Scleral Lenses
in Las Vegas
If standard contact lenses feel uncomfortable, move around too much, or do not give you the clear vision you need, scleral lenses may be a better option. These specialty contact lenses are designed for people with dry eye, keratoconus, irregular corneas, high prescriptions, or other complex vision needs.
Dr. Vivienne Velasco provides scleral lenses in Las Vegas, NV, for patients who need a more customized approach to contact lens comfort and clarity. With experience in ocular disease, low vision, and contact lens care for abnormal corneas, Dr. Velasco can help determine whether scleral lenses are right for your eyes.
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera, rather than sitting directly on the cornea.¹ Because they vault over the cornea, they create a small space between the lens and the front surface of the eye.
That space is filled with preservative-free saline before the lens is placed on the eye. This creates a smooth optical surface and a reservoir of moisture, which can be especially helpful for people with irregular corneas or chronic dry eye.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are often recommended for patients who cannot achieve clear, stable, or comfortable vision with standard soft contact lenses or glasses. They may be a good option for people with:
- Keratoconus
- Irregular corneas
- Moderate to severe dry eye
- Corneal scarring
- High or complex prescriptions
- Post-surgical corneal changes
- Contact lens discomfort
A specialty contact lens exam allows Dr. Velasco to evaluate your eye shape, corneal health, tear film, and visual needs to determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate.
Scleral lenses for keratoconus and irregular corneas
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and develop a cone-like shape, which can distort vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that keratoconus can cause blurry or distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, and frequent prescription changes.²
Scleral lenses can help by vaulting over the irregular corneal surface and creating a smooth front surface for light to enter the eye. This may improve vision quality, reduce distortion, and provide a more stable fit than traditional contact lenses.
If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or have been told your cornea is irregular, Dr. Velasco can evaluate whether specialty contact lenses may help you see more clearly.
Scleral lenses for dry eye
Scleral lenses may also help patients with chronic or moderate to severe dry eye. Because the lens is filled with saline before insertion, it holds moisture against the eye throughout wear time. This can reduce friction, protect the corneal surface, and improve comfort for some dry eye patients.
Scleral lenses do not replace every form of dry eye treatment, and they may not be the right solution for every patient. However, they can be a valuable option when dryness makes traditional contacts uncomfortable or when the surface of the eye needs additional protection.
What to expect during a scleral lens fitting
Scleral lenses require a more customized fitting process than standard contact lenses. During your visit, Dr. Velasco will take detailed measurements of your eyes and evaluate how the lenses sit on the sclera, vault over the cornea, and interact with your tear film.
Your scleral lens fitting may include a comprehensive eye health evaluation, corneal measurements or imaging, trial lens fitting, vision testing, fit adjustments, and training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
It can take more than one visit to finalize the lenses. This is normal. Scleral lenses are highly customized, and follow-up care helps make sure they provide the best possible comfort, vision, and long-term eye health.
Schedule a scleral lens consultation in Las Vegas
If you have struggled with standard contact lenses, blurry vision from an irregular cornea, keratoconus, or chronic dry eye, scleral lenses may offer the clarity and comfort you have been missing.
Dr. Velasco provides personalized scleral lens fittings in Las Vegas, NV, for patients with complex contact lens needs. Schedule an appointment today to find out whether scleral lenses are a good fit for your eyes.
Scleral lenses FAQs
What makes scleral lenses different from regular contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger than standard soft contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye instead of directly on the cornea. They vault over the cornea and create a fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye.
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Many patients find scleral lenses comfortable once they are properly fit. Because they do not rest directly on the cornea, they can be a good option for people who have discomfort with traditional contact lenses.
Can scleral lenses help with dry eye?
Scleral lenses may help some patients with moderate to severe dry eye by keeping a reservoir of saline against the front surface of the eye during wear. Dr. Velasco can determine whether they are appropriate based on your symptoms and eye health.
Do I need a special exam for scleral lenses?
Yes. Scleral lenses require a specialty contact lens fitting with detailed measurements and lens evaluations to customize the fit for your eyes.