Keratoconus
A custom lens can help neutralize distortion from an irregular corneal shape.
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Specialty contact lenses
A smoother surface for clearer vision.
Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye, creating a stable optical surface for eyes that need more than a standard contact lens.
Designed forComplex corneas
Severe dry eye
The fluid reservoir beneath the lens may support comfort throughout the day.
LASIK/PK/PRK irregularities
Specialty optics can address fluctuations, glare, halos, and ghosting after corneal surgery.
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How they work
The lens does not sit on the cornea.
Unlike a conventional contact lens, a scleral lens is designed to vault over the cornea. The space beneath it is filled with preservative-free saline, while the larger lens diameter creates a stable fit.
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Your evaluation
Measured, mapped, and refined.
There is no single scleral lens design that is ideal for every eye. We use advanced corneal and scleral imaging, multiple specialty lens designs, and freeform customization to select and refine the lens based on your individual eye shape and visual needs.
Pentacam® Corneal Tomography
Creates a detailed 3D map of the cornea, allowing us to evaluate its shape, curvature, and thickness. This is especially valuable for complex corneas such as keratoconus or those that have undergone refractive surgery.
Corneal Scleral Profilometry (CSP)
Creates a detailed 3D map of the entire front surface of the eye, including the sclera where a scleral lens rests. This allows us to design lenses that more closely match the unique shape of your eye for improved fit and comfort.
OVITZ Wavefront Analysis
How does this improve my vision?
Measures higher-order aberrations that can cause ghosting, halos, glare, and starbursts. These measurements can be used to create customized scleral lens optics designed to reduce these distortions.
Freeform Scleral Lens Design
Uses detailed measurements of your eye to create a highly customized scleral lens rather than relying on a standard lens shape. The lens can be independently adjusted across different areas to improve alignment, stability, comfort, and vision.
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What to bring
Help us understand your current vision.
Bring your current glasses, contact lenses, lens cases, and any records that explain prior surgery or a corneal diagnosis. The clinic will tell you whether to stop wearing existing lenses before your evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Yes. Although scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts, they rest on the sclera, which has fewer nerve endings than the cornea. Most patients find them surprisingly comfortable after a brief adjustment period.
Can scleral lenses help dry eyes?
Yes. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens continuously bathes the cornea in preservative-free saline, making scleral lenses an excellent option for many patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.
Can scleral lenses help keratoconus?
Absolutely. Scleral lenses are considered one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for keratoconus because they create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, often providing significantly clearer vision than glasses or soft contact lenses.
What if I already wear scleral lenses but still have ghosting or halos?
Yes. Some patients continue to experience ghosting, halos, glare, or starbursts despite seeing 20/20 in scleral lenses. These symptoms may be caused by higher-order aberrations. We can measure these distortions with OVITZ wavefront technology and determine whether further lens or optical customization may improve your vision.
Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your medical diagnosis and insurance plan. Our team will review your benefits and discuss any available coverage before beginning treatment.
Your next step
Schedule your scleral lens consultation.
At your visit, Dr. Nim will review your corneal measurements, current lenses, and visual symptoms to determine whether a custom scleral lens may help.
- Keratoconus
- Severe dry eye disease
- Post-surgical corneal irregularity
- Corneal ectasia
- Other irregular corneas