Scleral lenses: a clear solution for complex vision needs
At Custom Eye Care at the Rim in North North San Antonio, we fit scleral contact lenses – custom, medical-grade lenses designed to deliver crisp vision and all-day comfort for people whose eyes don’t do well in regular soft or hard contacts.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses that:
- Vault over the cornea without touching it, resting gently on the white part of the eye (the sclera)
- Are filled with sterile saline before insertion, creating a smooth optical surface and a protective moisture reservoir
- Provide stable, high-definition vision by neutralizing corneal irregularities that bend light unpredictably
Because they never land on the sensitized cornea, scleral lenses can feel surprisingly comfortable – even for people who’ve struggled with other lens types.
Who Might Need Scleral Contacts?
Sclerals can be life-changing for patients who have:
- Keratoconus or corneal ectasia
- Irregular astigmatism or high prescriptions that don’t correct well with glasses or soft contacts
- Severe dry eye disease (including exposure keratopathy or ocular surface disease) that hasn’t improved with typical treatments
- Post-surgical corneas (e.g., LASIK, PRK, RK, corneal transplants) with irregular shape or scarring
- Contact lens intolerance or poor vision in standard RGP/soft lenses
Not sure whether you fit the profile? A specialty evaluation will confirm if scleral lenses are the safest, most effective option for your eyes and lifestyle.
Benefits You Can Feel (and See!)
- Sharper, more stable vision
The fluid reservoir and rigid optics create a consistently smooth surface, reducing ghosting, halos, and blur.
- All-day hydration
The moisture chamber helps shield the cornea, easing dryness, burning, and foreign-body sensation.
- Comfort first
Because the lens rests on the less-sensitive sclera, many patients find sclerals more comfortable than traditional RGPs.
- Protection for the ocular surface
The vault and fluid layer can help protect compromised corneas while they heal or stay healthy.
What to Expect: Our Scleral Lens Fitting Process in North San Antonio
1) Comprehensive evaluation & imaging
We start with a full ocular health exam and precise measurements, including topography/tomography to map your corneal shape and elevation. These data guide your initial lens design.
2) In-office trial lens fitting
We place diagnostic scleral lenses with different vaults and diameters to evaluate vision, alignment, and comfort. We may apply sodium fluorescein to confirm the lens clears the cornea evenly.
3) Custom design & ordering
Your measurements and chairside findings inform a custom-manufactured lens – often with micro-adjustments down to microns for vault, diameter, and haptic curves.
4) Training & first-wear success
You’ll receive hands-on training for insertion/removal, lens filling with preservative-free saline, and daily cleaning/disinfection. We send you home confident and comfortable.
5) Follow-ups to fine-tune
Expect 1–2 follow-up visits to optimize fit, vision (including front-surface toric or multifocal optics if needed), and long-term eye health.
Caring for Scleral Lenses
- Daily cleaning & disinfection with recommended solutions
- Preservative-free saline to fill the bowl before insertion
- Replace lenses on the manufacturer-recommended schedule to maintain optics and hygiene
- Periodic polishing or replacement may be advised for heavy depositors
- Always wash and dry hands before handling; avoid tap water contact with the lenses
Our team will personalize a care plan and product list for your eyes and any allergies or sensitivities.
Why Choose Custom Eye Care at the Rim for Scleral Lenses?
- Advanced diagnostics
Corneal topography/tomography and high-resolution imaging help us design precise, comfortable vaults and haptic alignments.
- Experienced, local clinicians
You’ll work 1:1 with doctors skilled in fitting sclerals for keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, irregular astigmatism, and severe dry eye.
- Personal, unrushed care
We build in time for education and hands-on training so you leave confident – with support just a phone call away.
- North North San Antonio convenience
Located at The Rim, with easy access from The Dominion, Shavano Park, and surrounding communities.
Are Scleral Contact Lenses Right for You?
Every eye is unique. The best way to know is to schedule a Specialty Contact Lens Evaluation. We’ll review your history, map your corneas, test diagnostic lenses, and discuss realistic outcomes, costs, and benefits.
Find out if scleral lenses are right for you.
Schedule a specialty contact lens evaluation at Custom Eye Care at the Rim.