Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are gas permeable contact lenses that cover the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Because they are bigger, they are more stable than conventional contact lenses and are often more comfortable.

If you’ve been denied the convenience of contact lenses in the past due to eye problems like irregular cornea, scleral lenses could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. Given their larger shape, scleral contacts, in effect, replace an irregular cornea with a smooth optical surface. This corrects vision problems caused by corneal irregularities like keratoconus.

Scleral contact can also benefit those with severe dry eyes. The space between the cornea and back surface of the lens serves as a fluid reservoir that makes the lens-wearing experience more comfortable.

Contact our Rockville, MD, office for an eye exam and consultation today at (301) 591-1763. You can also contact us online for more information about our vision services.

Take the Next Step. Request an Appointment or Consultation.

Book Now

What To Expect From Your Scleral Contact Lenses

The SynergEyes VSTM scleral contact lenses offer consistently clear vision throughout the day with all-day comfort.

Expect a brief period of adaptation to become fully accustomed to the lenses. Your eye care professional will explain expectations and wear time information so that you may enjoy unparalleled vision and comfort with SynergEyes VSTM.

closeup of a woman putting a contact lens in her eye

Top Comfort Tips

Fill lens completely with nonpreserved saline prior to insertion.
If the lens becomes uncomfortable during the day, remove, clean, re-wet, and reinsert.
If eyes feel dry during the day, refer to your eye care professional for a lubricating drop recommendation.
Avoid rubbing eyes during the day.

*Avoid using oil-based cosmetics as they may permanently damage the surface of your lenses.

With the help of Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD, you can take the next step in protecting your vision, and your health, with routine eye examinations. Call us today at (301) 591-1763.

How To Insert Scleral Contact Lenses

There are many ways to insert scleral lenses. Two common methods are the inserter method and the tripod finger method. We recommend you pick the method that works best for you. Always wash hands with mild soap and dry well with a lint-free towel before handling lenses.

Steps for Inserting Contact Lenses

Place the lens on the insertion tool OR stabilize the lens on fingers placed in the tripod method.
Fill the bowl of the lens to the top with nonpreserved sterile saline such as PuriLens Plus. You can find PuriLens Plus either at Visionary Eye Doctors, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Amazon.
Lean forward and look down. The face should be parallel to the floor. Sometimes, it’s helpful to place a mirror flat on the counter as you insert the lens.
With the finger of one hand, hold the upper lid by placing one finger on the base of the lashes and pin the lid to the brow bone.
Using the opposite hand, with palm facing up, place the inserter between thumb and index finger. Pull the lower lid down with your middle finger, holding the eye wide open.
Gently place the lens on the eye by sliding the lens inside the lower lid and applying directly to the eye. Remove the inserter from the lens by squeezing the inserter.

Scleral Contact Lens Insertion Tips

To avoid mixing up lenses, begin with the same eye each time.
To avoid bubbles, fill the lens completely with nonpreserved sterile saline. Bubbles may cause discomfort and produce irregular vision.
To avoid spilling saline solution, center the contact lens in the middle of the inserter.
Lid control is important. Release the eyelid when the lens is fully in place and the inserter is out of the eye.
Keep both eyes open to help with lens insertion.

Tips for Removing Scleral Contact Lenses

Wet the remover with sterile saline.
Hold the lower lid down, position remover at a 45-degree angle. Place remover on the lower third of the scleral lens.
Apply slight pressure to the inserter. Inserter should stick to the lens.
Lift lens away from the eye with a slightly upward motion.
Remove the lens from remover with a slight twisting motion.

For more videos and further information on inserting and removing contacts, visit the Scleral Lens Education Society’s website.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus Eyes

As we mentioned earlier, those with vision problems caused by keratoconus may benefit from scleral contact lenses. This is particularly true if you have tried standard gas permeable lenses in the past but had issues due to discomfort or movement.

The larger diameter of a scleral lens keeps the contact centered on the eye and limits movement caused by blinking. This stability can make the wearer far more comfortable. Scleral lenses are also designed to vault the corneal surface and rest on a less sensitive part of the sclera, which can relieve those dealing with keratoconus.

Get Started With Visionary Eye Doctors

Have you been told that contacts aren’t for you? Curious if scleral lenses are the answer? Take the next step with Visionary Eye Doctors. Our eye care specialists provide a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best contacts for your needs and guide you every step of the way.

Learn more about scleral lenses from Visionary Eye Doctors by calling our office today at (301) 591-1763. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Schedule a Consultation

Hear what our patients have to say!

Click Here To Learn More