Skip to main content

DOCTORS AT THOMPSON OPTICS HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE FITTING SCLERAL LENSES.

“WE HAVE FIT OVER 10,000 LENSES

At Thompson Optics in Edmonton, we provide advanced fitting examinations for specialty contact lenses. We custom fit scleral lenses to those with corneal irregularities due to LASIK eye surgery complications, keratoconus, astigmatism, dry eye, or other ocular conditions.

Request A Scleral Lens Appointment

Home » Eye Care Services » Scleral Contact Lenses

What are Scleral Lenses?

detail of hard contact lenses QFRQGLL 760×569 (1)

Because they are larger than conventional GP lenses, scleral lenses are more stable on the eye. They also provide initial comfort similar to soft lenses.

If you want to wear contact lenses but have had trouble wearing them in the past — or you’ve been told you are not a good candidate for contacts — scleral contact lenses may be the solution you are looking for.

Scleral lenses are comfortable despite their size. First-time scleral lens users often worry that the lenses won’t be comfortable, mostly because of their size and rigidity. While scleral lenses are considerably bigger than standard soft lenses, they are just as comfortable — if not more so.

These large-diameter gas permeable (GP) lenses offer the same advantages that conventional GP lenses have compared with soft contacts.

Read More about Scleral Lenses
Sharper vision – Greater durability – Easier handling – Less risk of complications

They are called “scleral” lenses because, instead of covering only a portion of the cornea (like conventional GP lenses), these large GP lenses vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the “white” of the eye (the sclera).

Because of their size, scleral lenses are more stable on the eye than conventional GP lenses — so they are less likely to accidentally dislodge from the eye. This stability also can make them more comfortable than conventional GP lenses; scleral lenses provide initial comfort similar to soft lenses, especially for sensitive eyes or irregularly shaped corneas.

Thompson Optics Scleral Lens Successes


girl browsing her smartphone 640×350

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Scleral lenses are a great solution for those with Keratoconus, as they offer sharp vision and improved comfort.

senior man grey hair outdoors 640

Scleral Lenses for Post Corneal Graft

Scleral contact lenses are an excellent choice for patients requiring vision correction following a corneal graft, thanks to the high level of comfort and hydration they provide.

8 Benefits of Wearing Scleral Lenses 640×350 1.jpg

8 Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Here are 8 reasons why scleral contact lenses may be beneficial for you

Dry Eyes sqr reviews1.jpg

What Others Are Saying About Us

5

I thank Thompson Optics staff for the great work

I referred a patient from my office to see the optometrist at Thompson optics for a specialty contact lens fitting . The patient was suffering from a condition called Keratoconus. They offered him scleral lenses. The patient now has very good vision, I am very happy for my patient. I also thank Thompson Optics staff for the great work, service and patient care they offered.

- Referring doctor, Google review

Types of Scleral Lenses

Sclerals Sqr Row 2 1280x853.jpg

There are three categories of scleral lenses, based on size and where the lenses have their primary contact with the front surface of the eye:

Corneo-scleral lenses and semi-scleral lenses are much larger larger than conventional GP lenses and rest near the junction between the cornea and the sclera.

Mini-scleral lenses vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the anterior sclera.

Full scleral lenses are the largest scleral lenses and provide the greatest amount of clearance between the back surface of the lens and the cornea.

All modern scleral lenses are made with highly breathable, rigid gas permeable lens materials. So though scleral lenses cover the entire cornea, plenty of oxygen reaches the front surface of the eye to keep it healthy and comfortable.

Keratoconus and Scleral Contact Lenses

Keratoconus is an increasingly common eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, by causing it to take on a cone shape, rather than the normal rounded shape. Common keratoconus symptoms include light sensitivity, foggy vision, eye irritation and headaches.

Treatment for keratoconus depends on how advanced it is, and may vary from simple eyeglasses and contact lenses for minor cases, to keratoconus surgery such as corneal cross-linking for more severe cases.

Even if your keratoconus is advanced, however, surgery may not be your only option. Scleral lenses are an excellent non-invasive solution and are among the best contact lenses for sensitive eyes and keratoconus.

