Key Takeaways
- Scleral lenses rest on the white of the eye and vault over the clear outer layer of the eye, making them a good option for irregular corneas, dry eye, or keratoconus.
- Fitting appointments typically take 30 to 60 minutes and don’t require dilation.
- Most people need follow-up visits after the initial fitting.
- Some vision plans cover part of the fitting cost, so it’s worth checking your specific benefit plan before your appointment.
If regular contact lenses have never quite worked for you, it might be that standard lenses just aren’t the right fit for your eye shape or condition. You may have heard of scleral lenses and wondered whether they could be the solution. At River City Vision Center, our team has experience fitting these types of contact lenses for those with irregular corneas, dry eye, or conditions like keratoconus.
Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that rests on the white part of your eye, called the sclera, and vaults over the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. That gap between the lens and your cornea fills with a fluid reservoir, which helps to keep your eye comfortable and your vision clear throughout the day.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are a special type of contact lens that can be used for a range of eye conditions. Scleral lenses rest on the white of the eye and arch over the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye), creating a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye that can help support comfort and protect the corneal surface.
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea is shaped more like a cone than a dome, which causes blurry vision at all distances. For those with keratoconus or irregular corneas, scleral lenses can offer a vision correction solution beyond glasses because they don’t sit directly on the cornea.
They can also be a great fit for those with dry eye, as some contact lenses can disrupt the tear film and contribute to dryness. The fluid reservoir can help maintain moisture over the corneal surface and may provide relief for some people with dry eye.
Finding the Right Optometrist for a Scleral Lens Fitting
What to Look For
Not every eye care clinic offers scleral lens fittings. It’s a specialized process, so you’ll want to find an optometrist who has hands-on experience fitting them. A good starting point is to ask directly about their experience and how many patients they fit with scleral lenses regularly.
You should also ask about the follow-up care included. Scleral lens fitting often involves more than 1 visit, and knowing how the process works upfront can save you from surprises later.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
It’s a good idea to come prepared to your fitting. We recommend bringing your current glasses or contact lenses to the appointment, along with any past prescriptions or eye care records you have. The more your optometrist knows about your vision history, the more efficiently the fitting can go.
What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting
Step-by-Step Breakdown
The fitting process is more detailed than a standard contact lens fitting, but it can be straightforward once you know what to expect. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Your optometrist takes detailed measurements of your eye and maps the shape of your cornea.
- A trial lens is placed on your eye, and you wait a few minutes for it to settle into position.
- The fit is then evaluated, and you get to preview how your vision looks through the trial lens before any final decisions are made.
Corneal topography is a key part of a scleral lens fitting, as it creates a detailed 3D map of your eye’s surface, which helps the optometrist select the right lens shape and size for your eyes.
How Long the Appointment Takes
Everyone is different, but it’s a good idea to plan for 30 to 60 minutes for your visit. No dilation is needed, so you can drive yourself home afterward. That makes it easy to schedule on a regular day without adjusting your plans.
How Many Visits You’ll Need and What Follows
The fitting visit is just the beginning. Follow-up visits are often needed to fine-tune the fit, assess comfort and vision, and make adjustments if necessary.
Follow-up visits aren’t just a formality. They help make sure your lenses are comfortable, your vision is clear, and that there are no issues with the fit over time.
The Cost of a Scleral Lens Fitting and Insurance Coverage
What Affects the Cost
The cost of a scleral lens fitting can vary based on how complex your case is and how many visits are involved. Some providers offer a flat fee that covers the fitting process, including any adjustments needed along the way. It’s worth asking about that before your first appointment so you know what to expect. At River City Vision Center, we also offer payment plan options to help make the process more manageable.
Does Insurance Cover It?
Some vision plans cover a portion of the contact lens fitting fee. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so check with your insurance provider before your appointment. A quick call ahead of time can give you a clearer picture of your out-of-pocket costs.
Schedule Your Scleral Lens Fitting
If you’ve been dealing with discomfort from standard contacts or you’ve been told your eyes aren’t a good fit for regular lenses, scleral lenses could be worth exploring. Our team at River City Vision Center in Jacksonville and Orange Park can walk you through the fitting process and help you find a contact lens option that actually works for your eyes. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.
