Scleral Contact Lenses in Maine

If traditional contact lenses have never felt comfortable, scleral contact lenses may offer a better solution.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Many patients ask, “What are scleral lenses?” Scleral lenses are large-diameter, custom-designed contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Because they vault over the cornea, they create a small reservoir of fluid between the lens and the eye. Unlike traditional soft contact lenses, scleral contact lenses are individually designed to match the unique shape of your eyes.

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Who Can Benefit from These Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are often recommended for patients whose vision or comfort cannot be adequately corrected with traditional contact lenses or glasses.

You may be a candidate if you have:

Keratoconus
Irregular astigmatism
Severe dry eye disease
Corneal scarring
Post-LASIK or other refractive surgery complications
Difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses comfortably

Many patients searching for scleral contact lenses for keratoconus discover they provide sharper vision while improving overall comfort throughout the day.

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Scleral Lenses vs. Traditional Contact Lenses

When comparing scleral lenses vs. contact lenses, the biggest difference is where the lens sits on the eye. Traditional soft contact lenses rest directly on the cornea and move with every blink. For patients with irregular corneas or severe dryness, this movement can cause discomfort and inconsistent vision.

Scleral lenses:

Vault over the cornea without touching it
Rest on the sclera (the white part)
Hold a reservoir of lubricating saline
Deliver crisp, stable vision
Help keep the eyes hydrated during the day

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Fitting Scleral Lens at Maine Optometry

Every eye is different, which is why every scleral lens fitting begins with a contact lens exam.

Our specialty contact lens process includes:

Eye Examination: Our eye doctors evaluate your vision and eye health and determine whether scleral lenses are the right solution.
Corneal Mapping: Using advanced corneal topography, we create a highly detailed map of the surface of your eye to guide your custom lens design.
Diagnostic Lens Fitting: Trial lenses allow us to evaluate comfort, vision, and lens alignment before your custom lenses are manufactured.
Custom Lens Fabrication: Your scleral lenses are individually manufactured based on your eye measurements.
Training and Follow-Up: We’ll teach you everything you need to know about wearing and caring for your lenses, and we’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure continued comfort and performance.

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How to Insert Scleral Contact Lenses

One of the most common questions new wearers ask is how to insert scleral contact lenses. Although they are larger than standard contacts, most patients become comfortable inserting and removing them with practice.

During your fitting appointment, we’ll teach you:

How to safely insert your lenses
How to remove them comfortably
Which saline solutions to use
Proper cleaning and storage techniques
Daily care recommendations to maximize comfort and lens longevity

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Our Scleral Contact Lens Specialists in Maine

One of the most common questions new wearers ask is how to insert scleral contact lenses. Although they are larger than standard contacts, most patients become comfortable inserting and removing them with practice.

During your fitting appointment, we’ll teach you:

How to safely insert your lenses
How to remove them comfortably
Which saline solutions to use
Proper cleaning and storage techniques
Daily care recommendations to maximize comfort and lens longevity

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Our Scleral Contact Lens Specialists in Maine

Successful scleral lens fittings require experience, precision, and advanced technology. Dr. Emily Leach and Dr. Dejan Varagic are skilled in fitting medically necessary contact lenses for patients with complex eye conditions. Using detailed corneal mapping and a personalized fitting process, they work closely with each patient to create custom scleral lenses that provide exceptional comfort and vision.

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Common Questions We Get Asked

Are scleral contact lenses comfortable?

Yes. Because scleral lenses don’t rest on the sensitive cornea, many patients find them significantly more comfortable than traditional contact lenses, particularly if they have dry eye or irregular corneas.

Who should wear scleral contact lenses?

Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye disease, corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism, or complications following refractive surgery.

How long does it take to get fitted for scleral lenses?

Most patients require a comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic fitting, and follow-up appointments to ensure the custom lenses fit comfortably and provide optimal vision.

Are scleral lenses better than regular contact lenses?

For patients with complex corneal conditions, scleral lenses often provide better comfort, more stable vision, and improved eye hydration than traditional soft contact lenses. Your eye doctor can determine which option is best for your individual needs.