Understanding Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Scleral contact lens fitting is a special eye appointment where a doctor measures and fits you with large, custom-made contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye rather than directly on the cornea. These lenses are designed for people whose eyes cannot comfortably wear regular contact lenses, often because of an irregular eye shape, dry eyes, or other eye conditions. The fitting process is gentle and straightforward, and the goal is to help you see clearly and feel comfortable every day.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes — seek care immediately
- Severe eye pain that comes on suddenly or does not go away
- Eye redness that is getting worse and is not improving after a day or two
- Seeing flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters (spots or lines in your vision)
- A feeling that a curtain or shadow is covering part of your vision
- Eye discharge that is thick, yellow, or green — this may be a sign of infection
- Your scleral lens feels stuck or you cannot remove it safely
- Any eye injury, chemical splash, or foreign object in the eye
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
At your scleral contact lens fitting appointment, the eye doctor will carefully examine your eyes, measure the shape and size of your cornea, and assess how your eye surface looks. They will try different trial lenses on your eye to find the best fit, checking that the lens sits comfortably and that you can see clearly through it. The appointment may take a little longer than a regular eye check-up, but the doctor and their team will guide you through every step so you feel at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are scleral contact lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are large, custom-made lenses that sit on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea without touching it. Because they create a smooth surface over the eye, they can correct vision problems that regular glasses or contacts cannot fix. They are also filled with a gentle saline solution that keeps the eye moist and comfortable throughout the day.
Who needs scleral contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are recommended for people who have an irregular cornea shape (such as keratoconus), severe dry eyes, or conditions that make regular contact lenses uncomfortable or ineffective. They are also used for people who have had eye surgery or an eye injury that has changed the shape of their cornea. Your eye doctor will let you know if scleral lenses are the right option for you after a thorough examination.
Are scleral contact lenses available in West Africa, and how much do they cost?
Scleral contact lenses are available in some specialist eye clinics across West Africa, including in major cities in Ghana. Because they are custom-made for each patient, they tend to cost more than regular contact lenses, and the price can vary depending on the clinic and the complexity of your prescription. It is worth asking your eye doctor about payment options or whether any health insurance you have can help cover the cost.
How do I care for my scleral contact lenses?
Caring for scleral lenses involves rinsing them with a sterile saline solution before putting them in, and cleaning them with a recommended contact lens solution each night after you remove them. You should never use tap water on your lenses, as this can introduce harmful bacteria to your eye. Your eye doctor will give you clear, step-by-step instructions on how to insert, remove, and clean your lenses safely.
Are scleral contact lenses better than glasses?
For people with certain eye conditions, scleral lenses can provide much clearer and more comfortable vision than glasses alone. Glasses sit away from the eye and cannot correct some types of irregular vision as effectively as a lens that sits directly on the eye surface. However, the best option for you depends on your specific eye condition, and your doctor will help you understand whether scleral lenses, glasses, or a combination of both is right for your situation.
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