# Scleral Contact Lenses

A scleral lens vaults completely over the cornea and rests on the sclera. The space beneath is filled with sterile saline, creating a smooth optical surface and a continuous fluid cushion over the cornea.

Scleral lenses have changed what is possible for irregular corneas. Because the lens never touches the cornea, the fluid reservoir beneath replaces the eye's distorted front surface with a perfectly smooth one, and vision that no other correction could reach becomes achievable.

They are also the answer for severe dry eye and ocular surface disease. The cornea sits in a saline bath all day, which for some patients is the single most effective dry eye treatment available.

Fitting is the demanding part. The lens must clear the cornea's highest point without touching, and land evenly on the sclera without compression. That requires a proper diagnostic set, OCT measurement of the clearance, and willingness to iterate through designs.

## Our process

1. **Initial consultation** (60 to 90 minutes): Comprehensive examination, corneal topography and OCT, and a discussion of what scleral lenses can and cannot achieve for your eyes.
2. **Diagnostic fitting** (45 to 60 minutes): Trial lenses assessed on the eye with fluorescein and OCT vault measurement.
3. **Custom lens ordering** (1 to 2 weeks): Lenses made individually to the measurements taken.
4. **Delivery and training** (45 minutes): Fit confirmed, then insertion, removal and filling technique taught with practice time.
5. **Follow up** (ongoing): Settling reviews, then routine review every six to twelve months.


## Questions and answers
**How is a scleral lens different from a regular contact?**

Scleral lenses are much larger and vault completely over the cornea, resting on the white of the eye. The fluid reservoir underneath provides exceptional comfort and a smooth optical surface for irregular corneas. A regular lens sits directly on the cornea and follows its shape.

**Who needs scleral lenses?**

Keratoconus, post corneal transplant, post refractive surgery irregularity, corneal scarring, and severe dry eye or ocular surface disease.

**Is insertion difficult?**

It takes practice. The lens is filled with saline and inserted without spilling or trapping a bubble, which feels awkward at first and becomes routine within a week or two.

**Can I wear them all day?**

Most wearers do. Some need to remove, refill and reinsert once during a long day if the reservoir clouds, which is normal.

## Related

- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/specialty-eye-care/scleral-lenses
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/specialty-eye-care/keratoconus
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/contact-lenses/hard-to-fit-contact-lenses
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/specialty-eye-care/dry-eye

---## About this practice
Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, 15215 S 48th St Ste 180, Phoenix, AZ 85044.
Phone (480) 706-3937. Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Independent optometry practice, founded 1994. One location. Does not perform refractive or cataract surgery.
This site publishes no star rating and no review count, because the figures across the practice's own properties contradict one another and cannot be verified.
This page is general information, not medical advice.