Want to learn more about how scleral lenses can help you? Contact us today!

Are you a good candidate?

Generally, anyone interested in achieving the best vision possible with contact lenses can be a candidate for scleral lenses. But scleral GP lenses are particularly helpful for the following conditions:

Irregular corneas. Vision problems caused by an irregularly shaped cornea — whether naturally occurring, due to an eye condition such as keratoconus, or resulting from eye surgery — typically cannot be fully corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. Scleral lenses typically will provide sharper vision for these eyes.

Hard-to-fit eyes. If your eyes cannot be comfortably fitted with conventional GP lenses or the shape of your eye causes the lenses to dislodge too easily from your eyes (during sports, for example), scleral lenses can provide a more comfortable and secure fit.

Dry eyes. If your eyes are too dry for conventional contact lenses, scleral lenses can help. In particular, the generous space between the back surface of full scleral lenses and the cornea acts as a tear reservoir to keep the front of your eye more moist and comfortable.

blond girl smiling_1280x853 640x640

Learn More about Scleral Lenses | FAQ

medical-plus medical-plus How do Scleral Lenses Help with Dry Eye Syndrome?

Scleral lenses tackle three factors simultaneously: they provide vision correction, they protect the eye, and they serve a therapeutic purpose by lubricating the eye. 

By filling the bowl of the lens with unpreserved saline solution prior to inserting it in the eye, you ensure that your eyes are always in a hydrated and comfortable environment. This provides relief from unpleasant dry eye symptoms such as pain, discomfort, eye redness, and itchiness while providing sharp, clear vision.

medical-plus medical-plus Why Do Scleral Lenses Offer Superior Comfort?

Scleral lenses are custom-fit to each person’s unique eye shape, corneal curves, and contours, providing unparalleled comfort. Their size and shape also ensure stability.

To design the lenses, our optometrists will take exact measurements of your cornea through a process called corneal topography. This process ensures that your personal pair of scleral lenses allows the right amount of light in and sits stably on the eye, thus offering superior vision, all-day ocular hydration, and increased comfort. 

If other contact lenses haven't worked for you, don’t despair — you may be a candidate for scleral lenses. Talk to our optometrists to determine your best course of action.

medical-plus medical-plus Does Insurance Cover Scleral Lenses?

When it comes to scleral lenses, every insurance company is different. Some cover the eye exams and custom fitting, but not the actual lenses. Others may cover a portion of the cost or 100% of the cost, but only if other treatment methods have been exhausted. It’s important that you consult with your  insurance provider to understand the particulars of your scleral lens coverage.

It is our strong belief that one’s quality of life is profoundly associated with one’s vision. Vision problems, whether due to keratoconus, LASIK, ocular trauma corneal irregularities, or dry eye syndrome, affect all aspects of a patient’s life.

Relieve your discomfort by scheduling a consultation with our optometrists and we’ll help you find the best solution for your condition and lifestyle.

Request A Scleral Lens Appointment

Learn More About Scleral Lenses

technology students 1024×682

Scleral Lenses FAQ with Dr Moe

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus Thumbnail.jpg

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

what are scleral lenses Thumbnail.jpg

What are Scleral Lenses?

beautiful eyes1.jpg

Who Wears Scleral Lenses?

Specialty FAQ Thumbnail.jpg

Scleral Lenses: FAQ

3 Ways That Scleral Lenses Treat Dry Eyes Thumbnail.jpg

3 Ways That Scleral Lenses Treat Dry Eyes

eye pain Thumbnail.jpg

Corneal Disease and Scleral Lenses

Scleral Lens Blog Thumbnail.jpg

Scleral Lens Blog

Abstract Older Man Eyes 1280×480 2.jpg

Scleral Lenses for Sjogren’s Syndrome 

tips and researches Thumbnail.jpg

Tips and Resources

Read Our Latest Posts

Stay Active and See Better With Scleral Lenses 640×350 1.jpg

Stay Active and See Better With Scleral Lenses