How to Get Fitted for Scleral Lenses: What to Expect at Your First Visit

If you’ve been struggling with dry eyes, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or inconsistent vision with traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses may offer the clarity and comfort you’ve been looking for. At Lauren Alexander Vision Source, we specialize in advanced contact lens fittings, including custom scleral lenses designed to meet your unique eye health needs.

If you’re considering scleral lenses, here’s what you can expect during your first visit—and how the fitting process works.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest gently on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Unlike traditional soft lenses, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This reservoir:

• Keeps the eye continuously hydrated
• Provides a smooth optical surface for clearer vision
• Protects sensitive or irregular corneas

Because they are custom-designed for each patient, scleral lenses often provide superior comfort and visual stability compared to standard contacts.
 

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Getting fitted for scleral lenses is more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. Because these lenses are custom-made, precision is essential.

Here’s how the process typically works:
 

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Your appointment begins with a thorough eye health evaluation. Your optometrist will assess:

• Your current prescription
• Corneal shape and curvature
• Tear film quality
• Overall eye health

If you have conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal scarring, this is when those factors are carefully evaluated.
 

Advanced Corneal Mapping

Specialized imaging technology is used to create a detailed map of your cornea. This step allows your doctor to measure even subtle irregularities in shape and elevation. The more precise the measurements, the better your custom lens will fit.

Corneal topography ensures that the lens vaults over your cornea properly without putting pressure on sensitive areas.
 

Diagnostic Lens Fitting

Your doctor will place a trial scleral lens on your eye to evaluate fit and comfort. Because scleral lenses are filled with sterile saline before insertion, you may notice immediate comfort and visual improvement.

During this stage, your provider will assess:

• Lens clearance over the cornea
• How the lens rests on the sclera
• Vision quality
• Overall comfort

Adjustments may be made to refine the fit before your final lenses are ordered.
 

Custom Lens Ordering

Once the ideal fit is determined, your custom scleral lenses are ordered. Since these lenses are individually designed, manufacturing can take a couple of weeks.
 

Dispensing & Training Appointment

When your lenses arrive, you’ll return for a dispensing appointment. During this visit:

• The fit is re-evaluated
• Your vision is fine-tuned
• You’ll learn how to insert and remove your lenses
• Proper cleaning and care instructions are reviewed

Scleral lenses require a different insertion technique than soft contacts, but most patients quickly become comfortable with the process.
 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Scleral Lenses?

You may benefit from scleral lenses if you have:

• Keratoconus
• Severe dry eye syndrome
• Post-LASIK complications
• Corneal scarring
• Irregular astigmatism
• Difficulty tolerating traditional contact lenses

Even patients who were told they couldn’t wear contacts in the past are often excellent candidates for scleral lenses.
 

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Many patients report life-changing improvements, including:

• Sharper, more stable vision
• All-day comfort
• Reduced light sensitivity
• Protection for fragile corneas
• Continuous hydration for dry eyes

Because scleral lenses vault over the cornea rather than touching it, they can dramatically reduce irritation for patients with sensitive eyes.
 

Finally Find Comfort in Your Contact Lenses

Getting fitted for scleral lenses is a personalized, step-by-step process designed to restore comfort, protect your eye health, and deliver clear, stable vision. While the fitting requires precision and multiple visits, the results can be transformative - especially for patients who have struggled with traditional contact lenses or chronic eye conditions.

If you’re ready to experience clearer, more comfortable vision, schedule your comprehensive scleral lens evaluation at Lauren Alexander Vision Source.  Contact our office in Shaven Park or Potranco, located in San Antonio, Texas. Please call (210) 239-2020 or (210) 317-2020 book an appointment today