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Specialty Contact Lenses·Tustin, Orange County

Scleral Lens Fitting Treatment in Tustin, California

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. · Updated February 2026

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. Ideal for keratoconus, post-LASIK complications, radial keratotomy (RK), severe dry eye, irregular astigmatism, and post-corneal transplant patients. Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years and 500+ scleral fittings.

Tustin residents managing scleral lens fitting benefit from our efficient, comprehensive appointment structure—thorough evaluation and clear treatment planning in visits designed to respect your time.

Dr. Bonakdar on Scleral Lens Fitting

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert scleral lens fitting diagnosis and treatment for patients in Tustin and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.

What is scleral lens fitting?

Scleral lens fitting is a specialty eye care process where an eye doctor designs large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye, vaulting completely over the cornea. The process involves mapping the corneal shape and precisely customizing the lens to create clear, comfortable vision for conditions like keratoconus, dry eye, and post-surgical complications.

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

Scleral lens fitting typically takes 2 to 3 appointments over 2 to 4 weeks. The first appointment measures the eye, the second involves trial lens fitting and adjustments, and the final visit confirms the prescription. An experienced fitter can often complete the process more quickly than average.

Who needs specialty scleral lens fitting?

Scleral lens fitting is for patients whose corneas cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or regular contact lenses. This includes people with keratoconus, severe dry eye, post-LASIK complications, radial keratotomy problems, corneal scarring, and irregular astigmatism from any cause.

Does insurance cover scleral lens fitting?

Scleral lenses are often covered under medical insurance rather than vision insurance, especially when they are prescribed for a medical condition like keratoconus or post-surgical complications. Coverage varies by plan. Your eye doctor's office can submit a prior authorization to determine your specific benefits.

What are the symptoms of Scleral Lens Fitting?

If you or a family member in Tustin experience any of the following symptoms, scheduling an evaluation sooner rather than later leads to better outcomes:

  • 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

What happens if scleral lens fitting is not treated?

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, scleral lens fitting can lead to:

  • Continued poor vision with ill-fitting standard lenses
  • Ongoing discomfort and dry eye from lenses that don't fit the cornea
  • Progressive corneal damage from poorly fitting rigid lenses
  • Inability to work, drive, or perform daily activities requiring clear vision
  • Reduced quality of life from uncorrected post-surgical complications
  • Unnecessary acceptance of vision that can be significantly improved

How is Scleral Lens Fitting treated?

For Tustin residents, we design treatment plans that balance effectiveness with convenience—minimizing follow-up visits while ensuring optimal outcomes:

Custom Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Scleral Ortho-K (Overnight Reshaping Lenses)
Corneal Topography-Guided Lens Design
Medical Insurance Prior Authorization
Insertion/Removal Training
Follow-up Monitoring & Adjustments

Standard Care vs. Specialized Treatment for Scleral Lens Fitting

AspectStandard ApproachSpecialized Treatment
Lens PositionRests on the corneaVaults over cornea, rests on sclera
Dry EyeWorsens tear film instabilityFluid reservoir hydrates cornea all day
Irregular CorneasCannot correct keratoconus or post-surgical irregularityCreates smooth optical surface over any shape
Wearing Time8-10 hours (decreasing comfort)12-16 hours with consistent comfort
CustomizationLimited parameter adjustmentsFully custom design for each cornea

Scleral Lens Fitting FAQs for Tustin Patients

Common questions from Tustin patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose scleral lens fitting using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Tustin residents appreciate our efficient diagnostic process—thorough evaluation and results discussion in a single appointment that respects your schedule.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for scleral lens fitting including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. For Tustin commuters, we prioritize treatments that provide stable vision for driving and work, with follow-up schedules that minimize time away from your routine.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Conveniently located for Tustin residents with ample parking and easy access, typically within a 15-25 minute drive from most neighborhoods.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for scleral lens fitting diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.
Yes. Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has fitted specialty contact lenses for over 35 years and has completed 500+ scleral lens fittings. Tustin patients are referred to our practice from UCI Medical Center and CHOC specifically for complex scleral lens cases that other practitioners cannot resolve.
Scleral lenses are prescribed for Tustin patients with keratoconus, post-LASIK or RK complications, severe dry eye, irregular astigmatism, corneal scarring, or corneal transplant recovery. They are the specialty lens of choice when standard contact lenses no longer work.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Scleral Lens Fitting Care for Tustin Residents

Tustin commuters and professionals who rely on sharp distance vision for driving find scleral lenses transformative. Unlike glasses that fog, standard contacts that dry out, or post-surgical vision that fluctuates, scleral lenses provide consistent, high-quality vision from the moment you insert them in the morning through the evening commute home.

About Tustin

Family-oriented suburban community with excellent schools

Population: 80,000+

Young familiesProfessionalsDiverse communityStudents

Languages Spoken in Tustin

Our practice serves the diverse Tustin community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishKoreanVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Tustin

  • Whole-family eye care
  • School vision screenings
  • Contact lens fittings for all ages
  • Progressive lens consultations
  • Annual comprehensive exams

Conveniently Located Near Tustin Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Tustin patients living near:

The District at Tustin Legacy
Tustin Marketplace
Tustin Sports Park
Old Town Tustin

Getting to Our Office from Tustin

Drive Time
10 min
Distance
2.3 mi

Our office at 801 N Tustin Ave is right in Santa Ana — no freeway needed. On-site parking is available in the building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Tustin Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Old Town Tustin
  • Tustin Legacy
  • North Tustin
  • Columbus Grove

Zip codes: 92780, 92782

Why Tustin Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Scleral Lens Fitting

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating scleral lens fitting.

Advanced Diagnostics

OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.

Insurance Accepted

VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Convenient for Tustin

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Tustin and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Scleral Lens Fitting Specialist in Tustin

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating scleral lens fitting and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Tustin

See why your neighbors in Tustin trust us with their vision.

Comprehensive Exam

"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."

emily garcia
Santa Ana, CA

Comprehensive Exam

"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."

Eduardo arias
Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Scleral Lens Fitting Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Tustin and Orange County residents.