Scleral Lens FAQ

Scleral lenses are custom specialty contact lenses that can help patients with complex corneal and ocular surface conditions see more comfortably and clearly. Dr. Edward Boshnick uses advanced diagnostic technology and individualized lens design to evaluate whether scleral lenses are appropriate for each patient.

This FAQ explains common questions patients ask before scheduling a scleral lens evaluation. It is educational and does not replace a personal examination.

What are scleral lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Because the lens vaults over the cornea, it can create a smooth optical surface and hold a fluid reservoir over the front of the eye.

How are scleral lenses different from regular contact lenses?

Regular soft contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and may not mask significant corneal irregularity. Scleral lenses are custom designed to vault over the cornea, which may help people with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or contact lens intolerance. Learn more about when scleral lenses may help after glasses or regular contacts are not enough.

What conditions may scleral lenses help manage?

Scleral lenses may be considered for keratoconus, corneal ectasia, post-LASIK complications, post-RK complications, corneal scarring, corneal transplant-related vision problems, severe dry eye, Sjogren’s syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, irregular astigmatism, and other complex corneal or ocular surface conditions.

Can scleral lenses help keratoconus?

Many patients with keratoconus are evaluated for scleral lenses because the lenses may create a smoother optical surface over an irregular cornea. The goal is to improve functional vision and comfort when glasses or standard contact lenses are not enough.

Can scleral lenses help dry eye symptoms?

For selected patients, the fluid reservoir beneath a scleral lens may help protect the ocular surface during lens wear. Patients with severe dry eye still need a complete diagnosis and a broader treatment plan because dry eye can have multiple causes.

Can scleral lenses help after LASIK or RK complications?

Scleral lenses may help some patients with distorted vision, irregular astigmatism, glare, halos, or dry eye after LASIK, RK, or other corneal surgeries. A diagnostic evaluation is needed to understand the corneal shape, tear film, and visual goals.

What happens during a scleral lens evaluation?

A scleral lens evaluation usually includes a detailed history, visual testing, corneal imaging, ocular surface assessment, and diagnostic lens fitting. Dr. Boshnick uses the findings to determine whether scleral lenses, wavefront-guided designs, EyePrintPRO, or another specialty approach may be appropriate.

Are scleral lenses custom made?

Yes. Scleral lenses are customized to the shape of the eye and the patient’s visual needs. Complex cases may require multiple measurements, diagnostic lenses, refinements, and follow-up visits. Read why custom scleral lens fitting precision matters.

Are scleral lenses comfortable?

Many patients find scleral lenses comfortable because the lens vaults the cornea and lands on the white part of the eye. Comfort depends on the eye condition, lens design, ocular surface health, and proper handling. Our guide answers what scleral lenses should feel like and when discomfort should be checked.

How long does it take to adapt to scleral lenses?

Adaptation varies. Some patients notice improvement quickly, while others need time to learn insertion, removal, cleaning, and wearing schedules. Follow-up care is important so the lens fit and eye health can be monitored.

Are scleral lenses difficult to insert and remove?

Insertion and removal require a different technique than standard contact lenses, but patients can learn with hands-on instruction and practice. The lens must be filled with the solution recommended by the prescribing clinician before insertion, and it should be handled only with clean, dry hands. If bubbles repeatedly become trapped beneath the lens or handling remains difficult, the Eye Freedom team can review the technique and lens fit.

Should a scleral lens hurt or pop out?

A properly fitted scleral lens should not cause persistent pain, and it should usually remain stable during normal wear. Pain, marked redness, light sensitivity, discharge, sudden vision changes, or a lens that repeatedly dislodges should be evaluated promptly. Remove the lens and follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional rather than continuing to wear an uncomfortable lens.

Are scleral lenses safe?

Scleral lenses are medical devices and should be fit and monitored by an experienced eye care professional. Proper cleaning, disinfection, insertion, removal, and follow-up visits reduce the risk of complications.

Do scleral lenses cure eye disease?

No. Scleral lenses do not cure keratoconus, dry eye disease, corneal ectasia, or other ocular conditions. They may help manage vision and comfort for selected patients as part of a broader care plan.

Who is a good candidate for scleral lenses?

A possible candidate is someone whose vision or comfort is not adequately managed with glasses, standard contact lenses, or basic dry eye care. The best way to know is through a specialty lens evaluation. Use the patient decision guide to considering scleral lenses to prepare for that conversation.

Related Eye Freedom resources

• Scleral Lenses
• Keratoconus
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• LASIK Complications
• RK Complications
• Wavefront Scleral Lenses

Contact Eye Freedom to request an evaluation with Dr. Edward Boshnick.