Keratoconus Scleral Lenses: A Life-Changing Solution for Clear Vision
Introduction: Understanding Keratoconus and the Need for Specialised Lenses
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregularity leads to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light and dry eyes. These, in turn, can lead to difficulties with everyday tasks such as reading, driving or screen use. Many patients with keratoconus struggle to achieve clear vision with traditional glasses or soft contact lenses. The answer may be keratoconus scleral lenses.
How Keratoconus Scleral Lenses Help
For those looking for a comfortable, effective solution, scleral lenses offer a breakthrough in vision correction. They achieve this by the lens edge resting on the white of the eye and the lens vaults over the cornea creating a tears-filled gap between the lens and the eye. This provides numerous benefits:
Exceptional Visual Clarity
The smooth, rigid lens surface corrects the distortion caused by keratoconus, offering sharper, more stable vision.
Enhanced Comfort
Because scleral lenses rest on the less-sensitive sclera and their edges are always under the eyelid margins, they are more comfortable than traditional rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
Hydration & Protection
The fluid layer beneath the lens keeps the eye hydrated, reducing dryness and irritation.
Long-Lasting Stability
Scleral lenses remain securely in place, making them ideal for individuals with active lifestyles.
At Bellamy Eyecare, we specialise in advanced contact lens solutions tailored to individual needs. Our expert-led, unrushed approach ensures that each patient receives the best possible care and the most precise fit for their unique eye condition.
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
These lenses are ideal for those with:
- Moderate to severe keratoconus
- Post-corneal transplant vision issues
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Other corneal irregularities (e.g., post-LASIK ectasia, pellucid marginal degeneration)
Why Choose Bellamy Eyecare for Keratoconus Scleral Lenses?
At Bellamy Eyecare opticians in Leicester, we specialise in advanced solutions for complex vision conditions, including keratoconus. Our experienced optometrists take the time to assess each patient’s unique vision needs and ensure precise lens fitting.
Unlike high street opticians, we dedicate 45 minutes to every eye exam, using the latest diagnostic technology to map the cornea and customise lenses for optimal comfort and clarity. This unrushed, personalised approach allows us to fine-tune lenses for long-term effectiveness.
Beyond the initial fitting, we provide ongoing support, offering adjustments and follow-ups to ensure continued comfort and improved vision. With Bellamy Eyecare, patients receive expert-led, personalised care tailored to their specific condition and lifestyle needs.
What to Expect During a Scleral Lens Fitting
The fitting process for scleral lenses at Bellamy Eyecare is thorough and personalised, ensuring the best possible comfort and vision for every patient. It begins with finding out your particular needs and problems. We then carry out a comprehensive eye exam where our optometrists conduct a detailed assessment of your eye health and corneal shape. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, we create a precise map of your cornea, allowing us to design custom lenses tailored to your unique vision needs.
Once your lenses are designed, we will order the initial pair. Using these, we evaluate the fit, comfort, and clarity they provide. We will provide guidance on insertion, removal, and proper lens care to ensure a seamless adaptation process.
You will wear these lenses for around a week and then we will assess their fitting and your vision with them. If any fine-tuning is required, we will refine the lens parameters based on your feedback and our expert evaluation.
We schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any necessary refinements. This ongoing care ensures that your lenses continue to provide long-term comfort and optimal vision correction.
At Bellamy Eyecare, our goal is to make your transition to keratoconus scleral lenses as smooth and beneficial as possible, giving you the confidence to enjoy clearer vision every day. Find out more about our keratoconus contact lens services.
Book a Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has keratoconus, don’t settle for compromised vision. Scleral lenses could be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for. At Bellamy Eyecare opticians in Leicester, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best vision possible with expert-led, personalised care.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward clear, comfortable vision with scleral lenses.
You can read more about the condition at this excellent Moorfields Eye Hospital keratoconus webpage
You can read more about keratoconus at some of our other blogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus Scleral Lenses
1. What are keratoconus scleral lenses?
Keratoconus scleral lenses are advanced contact lenses designed for patients with keratoconus — a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. These lenses rest on the sclera (white of the eye) and create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, providing superior vision correction and comfort.
👉 Read more about keratoconus contact lenses.
2. How do scleral lenses help correct vision in keratoconus?
By vaulting over the distorted corneal surface, scleral lenses create a dome filled with fluid, improving acuity, reducing glare, and enhancing visual quality. They are an effective option even in advanced cases of keratoconus.
👉 Learn more about this treatment for keratoconus.
3. What is involved in the fitting process?
We begin with a detailed evaluation using corneal topography to map the eye’s shape. Each lens is custom-designed to fit the patient’s unique eye anatomy. The fitting process includes trial lenses, ongoing adjustments, and education on proper lens care.
👉 See our full guide to scleral lens fittings.
4. Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear?
Yes, the design of scleral lenses keeps them stable and minimises irritation. Since they rest on the sclera, not the sensitive cornea, many patients experience less discomfort than with RGP lenses. The fluid reservoir also adds hydration, improving comfort for those with dry eyes.
5. How long can I wear scleral lenses each day?
Most people can wear these contact lenses comfortably for around 12 hours per day. Our optometrists will guide you through safe wearing times based on your eye health and lifestyle.
6. How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care, scleral lenses can last up to two years. The longevity depends on material, usage, and cleaning routine. Regular check-ups help maintain optimal lens surface quality and ensure they continue to fit well.
7. How much do scleral lenses cost for keratoconus?
The cost varies depending on your prescription and customisation needs, but they are a long-term investment in better vision. We’re happy to offer transparent pricing during your consultation and help you understand coverage options.
👉 Discover more keratoconus treatment options.
8. Who can wear scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are suitable for people with moderate to severe keratoconus, those who have had corneal surgery, or individuals with irregular corneal shapes and chronic dry eye. Our specialists assess whether this is the right option for your condition.
9. How are scleral lenses different from regular contact lenses?
Unlike soft contact lenses or traditional RGP lenses, scleral lenses are larger and cover the sclera, creating a stable fit and a liquid cushion over the cornea. This gives patients clearer vision, more comfort, and greater stability throughout the day.
10. How do I clean and care for my scleral lenses?
Use preservative-free saline and a specialised lens cleaning solution. Avoid tap water and follow the step-by-step care guide we provide to maintain hygiene and lens surface quality.
11. What if I have discomfort with my lenses?
Mild initial discomfort is normal, but persistent issues should be assessed. At Bellamy Eyecare, we offer follow-up appointments and can adjust your fit or lens design as needed to ensure optimal comfort.
12. Can scleral lenses replace glasses completely?
In most cases, yes. Scleral lenses offer sharper vision correction than glasses for people with advanced keratoconus or irregular corneas. Some patients still use glasses for tasks like reading, but many achieve excellent all-day vision with lenses alone.
13. What materials are scleral lenses made from?
Scleral lenses are made from high-quality gas-permeable materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye, keeping it healthy while delivering consistent visual correction.
14. Who fits and designs scleral lenses?
Only trained contact lens specialists with experience in irregular corneas should fit scleral lenses. At Bellamy Eyecare, our team uses advanced imaging and custom lens design software to create a precise solution for your eye.
15. Where can I get fitted for keratoconus scleral lenses?
You can book a consultation at Bellamy Eyecare in Leicester, where we specialise in keratoconus management, contact lenses, and advanced corneal imaging.
👉 Schedule an appointment today to get started.