If you’ve been told contact lenses won’t work because of an irregular cornea or severe dry eye, you might want to explore scleral lenses. We stock larger, custom‑fitted lenses, designed for comfort, clarity and eyes that haven’t responded well to standard contacts.
Scleral Lens Fittings in Maple Glen, PA
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are a type of gas‑permeable contact lens with a large diameter (typically 14.5 mm to 24 mm) that vaults entirely over the cornea and rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera). By doing so, they create a smooth optical surface over even very irregular corneas and form a “reservoir” of fluid underneath the lens to support comfort for patients with significant dry eye. We fit these lenses when standard soft or GP (gas‑permeable) lenses fail to deliver stable, comfortable vision.
Types of Scleral Lenses
Mini‑sclerals: Diameter ~18 mm or less; fit less complex cases
Full‑sized sclerals: Diameters up to ~24 mm; used in advanced keratoconus, severe dry eye or post‑surgical eyes
Corneo‑scleral lenses: Diameter ~13–15 mm; a hybrid fit between standard GP and full sclerals, often used after LASIK or in corneal grafts
Your fitting exam will determine which size and style are appropriate based on the shape of your eye, the extent of your corneal changes, and your lens tolerance.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
We prescribe scleral lenses for patients with:
- Keratoconus or other corneal irregularities
- Cornea transplants or post‑surgical changes (RK, LASIK, grafts)
- Severe dry eye (including Sjögren’s syndrome, graft‑versus‑host disease, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome)
- High prescriptions or astigmatism not well corrected by standard soft lenses
- Contact lens intolerance due to discomfort, shifting, or poor vision
Because scleral lenses rest on the less‑sensitive sclera and stay more stable during blinking, they can offer much greater comfort and visual stability for these challenging conditions.
Our Scleral Lens Fitting Process
We use advanced diagnostics, including corneal topography and detailed eye surface mapping to guide the lens fit. From the first consultation to the final adjustment, we:
- Evaluate your cornea’s shape and condition
- Measure the eye’s surface and tear film
- Select a lens size/style to optimise comfort and vision
- Conduct follow‑ups and fine‑tune the fit to ensure long‑term success
Because these lenses are customised to your eye’s unique shape, the process takes time, attention and care. Our goal is not just clear vision, but lenses you can wear comfortably day after day.
Ready to Explore Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses may be the lenses you’ve been waiting for. Contact our team at Maple Glen Eyecare to schedule a fitting or consultation. We serve Maple Glen, Ambler, Horsham and surrounding areas across Montgomery County.