Scleral Lens Fitting: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Orange CountyExpert Eye Care from Orange County’s Leading Specialists
Expert information about scleral lens fitting from Orange County's leading eye care specialists. Learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and the latest treatment options.
Expert information about scleral lens fitting from Orange County's leading eye care specialists. Learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and the latest treatment options.
Scleral Lens Fitting — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Vision not fully correctable with glasses or standard contacts
- Irregular astigmatism causing distorted or ghosted images
- Eye pain or discomfort from ill-fitting standard lenses
- Fluctuating vision throughout the day
- Chronic dry eye despite drops and treatments
Treatment Options
- Custom Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
- Scleral Ortho-K (Overnight Reshaping Lenses)
- Corneal Topography-Guided Lens Design
- Pentacam Corneal Tomography for Fitting
- Medical Insurance Prior Authorization
What is Scleral Lens Fitting?
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter specialty lenses that vault completely over the irregular cornea, creating a fluid-filled reservoir that corrects vision even when glasses and standard contacts fail. Medically necessary for corneal ectasias (keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, keratoglobus, Terrien's marginal degeneration), post-surgical complications (post-LASIK ectasia, post-RK, post-corneal transplant), corneal dystrophies (Meesmann's, Cogan's, Salzmann's nodular degeneration), and severe ocular surface disease (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, Sjögren's syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, neurotrophic keratitis, lagophthalmos). Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years and 500+ scleral fittings.
At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of scleral lens fitting. Our experienced optometrists use state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive care and help preserve your vision.
Common Symptoms of Scleral Lens Fitting
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye examination:
Vision not fully correctable with glasses or standard contacts
Irregular astigmatism causing distorted or ghosted images
Eye pain or discomfort from ill-fitting standard lenses
Fluctuating vision throughout the day
Chronic dry eye despite drops and treatments
Post-surgical vision changes that glasses cannot correct
Corneal surface disease causing persistent pain and light sensitivity
Recurrent corneal erosions or epithelial breakdown
Treatment Options for Scleral Lens Fitting
We offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific needs:
Custom Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Scleral Ortho-K (Overnight Reshaping Lenses)
Corneal Topography-Guided Lens Design
Pentacam Corneal Tomography for Fitting
Medical Insurance Prior Authorization
Insertion/Removal Training
Follow-up Monitoring & Adjustments
Why Choose EyeCare Center of Orange County?
Over 30 Years of Experience
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has been serving Orange County since 1991 with specialized expertise in specialty contact lenses.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We utilize the latest equipment for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of scleral lens fitting.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient receives customized care based on their unique needs and condition severity.
Comprehensive Eye Care
From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care, we provide complete support throughout your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions benefit from scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are medically necessary for corneal ectasias (keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, keratoglobus), post-surgical complications (post-LASIK ectasia, post-RK, post-corneal transplant astigmatism), severe ocular surface disease (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, Sjögren's syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid), corneal dystrophies, and corneal scarring from chemical or thermal injuries. Any condition that leaves the cornea irregular or the ocular surface compromised is a potential candidate.
Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?
When medically necessary — for conditions like keratoconus, post-surgical corneal irregularity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, GVHD, or severe dry eye — scleral lenses are typically covered under medical insurance (not just vision plans). We handle prior authorization and provide clinical documentation.
How long does scleral lens fitting take?
The fitting process typically requires 2-3 appointments over 2-3 weeks. We use Pentacam corneal tomography and advanced corneal topography to design custom lenses and verify the fit with in-office trial lenses before finalizing your prescription.
What is scleral ortho-K?
Scleral ortho-K uses reverse-geometry scleral lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Patients wake up with improved vision and go through the day without any lenses. It benefits RK patients, post-LASIK patients, and high myopes who can't fit standard ortho-K lenses.
Can scleral lenses help with corneal scarring or chemical burns?
Yes. Scleral lenses vault over scarred or damaged corneas, creating a smooth optical surface and a fluid reservoir that hydrates and protects the compromised ocular surface. They are often the best non-surgical option for patients with corneal scarring from chemical burns, thermal injuries, or corneal dystrophies.
Does insurance cover Scleral Lens Fitting treatment?
Most vision and medical insurance plans cover diagnostic exams and medically necessary treatments. We accept most major insurance plans and can help verify your coverage before treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
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Related Conditions
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Related Services
- Keratoconus Treatment
Advanced diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus using scleral contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and other specialized therapies.
- Dry Eye Treatment & IPL Therapy
Comprehensive dry eye evaluation and treatment including IPL therapy, meibomian gland expression, and personalized treatment plans.
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