Scleral Lenses

Scleral Lens Fitting & Specialty Contact Lenses in Everett, WA

Scleral lenses are advanced specialty contact lenses designed for patients who need more than traditional soft or gas permeable contact lenses can provide. These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea and create a smooth optical surface while maintaining a reservoir of fluid that helps improve comfort and protect the ocular surface.

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, our friendly and experienced eye care team provides comprehensive scleral lens evaluations and custom fittings for patients with irregular corneas, complex prescriptions, and challenging dry eye conditions.
Whether you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, corneal irregularity, severe dry eye disease, or have struggled with traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses may provide improved comfort and visual clarity.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are custom-designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that are larger than traditional contact lenses. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and create a protective fluid reservoir over the cornea.

This unique design allows scleral lenses to:

• Provide a more stable and customized fit

• Improve vision for irregular corneas

• Maintain hydration of the ocular surface

• Reduce discomfort caused by corneal irregularity or dryness

Who Can Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses may be recommended for patients who have:

• Keratoconus

• Corneal ectasia or irregular astigmatism

• Post-LASIK or post-surgical corneal changes

• Corneal scars or injuries

• Severe dry eye disease

• Ocular surface disease

• Difficulty achieving clear vision with glasses or traditional contact lenses

• Intolerance to conventional contact lenses

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus and Irregular Corneas

Conditions such as keratoconus can cause the cornea to become thin and irregularly shaped, making glasses and standard contact lenses unable to provide clear vision.

Because scleral lenses create a new smooth optical surface over the cornea, they can help mask corneal irregularities and provide improved visual quality.
 

Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Disease

Scleral lenses can also benefit patients with significant dry eye symptoms. The fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea helps maintain moisture and provides a protective environment for the ocular surface.

For patients with severe dry eye disease, scleral lenses may improve comfort and allow longer periods of functional vision.
 

What Is the Scleral Lens Fitting Process?

A successful scleral lens fitting requires detailed evaluation and customization. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, our scleral lens process may include:

• Comprehensive eye examination

• Corneal topography and mapping

• Evaluation of corneal shape and irregularities

• Tear film and ocular surface evaluation

• Customized lens design and selection

• Scleral lens imaging to evaluate lens alignment, clearance, and fit

• Lens insertion and removal training

• Follow-up visits to optimize comfort, vision, and fit

Because every eye is unique, scleral lenses are individually customized to match your eye shape and visual needs.
 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Patients may experience:

• Improved vision compared with glasses or traditional contact lenses

• Increased comfort for irregular corneas

• Better lens stability throughout the day

• Reduced exposure of the cornea to environmental factors

• Improved ability to perform daily activities

Why Choose Silver Lake Eye Care Center for Scleral Lenses?

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we specialize in advanced contact lens care and provide customized scleral lens solutions for patients with complex vision needs.

Our doctors combine advanced diagnostic technology, detailed eye health evaluations, and personalized lens designs to help patients achieve clearer, more comfortable vision.

We work closely with patients throughout the fitting process, from initial evaluation through lens optimization and ongoing care.
 

Schedule a Scleral Lens Evaluation in Everett, WA

If you have keratoconus, severe dry eye disease, irregular corneas, or difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses may be an option to improve your vision and comfort.

Schedule a scleral lens consultation at Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, and learn whether specialty contact lenses are right for you.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are scleral lenses better than regular contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are not necessarily better for everyone, but they can provide significant benefits for patients who cannot achieve comfortable or clear vision with traditional contact lenses. Because scleral lenses are custom-designed and vault over the cornea, they may be especially beneficial for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, severe dry eye disease, or difficulty wearing standard contact lenses.

2. Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Many patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than traditional contact lenses, especially those who have irregular corneas or ocular surface disease. The fluid reservoir created by scleral lenses helps maintain moisture and reduces direct contact with the sensitive corneal surface. Like any specialty lens, there is an adjustment period while patients learn proper insertion, removal, and care techniques.

3. How long does it take to get used to scleral lenses?
Most patients require some time to adjust to scleral lenses. During the fitting process, our team provides training on insertion, removal, cleaning, and care. Follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune the fit and optimize comfort and vision.

4. How much do scleral lenses cost?
The cost of scleral lenses varies depending on the complexity of the fitting, lens design, follow-up care, and whether insurance benefits apply. Because scleral lenses require specialized measurements and customization, they typically involve more advanced fitting compared with standard contact lenses. Our team can review fees, insurance benefits, and payment options during your consultation.

5. Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?
Coverage for scleral lenses varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason they are medically necessary. Some patients may have coverage for certain eye conditions, while others may have limited or no coverage. Our team can help you understand your available benefits and options.

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