If you’ve been living with keratoconus, chances are you’ve tried it all—glasses that barely sharpen your vision, or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses that feel uncomfortable after just a few hours. The road to visual clarity can feel frustrating and endless.
But there’s hope: scleral lenses offer a real, proven solution.
Still, we understand it’s natural to feel nervous when considering something new. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you get fitted for scleral lenses at Premier Vision Care Optometry—from your first visit to seeing the world with new clarity.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Unlike traditional soft contact lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, resting gently on the white part of your eye (the sclera). This design creates a fluid-filled cushion over the cornea, helping mask its irregular shape—especially important for patients with keratoconus.
Although they’re made from a rigid material, scleral lenses are known for their comfort. That’s because they don’t touch the sensitive corneal surface, which makes them far more comfortable than smaller RGP lenses.
Many patients describe them as feeling more like soft lenses than hard ones.
Why Scleral Lenses Work for Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, creating a cone-like shape. This irregular surface distorts light and makes it nearly impossible for glasses or standard contacts to provide sharp vision.
Scleral lenses create a smooth, artificial surface over the cornea—dramatically improving vision while correcting the distortion. While they don’t cure keratoconus, they offer reliable, clear vision for everyday life.
At Premier Vision Care Optometry, our doctors often recommend scleral lenses for patients who have not found success with other methods. Most patients not only adjust well but see better than they have in years.
What to Expect at Your First Scleral Lens Appointment
You don’t need a referral to get started. You can simply book an appointment online or call our office directly.
Your initial visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and includes:
- Vision testing with and without glasses
- A corneal scan to map the shape of your eyes
- Trial lens selection based on your scan
- In-office insertion of the trial lens—no numbing drops required
- A preview of what your corrected vision could look like
For many patients, this trial is an emotional moment—finally seeing clearly after years of struggling with distorted vision.
Custom Fitting and Follow-Up Care
After your initial trial, your lenses will be custom-designed for your unique eye shape. They typically take about 7–10 business days to arrive. At your follow-up visit, we’ll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your new lenses.
If you’re nervous about handling them—we’ve got you! Our team will walk you through tools, tips, and techniques to make it easy and comfortable.
Most patients require two to three follow-ups to fine-tune the fit. These adjustments are included in your global fitting fee, with no extra charge for necessary changes.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
Scleral lenses can be an investment, but here’s the good news: most vision insurance plans cover scleral lenses for keratoconus under medically necessary clauses. Our staff will help verify your benefits and provide billing support—so you can maximize your coverage and avoid unexpected costs.
Life With Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses feel unusual at first, but most patients adapt within days or weeks. We recommend building up wear time gradually, starting with 4–5 hours a day and increasing from there.
Just remember:
- Remove them before showering or swimming
- Don’t sleep in them
- Use approved cleaning and filling solutions only
- Come in for annual checkups—or sooner if anything feels off
Scleral Lens Fitting in
At Premier Vision Care Optometry, our doctors are experienced in treating keratoconus and fitting scleral lenses with precision and care. From your first visit to ongoing follow-up, we’re with you every step of the way—making the journey to clear vision easier and more comfortable.
Call our office or book your appointment online to get started today.
Please note we are closed for lunch 12pm -1pm.