Scleral Lenses Newton MA | Keratoconus & Dry Eye Specialist
Custom lenses that vault the cornea and create a gentle, protective fluid layer—helping patients with corneal disease (like keratoconus) and chronic dry eye see and feel better.
Fluid Reservoir Comfort
Bathes the cornea in fluid throughout the day
Sharper Vision
Can neutralize irregular astigmatism from corneal disease
Ocular Surface Protection
Creates a barrier between the cornea and the environment
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable specialty contact lenses designed to rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than on the cornea.
Because they vault over the corneal surface, a scleral lens creates a sealed space that is filled with sterile preservative-free saline at insertion. This “fluid reservoir” can both improve comfort and provide a smooth optical surface for clearer vision.
They’re often used when standard glasses, soft contact lenses, or smaller rigid lenses do not provide enough comfort or vision quality.
Why Patients Love Them
How Scleral Lenses Work
Vault the Cornea
The lens “bridges” over the cornea to avoid direct contact with a sensitive or irregular surface.
Hold a Fluid Reservoir
Sterile saline fills the space underneath, providing continuous lubrication and smoothing the optics.
Improve Vision & Comfort
Many patients experience clearer, more stable vision and better end-of-day comfort.
Who Can Benefit?
We offer scleral lens evaluations for patients who need both comfort and high-quality optics.
Keratoconus & Corneal Irregularity
When the cornea is distorted, vision can fluctuate and glasses may not fully correct it.
Scleral lenses can create a smooth optical surface in front of the cornea, helping neutralize irregular astigmatism and improve clarity for many patients with keratoconus and other corneal irregularities.
Often helpful for:
- ✓ Keratoconus
- ✓ Post-surgical irregular corneas
- ✓ Corneal scarring / surface irregularity
Chronic & Severe Dry Eye
When drops aren’t enough and the ocular surface needs continuous protection.
For some patients, the fluid reservoir under a scleral lens can provide a “bandage” effect, shielding the cornea from wind, friction, and evaporation—often improving comfort and functional vision.
Common reasons we consider sclerals:
- ✓ Severe dry eye symptoms despite lubricants
- ✓ Contact lens intolerance from dryness
- ✓ Ocular surface disease with corneal staining
Note: A comprehensive evaluation is required to confirm candidacy and the safest lens design for your eyes.
Our Scleral Lens Process
Because scleral lenses are fully customized, a careful fit and follow-up are key to comfort, vision, and long-term eye health.
Cornea & Surface Assessment
We evaluate the cornea and ocular surface, review your goals (comfort vs. vision), and confirm whether scleral lenses are the right modality.
Scleral Shape Mapping
We assess the shape of both your cornea and sclera to guide lens design—so the lens lands evenly and comfortably on the eye.
Custom Lens Design
We customize vault (sagittal depth), landing zone alignment, and optics so the lens protects the surface while optimizing vision.
Training & Fine-Tuning
We teach insertion/removal and safe care, then follow up to verify vault/fit and refine the lens parameters as your eyes respond.
Why We Offer Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses bridge the gap between dry eye therapy and vision rehabilitation. For many patients with keratoconus or chronic dry eye, they can provide a unique combination of improved clarity and day-to-day comfort that’s hard to achieve with drops alone.
They’re especially helpful when:
- ✓Vision is limited by an irregular cornea (even with glasses)
- ✓Dry eye symptoms persist despite optimized drops and therapies
- ✓The ocular surface needs protection from evaporation, wind, and friction
The Technology Behind the Fit
Modern scleral lens systems allow highly adjustable designs so the lens can match your unique eye shape—both the cornea and the sclera.
Lens design is selected based on your eye health, measurements, and goals. An evaluation is required to determine candidacy.
Related Treatments
Dry Eye Assessment
Comprehensive diagnostic testing to identify the root causes of your symptoms.
NuLids PRO Therapy
Gentle eyelid exfoliation and stimulation for blepharitis and MGD relief.
Punctal Plugs
Reversible tear duct inserts that help your eyes retain natural moisture.
Lumenis OptiLight IPL
FDA-approved light therapy targeting inflammation and restoring meibomian gland function.
Ready to Explore Scleral Lenses?
Schedule an evaluation to see whether scleral lenses are a good fit for your eyes, your comfort, and your vision goals.