How to Get Started with Scleral Lenses: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve been struggling with dry eyes, irregular corneas, or hard-to-correct vision issues, you may have heard about scleral lenses as a possible solution. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea, offering a smooth optical surface and a cushion of fluid that can improve both comfort and vision. If you’re new to the idea of scleral lenses, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you understand the process of getting started.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that provide exceptional visual clarity and comfort. They’re often used to manage conditions such as:

Keratoconus and other corneal irregularities
Severe dry eye syndrome
Post-surgical corneal complications
High refractive errors

Because they vault over the cornea and create a fluid reservoir, they can offer relief and vision correction when other lenses can’t.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Your journey with scleral lenses begins with a thorough eye exam. At Eye Rx in Arlington, VA, we’ll evaluate your eye health, discuss your symptoms, and determine if scleral lenses are the right option for you. If they are, we’ll proceed with detailed measurements of your corneal shape using advanced imaging technology.

Custom Lens Fitting

Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Each lens is custom-designed to match the unique contours of your eyes. During your fitting appointment, we’ll use topography and diagnostic lenses to find the best fit. This process ensures optimal comfort, stability, and visual performance.

Trial Period and Adjustments

Once your lenses are designed and ordered, you’ll return for a dispensing appointment. We’ll show you how to insert and remove your lenses, and how to properly clean and store them. It may take some time to adapt, and follow-up visits are essential to fine-tune the fit and ensure your eyes are responding well.

Practice Proper Lens Care

Maintaining your scleral lenses is key to comfort and eye health. You’ll need to use preservative-free saline solution to fill the lenses before insertion, and specialized cleaning products to disinfect them daily. We’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Even after your lenses are successfully fitted, routine check-ups are crucial. We monitor for changes in your vision, lens fit, and eye health over time. At Eye Rx, we’re committed to ensuring your long-term success with scleral lenses.

Ready to Get Started?

Scleral lenses can be life-changing for individuals with complex vision needs. We specialize in personalized scleral lens fittings that prioritize your comfort, vision, and overall eye health.

Schedule your eye exam at Eye Rx and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision with scleral lenses. Contact our office in Arlington, VA, by calling (703) 553-1094 to book an appointment today.