Scleral Prosthetic Corneal Lenses

A scleral prosthetic corneal lens is indicated when there are irregularities within the front surface of the eye or the cornea. By utilizing an oxygen permeable material and a large diameter lens, our doctors are able to create an artificial surface that is smooth. This lens mounts over the cornea sitting on the white part of your eye called the sclera. In the process, it creates a pocket where a fluid lens fills the irregularities left from any degenerative or surgical condition on the cornea.

Reasons you'd be in a scleral lens:

• Decreased best corrected visual acuity below 20/40 due to corneal irregularities

• ​Corneal scarring causing haloing or glare

• ​Keratoconus - degenerative corneal disease

• ​Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

• Post radial keratotomy (RK) surgery

• ​Post refractive surgery corneal irregularities

• Exposure keratitis due to incomplete lid closure

• Ocular host versus graft disease

• Severe dry eye non-responsive to other treatments

How It Works

Fitting a scleral prosthetic lens requires a high level of expertise. Our trained doctors will diagnosing the type of corneal irregularity you have with corneal topography. Then, they will fit you with an initial diagnostic lens to determine the best fit and best vision at your initial visit. Once the best fit lenses are found, the doctor will order the contact lenses that have the right parameters and prescriptions tailored specifically to your eyes. When the scleral lenses arrive, the lens are placed on the eye to ensure proper fit, comfort, and vision. Then, you will be trained on how to insert and remove the lenses. A follow up visit will be scheduled one week after you first receive your lenses to assess health and vision. Additional adjustments may be made after that visit. Despite the size of the lenses, these prosthetics are comparable to comfort with the majority of soft contact lenses.