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Vision Reimagined with Scleral Lenses from Rye Eye Care


At Rye Eye Care, we understand the frustration of being told you're not a candidate for contact lenses. But the truth is, times have changed.

Have you experienced discomfort while attempting to wear contact lenses, ultimately resorting to glasses for relief? Is your vision being affected by conditions like keratoconus or other corneal issues?

The good news is that thousands of individuals facing vision loss due to various corneal conditions can regain clarity through scleral lenses. Even if you've struggled with traditional contact lenses in the past due to eye conditions or discomfort, there's a solution that can provide safe and successful vision correction.

At Rye Eye Care, Dr. Rajdeep Singh, O.D., specializes in advanced custom contact lens fitting, catering to even the most challenging cases. It's time to bid farewell to the limitations of outdated contact lenses. Experience vision clarity and comfort like never before.

Woman holding plastic container with contact lenses
Home » Eye Care Services » Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus & Irregular Corneas in Rye, NY

Scleral lenses — specialized custom contact lenses — open new possibilities for those unable to use regular contacts comfortably. Their benefits include an excellent fit, unmatched comfort, and improved vision.

The name "scleral lens" comes from its placement on the sclera, the eye's white region, bypassing the sensitive iris. This design enhances comfort by reducing friction and discomfort typically associated with regular contact lenses. Experience a new level of ease with scleral lenses.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus


The clear tissue on the eye’s outermost surface covering the pupil and the iris is called the cornea. The cornea’s function is to bend and focus light going into the eyes. Normally, the cornea has a smooth shape to provide clear vision. When the shape of the cornea becomes irregular, the light entering the eyes is not focused properly. Consequently, an individual will suffer distorted and irregular vision.

Keratoconus is a corneal condition affecting between 0.1% and 0.5% of the population, or 300,000 to 1.6 million Americans. Keratoconus causes severe vision loss and discomfort but can be effectively corrected with scleral contact lenses.

Close-up shot of young woman wearing contact lens.

Scleral Lenses for a Range of Eye Conditions

The unique shape, size, and fit of scleral lenses makes them a great solution to help treat or manage a wide range of eye conditions:

  • Keratoconus
  • Severe dry eye
  • Post LASIK & refractive eye surgery complications
  • Severe astigmatism
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Trauma to the cornea
  • Corneal ectasia,
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Post corneal graft
  • Irregular cornea
  • Ocular pemphigoid
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)

    They are also a viable solution for rarer conditions, such as:

    • Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy
    • Basal membrane dystrophy
    • Meesman’s dystrophy
    • Reis-BĂĽckler’s Granular dystrophy
    • Thiel-Benke’s dystrophy
    • Macular dystrophy
    Girl Looking At Laptop Having Eyesight Problem At Home

    Severe Dry Eye


    People suffering from severe dry eye can find therapeutic benefits from transitioning to custom-designed scleral lenses. Sclerals keep the cornea moisturized and protected while minimizing irritation to the eyelids and the rest of the eye.

    Presbyopia & High Prescriptions


    Scleral contacts are ideal for anyone with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. For presbyopia patients, scleral contacts can be designed as multifocal contacts to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. Because scleral lenses are firmly positioned on the eye and do not move like soft contact lenses, they provide unmatched comfort compared to standard multifocal lenses.

    Scleral Lenses for Other Eye Conditions


    Astigmatism


    Scleral lenses are extremely effective at correcting high astigmatism and irregular astigmatism. Because of their rigidity, scleral lenses can correct astigmatism to allow for excellent vision.

    Legal Blindness


    We have helped many patients who were once legally blind due to their corneal scarring regain excellent vision after being properly fit with scleral lenses.

    Mini vs. Full Size Scleral Contacts


    All scleral lenses rest on the white part of the eye, the sclera. Our optometrist, Dr. Rajdeep Singh, O.D., will customize the scleral lenses by determining the exact diameter and space between the cornea and sclera. Some scleral lenses, called mini scleral lenses, may have a space of a few millimeters, while standard scleral lenses are larger, full-sized lenses. The larger scleral lenses are often recommended on very irregular corneal surfaces.

    Scleral Lenses Are Custom Fit To Your Eyes


    At Rye Eye Care, we specialize in crafting custom scleral lenses designed to match the contours of your eye precisely. Our process begins with advanced digital topography, accurately mapping your eye's dimensions for a perfect fit that prioritizes comfort and clarity. Microscopic adjustments ensure each scleral lens is tailored to your unique needs.

    Our commitment to delivering top-notch care is evident in our state-of-the-art technology, which guarantees the highest level of precision throughout the scleral lens development process.

    Our experienced team has a wealth of expertise in fitting various specialty contact lenses, with scleral lenses often being the preferred choice due to their exceptional quality and unique features.

    Our extensive inventory of diagnostic contact lenses allows us to prescribe the most suitable lenses for your specific eye-care needs. Witness the relief our patients experience as they successfully manage conditions like keratoconus and other corneal issues without surgery. At Rye Eye Care, your eye health and comfort are our top priorities.

    Young man putting in contact lenses near mirror

    Cost of Scleral Lenses


    At Rye Eye Care, we understand that scleral lenses differ significantly from regular contact lenses. These custom-fit lenses demand extensive training for our optometrists, utilize costly equipment, and require multiple visits to achieve the perfect fit. Additionally, patients receive training on proper care, insertion, and removal of scleral lenses to ensure a seamless experience.

    Due to the specialized fitting process and unique care requirements, professional fees for scleral lenses and lens replacement costs tend to be higher than other contact lenses. We are happy to discuss the specifics of your costs and explore payment options tailored to your needs.

    Now, when it comes to insurance coverage, it's essential to note that scleral lenses are not automatically covered by vision or medical insurance. While most insurance providers may reimburse costs for scleral lenses when medically necessary, the rates and restrictions can vary significantly from one provider to the next.

    Depending on your insurance plan, certain expenses related to professional fitting or lenses may be eligible for coverage, but generally, medical insurance does not cover scleral lens fittings. Our dedicated insurance team will work with you to maximize available benefits for your scleral lenses. However, it's important to keep in mind that insurance policies vary widely, and we cannot guarantee the extent of coverage you will receive.

    It's worth noting that while the initial cost of scleral lenses may be higher, their durability and long lifespan often make them a cost-effective investment in the long run, especially considering their numerous benefits.

    The Fitting Process

    • Consultation and testing (digital imaging)
    • Scleral lens fitting
    • Dispensing of the lens
    • Scleral Lens training for care, insertion and removal
    • Scleral lens follow-up(s) for micro adjustments

    We Asked Our Patients About Their Scleral Lens Experience

    How has your vision been since switching to scleral lenses?

    It has been very clear, a lot better than my soft contacts, and a lot more comfortable all day. My favorite thing is that I can tell that my vision is corrected as perfectly as it can.

    How did your life change when you got scleral lenses?

    It changed dramatically. I am a traveling nurse, driving early morning and late at night. I can now drive at night, and the lights don't bother me. It has helped me tremendously in my job. I have been wearing sclerals for over three years and could never return to regular hard contacts.

    What was your vision like with old contacts?

    I had 20/50 vision with contact lenses, and now I can see 20/25. I have gone down on my reading glasses from 2.0 to 1.5. And the great part is I can’t even tell I have anything in my eyes. The biggest thing about sclerals is keeping them clean and caring for them.

    What is your history before sclerals?

    I was a keratoconus patient. I first had a corneal transplant on one eye and then the other. There are no words to articulate the difference with sclerals, when I look at people, I see detail like never before. It is like night and day.