Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: Benefits, Costs, and Expert Tips for Optimal Vision


If you were to ask me, "Hey Dr. Allan, what’s the best contact lens for someone with keratoconus?" My answer would be simple: scleral lenses. But if you're new to the diagnosis of keratoconus or aren't familiar with scleral lenses, that's okay. In today's article, we'll break down everything you need to know about scleral contact lenses. Plus, I'll share some tips that will make wearing them easier and even save you some money. So, let’s dive in!

What Are Scleral Lenses?

For those who haven't heard of them, scleral lenses are large, rigid contact lenses made from gas permeable material. Unlike soft contact lenses, which are flexible and can easily turn inside out, scleral lenses maintain their shape. The name "scleral" comes from where these lenses rest on your eye. While soft lenses and other gas permeable lenses typically sit on the cornea (the front window of the eye), scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.

This design allows scleral lenses to completely vault over the irregular cone-shaped cornea that is characteristic of keratoconus, providing some significant benefits.

1. Superior Vision Quality

Scleral lenses offer excellent vision correction. These lenses are filled with a saline solution that covers the front surface of your eye, smoothing out the irregularities of the cone-shaped cornea. This creates an almost perfectly engineered front surface, leading to clearer vision with reduced glare, halos, and other visual distortions often associated with keratoconus.

I’ve seen patients in my office break down in tears of joy because they’ve never experienced such sharp vision before using scleral lenses.

2. Relief from Dry Eyes

Another advantage of scleral lenses is that they can help with dry eyes. The saline solution in the lens keeps the eye’s surface moist, providing continuous hydration. This can be incredibly beneficial if you suffer from dry eyes or other surface issues, offering both improved vision and comfort.

3. Longevity and Durability

Scleral lenses are made from a rigid gas permeable material, making them durable and long-lasting. If you take good care of them and your prescription remains stable, these lenses can last for several years.

4. Custom Fit for Your Eyes

One of the downsides of scleral lenses is that they take longer to fit. These lenses are custom-made for each eye, which means your eye doctor will need to take precise measurements of your eye’s surface. The fitting process involves multiple steps, including adjusting the lens height and prescription, so it’s not uncommon for it to take several tries to get the perfect fit. Expect this process to take some time.

5. Trickier to Insert and Remove

Scleral lenses are larger and filled with saline solution, making them a bit more challenging to insert and remove compared to standard soft contact lenses. Many people struggle with this initially, but with practice, it becomes easier. If you're having trouble, I’ve made a tutorial video that can help. Check the description below for the link.

6. Higher Cost

Because scleral lenses are custom-made and require specialized fitting, they tend to be more expensive than standard contact lenses. Depending on the manufacturer and the type of lens, the cost can range from $200 to $500 per lens. After fitting and other services, the total cost could range from $1,500 to $3,000. I recommend checking with your insurance or vision discount plans, as they may cover part of the cost if the lenses are deemed medically necessary.

7. Maintenance and Care

Scleral lenses require more care and maintenance compared to soft lenses. Since they are made from a rigid material, they need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Your doctor will recommend specific cleaning and disinfecting products, so be sure to follow their advice to keep your lenses in good condition.

Final Thoughts

These seven facts about scleral lenses for keratoconus should give you a solid understanding of what to expect. Let me know in the comments which tip you found most helpful or interesting. It’s also worth noting that scleral lenses aren’t the only option. Depending on your condition, your eye doctor might recommend soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs), or even a combination of the two, known as piggybacking.

As always, consult with your eye care provider to determine the best option for your eyes. If you want to learn more about keratoconus or the treatments available, check out our playlist for additional resources.

Thanks for reading!

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