select the best starting lens design for your unique eye shape and vision needs.

We place trial lenses on your eyes to evaluate the fit and comfort. Using blue light and special dye, we check that the lens vaults properly over your cornea without touching it. The lens should have adequate clearance over your entire cornea while resting comfortably on the tissue covering the white part of your eye.

Once we achieve the proper fit, we determine your prescription through the scleral lens. This process ensures you get the clearest possible vision with your new lenses. We may need to try several different lens designs to find the perfect combination of fit and vision quality.

Learning to handle scleral lenses takes practice because of their larger size. Our team teaches you the proper technique for inserting and removing your lenses safely. We provide hands-on training until you feel confident managing your lenses independently at home. Some patients may need multiple training sessions or take-home materials to master the technique.

After you receive your custom lenses, we schedule regular follow-up appointments. These visits allow us to monitor your eye health, assess lens performance, and make any necessary adjustments. Proper follow-up care ensures long-term success with your scleral lenses and helps prevent complications.

Scleral lenses settle on your eye over the first few hours of wear. We time our assessments to account for this settling and may need to see you multiple times. This careful monitoring ensures your lenses maintain proper clearance and alignment as they settle into position. Too much settling can cause problems, so we watch this closely.

Most patients need time to adjust to the feeling of wearing larger lenses. You may notice increased awareness of the lens initially, but this sensation typically decreases within a few days to weeks. Start with shorter wearing times and gradually increase as comfort improves over time.

Many patients notice immediate improvement in vision clarity once the lenses are properly fitted. However, your brain may need time to adapt to the new visual input, especially if you have had poor vision for a long time. Maximum visual benefit often develops over several weeks of consistent wear.

Comfort typically improves as you become accustomed to inserting and wearing the lenses. Most patients develop confidence with handling within the first few weeks of wear. Our team is available to help with any difficulties during this adjustment period with additional training if needed.

You may need to make minor adjustments to your daily routine, such as allowing extra time for lens insertion and removal. Most activities including sports and exercise are possible with scleral lenses. We can provide specific guidance based on your lifestyle and activities.

Learn to recognize when you should stop wearing your lenses and contact our office. Remove lenses immediately if you experience pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes. Other warning signs include persistent discomfort, ghosting, halos, or any unusual symptoms. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and protects your eye health.

While rare, complications can include corneal swelling from lack of oxygen, lens binding to the eye, tissue irritation, or blood vessel growth. Regular follow-up appointments help us monitor for these issues and address them quickly if they occur. Most complications can be prevented with proper fit and care.

The initial fitting appointment typically takes two to three hours. This allows time for comprehensive measurements, trial fitting, and training on insertion and removal. You may need several follow-up visits over the first few months to ensure optimal fit and comfort. The entire process from first visit to final lens delivery usually takes four to eight weeks.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for scleral lenses when they are medically necessary for conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal irregularities. Coverage varies significantly between insurance companies and plans. Our office staff can verify your benefits and help determine your coverage before starting the fitting process. Pre-authorization may be required.

No, scleral lenses are designed for daily wear and should be removed before sleeping. Extended wear increases the risk of complications including corneal swelling, infections, and other serious problems. Most patients wear their lenses comfortably for 12 to 16 hours during waking hours.

If your prescription changes, we can often modify your existing lenses rather than replacing them entirely. Minor prescription changes can sometimes be incorporated into the current lens design. Regular eye exams help us monitor any changes and adjust your lenses accordingly. Significant prescription changes may require completely new lenses to be manufactured.

Our eye doctors evaluate your eye health, vision needs, lifestyle, and motivation to determine if scleral lenses are appropriate. A comprehensive consultation including corneal mapping and vision testing can help identify whether these specialized lenses would benefit your specific condition. We consider all factors before recommending this treatment option.

We keep your lens measurements and specifications on file and can order replacement lenses when needed. Manufacturing replacement lenses typically takes two to four weeks. Backup lenses are often recommended for patients who depend on their scleral lenses for daily activities. We can discuss backup options during your fitting process.

Most people find scleral lenses very comfortable because they rest on the less sensitive tissue covering the white part of your eye rather than directly on the cornea. The lenses tuck under your eyelids, so you feel less lid interaction compared to smaller contacts. Proper fit and handling techniques help maximize comfort throughout the day.

Yes, scleral lenses create a continuous fluid reservoir that hydrates and protects your cornea all day long. This makes them excellent for treating severe dry eye conditions that do not respond well to eye drops, punctal plugs, or other treatments. Many patients experience significant relief from dry eye symptoms while wearing these lenses.

Wear time varies from person to person, but many patients progress to wearing their lenses for 12 or more hours daily. Some people benefit from removing their lenses midday to clean and refill with fresh saline, especially when first adjusting. Follow your eye doctor's instructions for safe daily wear times based on your specific needs and eye health.

Scleral lenses are very stable and unlikely to fall out during normal activities. The larger diameter sits securely under your eyelids and centers well on your eye. Once you become skilled at inserting them properly, they stay in place reliably throughout your daily activities including exercise and sports.

If you notice a bubble after insertion, remove the lens, refill it completely with sterile saline, and reinsert it properly. Bubbles can cause blurred vision and localized dryness, so they should not be ignored. With practice, you will learn to avoid bubbles during insertion by filling the lens completely and inserting it smoothly.

Most scleral lenses last one to two years with proper care and handling. The exact lifespan depends on the lens material, how well you care for them, your individual eye chemistry, and how often you wear them. Your eye doctor will help determine the best replacement schedule based on regular evaluations of your lenses and eye health.

Most activities are possible with scleral lenses including swimming, sports, exercise, and outdoor activities. The lenses provide excellent stability and protection. However, avoid activities with high risk of eye trauma. For swimming, some doctors recommend removing lenses to prevent contamination, while others approve swimming with proper precautions.

When traveling, bring extra supplies including backup lenses if available, cleaning solutions, saline for filling, and your lens case. Pack supplies in both carry-on and checked luggage. Bring a letter from your eye doctor explaining your medical need for the solutions to help with airport security.

Stop wearing your lenses immediately and contact our office if you develop symptoms of infection including pain, redness, discharge, or vision changes. Do not resume lens wear until cleared by your eye doctor. Most infections can be treated successfully with prompt medical attention and proper antibiotic therapy.

Yes, children can wear scleral lenses if they are mature enough to handle insertion, removal, and care responsibilities. Age alone is not the determining factor - maturity, motivation, and ability to follow instructions are more important. Parents must be involved in the care routine and follow-up appointments.

Initially, follow-up visits are scheduled frequently to monitor fit and comfort. After the first few months, most patients need check-ups every six months to one year. However, you should schedule an appointment sooner if you experience any problems or changes in vision or comfort.

Good candidates have realistic expectations, motivation to learn proper care techniques, adequate hand dexterity for handling, and eye conditions that would benefit from scleral lens correction. Patients must be willing to commit to proper lens care and regular follow-up appointments for long-term success.