Are Scleral Lenses Right for You? What to Expect at Our Scottsdale Practice

Scleral lenses are larger, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. Their design allows the lens to vault over the corneal surface, creating a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye. This can provide clearer, more stable vision while helping protect and hydrate the cornea.

Unlike standard soft contact lenses, scleral lenses are individually designed based on the shape and visual needs of each eye. For patients who have struggled with traditional contacts, this customized approach may provide a more comfortable and dependable option.

Who May Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses can be helpful for patients with irregular corneas, complex prescriptions, or eye surface conditions that make ordinary contact lenses difficult to wear. You may be a candidate if you have:
 

• Keratoconus or another corneal irregularity

• Severe or persistent dry eye

• Irregular astigmatism

• Corneal scarring

• A history of corneal surgery or transplant

• Poor comfort or unstable vision with standard contact lenses

A specialty contact lens evaluation is the best way to determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate for your eyes. Our Scottsdale optometrist will consider your eye health, corneal shape, prescription, lifestyle, and previous contact lens experience before recommending a lens design.

What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting?

Your visit begins with a detailed eye examination and a discussion of your symptoms and vision goals. We evaluate the front surface of your eyes and take precise measurements to understand how a scleral lens should fit.

Trial lenses may be placed on your eyes so we can assess vision, comfort, alignment, and the amount of space between the lens and the cornea. Because scleral lenses are custom-made, the initial fitting may require adjustments. Follow-up visits allow us to refine the fit and confirm that the lenses support both clear vision and long-term eye health.

Learning to Insert and Remove Your Lenses

Scleral lenses require a different handling technique than standard contacts. Before you begin wearing them independently, our team will show you how to fill each lens with preservative-free saline, insert it without trapping air bubbles, remove it safely, and follow the recommended cleaning routine.

It may take some practice to become comfortable with the process. Proper handling and hygiene are essential, so we make sure you understand each step and have an opportunity to practice during your appointment.

What Results Can You Expect?

A properly fitted scleral lens may provide sharper and more consistent vision, especially when glasses or soft contacts cannot fully correct an irregular cornea. The fluid reservoir can also improve comfort for some patients with significant ocular surface dryness.

Results vary based on the condition being treated, and ongoing follow-up is important. Regular visits help us check the fit, monitor the health of the cornea, and make adjustments as your eyes or prescription change.

Ready for clearer, more comfortable vision? Call Zmyslinski Eye & Contact Lens Center in Scottsdale, AZ, at (480) 945-9971 to schedule your scleral lens evaluation today.