Scleral contact lenses
Scleral Contact Lenses in Greater Houston
A custom lens that vaults over the cornea and rests on the white of the eye. Here is how fitting works, who may benefit, how to care for them, and what shapes the cost.
- CustomFit, ordered and refined for your eyes
- Corrects visionDoes not stop keratoconus from progressing
- DoctorDr. Anith Pillai: Fellow, Scleral Lens Education Society
How a scleral lens works
A scleral lens does not touch the sensitive center of the cornea. It arches over it and settles on the white of the eye, where there is far less sensation. The space beneath holds fluid, and the lens front becomes the eye's new smooth surface.
That smoothing is why scleral lenses can sharpen vision on irregular corneas, and why the fluid layer can ease dryness for some patients. Fit matters: a good lens clears the cornea without pressing or sealing awkwardly on the white of the eye.
Who is a candidate
Scleral lenses are used when ordinary lenses or glasses cannot give comfortable, clear vision. Conditions named in our service overview:
Keratoconus and irregular corneas
Vision correction for a cone-shaped cornea. Read the keratoconus guide for diagnosis and progression.
Dry eye disease
The fluid reservoir can keep the surface moist for some patients with significant dry eye.
After surgery
Irregular astigmatism or distorted vision after certain surgeries, such as a corneal transplant or LASIK.
Corneal dystrophies
For example Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, which can cause blur and discomfort.
Being on this list does not guarantee candidacy. Your doctor decides after examining your eyes, and your office confirms availability and likely benefit.
The fitting process, step by step
Scleral lenses are custom, so expect a process rather than a single visit.
Evaluation
Your doctor examines your eyes, measures your vision, and reviews corneal and eye-surface imaging to decide whether scleral lenses make sense.
Trial fitting
Trial lenses are placed on your eyes so your doctor can judge how the lens vaults over the cornea and sits on the white of the eye, and check your vision.
Custom ordering
Your measurements and trial results are used to order lenses made for your eyes. Ask your office about expected timing.
Dispensing and training
You learn to insert, remove and clean the lenses and how to handle them safely. Bring your questions and practice until you feel confident.
Follow-up and refinement
Your doctor checks comfort, vision and corneal health and adjusts the lens if needed. Follow-up timing is set for your eyes, not by a fixed schedule.
Wearing and caring for scleral lenses
- Wash and dry hands before every insertion or removal.
- Use only the cleaning and filling solutions your doctor recommends. Do not substitute tap water, and do not wear lenses over your recommended wearing time.
- Replace the case as directed and clean it every day.
- Remove lenses and contact your eye care professional urgently for redness, pain, light sensitivity or a sudden drop in vision. Do not reinsert them until advised.
- Keep scheduled visits. Healthy comfort can hide changes your doctor needs to check.
Contact lens wear carries infection risk. The CDC contact lens health guidance and the FDA's overview of contact lens risks explain the basics.
Cost and coverage: what drives the number
We do not publish a price because scleral lens cost is individual. Your office can give an estimate after your evaluation. The main factors:
Lens design
Custom lenses vary by design and by what your eyes require.
Fitting complexity
More complex eyes can take more trial fitting and adjustments.
Visits
The number of follow-ups and any refinements.
Replacement and supplies
Replacement lenses and care solutions over time.
Your plan
Some plans cover specialty lenses for a medical diagnosis, some use vision benefits, and some do not cover them. Ask your insurer and your office what applies to you.
See Insurance & Payments for general information, or contact us to ask about your situation.
Who fits scleral lenses here
Dr. Anith Pillai specializes in specialty contact lenses and has a special interest in scleral lenses, keratoconus and anterior segment disease. He is a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society. Several other doctors on our team list scleral lenses among their specialties. Contact your preferred office to confirm who sees scleral lens patients and which services it offers.
Scleral lenses correct vision. They do not stop keratoconus from progressing. If you have keratoconus, ask about monitoring and cross-linking evaluation. Dry eye patients can also read about dry eye therapy.
Trusted patient resources
Independent, non-commercial information you can read before your visit:
These sites are not affiliated with Evolutionary Eye Care. They do not replace an examination.
Questions patients ask
What is a scleral lens?
A scleral lens is a large, custom-fit contact lens that vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera, the white of the eye. A tear-filled space sits between the lens and the cornea, which creates a smooth optical surface.
Who might benefit from scleral lenses?
Our service overview describes scleral lenses for keratoconus, dry eye disease, irregular astigmatism or distorted vision after surgery such as a corneal transplant or LASIK, and corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs' dystrophy. An exam determines whether they suit you.
What happens at a scleral lens fitting?
The process includes an evaluation of your cornea and eye health, a trial lens fitting, an order for custom lenses, training in insertion, removal and care, and follow-up to check comfort, vision and eye health. The number and timing of visits depend on you.
Do scleral lenses stop keratoconus progression?
No. They correct vision but do not treat the underlying corneal thinning. Your doctor may discuss cross-linking evaluation or referral separately.
How much do scleral lenses cost, and does insurance cover them?
Cost depends on the lens design, how complex your eyes are, the number of visits and any replacements. Coverage varies by plan and by diagnosis, and some plans treat specialty lenses differently from routine contacts. Ask your office for an estimate and check your benefits. See our insurance and payments page for general information.
Are scleral lenses hard to handle?
Many patients need practice. Training at your dispensing visit covers insertion, removal and cleaning, and your office can retrain you if something feels difficult.
Offices in Greater Houston
Ask the office nearest you about scleral lens evaluations and which services it provides.
Questions about your own eyes?
Every exam is individual. Your office confirms suitability and likely benefits. Please confirm which testing and treatments are available at the office you choose.
Related: Keratoconus | Ortho-K | Downtown Houston | Sugar Land | Webster
