Scleral Lens Clinic

For complex vision needs, traditional contact lens evaluation methods based on trial lenses and visual estimation might not be enough. That’s why those with complicated vision needs travel from across the United States to visit the Advanced Specialty Contact Lens Clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Our expert optometrists use advanced technology available at only few locations to provide evaluation, diagnosis and evaluation of scleral lenses and other advanced specialty contact lenses.

Each day, at our clinic located in Columbus, Ohio, we help those with vision impairment return to driving, work and daily activities with custom-fitted, comfortable contact lenses. For some, scleral lenses even help them avoid surgery. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s is the only eye program in the country to bring together the most advanced contact lens-evaluation and design technology in one convenient location.

For irregular corneas, severe dry eye and other challenging vision conditions, our experts specialize in understanding your complex vision needs and can help you see clearly and comfortably again.

What are scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses?

Scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses each go beyond standard soft or hard contact lenses. Instead of resting on the cornea of your eye like most contact lenses, scleral lenses are larger contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera.

These contact lenses are custom-made from gas-permeable plastic (which means oxygen passes through them) to fit the exact shape of your eye. Scleral contacts provide increased comfort and improved vision because their outer edges rest on the less sensitive, white part of the eye.

Other specialty contact lens types include scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, custom soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable designs that can all be tailored to your specific vision or eye-surface challenges.

What are the benefits of scleral lenses?

Instead of resting directly on your eye, scleral lenses arch over the cornea to create a saline barrier between the contact lens and your eye. This liquid barrier improves comfort and vision. Scleral lenses don’t shift on the eye or fall out while you're wearing them. They protect the eye while providing clear, stable vision.

Replacing scleral lenses depends on your doctor’s recommendation, changes to your eye health condition and your level of lens care. Scleral lenses typically last between one and three years.

Who are candidates for scleral lenses and advanced specialty lenses?

If you’ve struggled to find contact lenses that fit comfortably or provide clear vision, you may be a candidate for specialty lenses. Issues with fit and vision can include disorders that alter the shape of the front surface of the eye, such as:

• Keratoconus: A condition that causes the normally round, dome-shaped cornea to become thin and bulge outward into a cone shape
• Keratoglobus: A rare, degenerative eye condition causing the cornea to become unusually thin and bulge outward
• Pellucid marginal degeneration: A rare corneal condition that causes progressive thinning along its lower edge
• Refractive surgery patients, such as LASIK®, radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
• Corneal scarring
• Corneal transplants
• Other forms of irregularity, including high astigmatism

Scleral lenses can also treat conditions that cause dryness or inflammation of the eye, such as:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Sjogren’s syndrome: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s glands that produce moisture
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): Rare, severe inflammation and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the eyes
• Keratitis: A group of conditions that cause extreme dryness of the eye surface including conditions that prevent the eyelid from closing  
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): A complication of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant that can cause dry eyes

Signs you might need specialty lenses

Scleral lenses and other types of specialty contact lenses may still be an option, even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for contact lenses. Your eye doctor may recommend scleral or specialty contact lenses if standard soft or gas-permeable hard lenses don’t provide you with clear vision or long-term comfort.

You may benefit from a specialty contact lens evaluation if you experience these issues:

• Blurry or distorted vision that glasses or regular contacts can’t entirely correct
• Chronic eye irritation or dryness
• Sensitivity to light or discomfort wearing standard lenses
• Difficulty driving at night with contact lenses
• Frequently feeling your contact lenses don’t “sit right”
• Need for sharper, more stable vision throughout the day, especially if your vision fluctuates with blinking or dryness

What to expect at your visit to be fitted for specialty contact lenses

Patients with vision needs come from across the United States to visit the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Advanced Specialty Contact Lens Clinic.

Initial consultation

During your first appointment, we’ll review your medical and vision history, assess your eye health and take baseline measurements of your cornea and sclera using advanced imaging.

Custom lens fitting and evaluation

If your doctor determines you’re a candidate for specialty contact lenses or scleral lenses, they’ll fit you for lenses. All scleral lenses are custom-made for your eyes, using advanced technology and training available at Ohio State. Scleral lenses can be fitted in the office with diagnostic lenses or with eye scanning technology.

Diagnostic contact lenses are manufactured by a lens company with a set design. Your doctor will apply these lenses to your eyes during a fitting appointment and adjust them based on your needs.

Orientation and follow-up

In addition to ensuring the lenses provide clear vision and comfort, we’ll teach you proper application, removal and cleaning. 

Our doctors will assess your custom lenses at multiple visits to ensure your vision and eye health are at their best.

Specialty contact lens maintenance

Specialty lenses typically last one to three years with proper care and follow up. We’ll guide you on replacement schedules and ongoing maintenance. Follow-up visits fine-tune your fit and ensure your continued eye health.

Advanced technology we use to make customized contact lenses

We are the only location in the United States to offer five of the most advanced eye-profiling technologies available in one location.

Your doctor will use one or more of these technologies to scan, make an impression of, and measure the curvature and shape of your eyes. A manufacturer will create your custom lenses based on these measurements.

Types of eye profiling offered at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center include: