Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus
Still struggling with keratoconus – even with glasses, contacts, or previous scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are one of the most effective treatments for keratoconus, helping patients achieve clearer, more stable, and more comfortable vision. However, not all scleral lenses are the same, and not all patients achieve the same results.
At Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland in Baltimore, we specialize in advanced scleral lens solutions for patients who want the best possible vision. Whether you are new to scleral lenses or have tried them before without success, our approach focuses on improving both visual clarity and overall visual quality.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This creates a smooth optical surface that corrects vision distortions caused by keratoconus.
Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses also maintain a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye, which helps improve comfort and protect the cornea.
For many patients, scleral lenses provide significant improvement in vision, reducing symptoms such as glare, halos, ghosting, and fluctuating vision.
Why Not All Scleral Lenses Are the Same
While scleral lenses are often considered the standard of care for keratoconus, results can vary significantly depending on how the lenses are designed and fit.
Some patients achieve good vision with standard scleral lenses, while others continue to experience visual symptoms such as glare, halos, ghosting, or reduced sharpness. This is often due to higher-order aberrations (HOAs)—subtle distortions that are not fully corrected with traditional lens designs.
This is why customization matters.
Advanced scleral lens technologies—such as wavefront-guided lenses, scan-based scleral lenses, and impression-based scleral lenses—allow for a higher level of precision, helping improve both clarity and comfort for more complex cases.
Why Scleral Lenses May Not Be Working as Expected
If you have tried scleral lenses but are still not satisfied with your vision, you are not alone.
There are several reasons why scleral lenses may not provide optimal results, including:
- Residual higher-order aberrations (HOAs)
- Lens design limitations
- Fit issues or lens stability
- Changes in the cornea over time
- Dry eye or ocular surface conditions
In many cases, these issues can be improved with a more customized approach and advanced lens design.
Our Approach to Scleral Lenses
At our practice, scleral lenses are not treated as a one-size-fits-all solution. We use advanced diagnostic technology to analyze both the shape of the cornea and the optical system of the eye.
This allows us to design lenses that are tailored not just for fit, but for visual performance.
Our goal is to help patients achieve:
- Sharper, more stable vision
- Reduced glare, halos, and ghosting
- Improved comfort and longer wear time
- Better overall visual quality—not just vision on the eye chart
Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for patients with:
- Keratoconus
- Irregular corneas
- Post-LASIK or post-surgical complications
- Corneal ectasia
- Pellucid marginal degeneration
They are also an excellent option for patients who are unable to achieve clear or comfortable vision with glasses or traditional contact lenses.
Why Patients Choose Our Baltimore Keratoconus Practice
- Over 40 years of experience treating keratoconus
- Advanced scleral lens technologies and customization options
- Experience with complex and previously unsuccessful cases
- Concierge-level care with personalized attention
- Patients travel from across Maryland and surrounding states
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are considering scleral lenses—or are not fully satisfied with your current vision—we invite you to take the next step.
Call today to request your consultation and complimentary record review with one of our doctors.
1. What are scleral lenses used for in keratoconus?
Scleral lenses are commonly used to improve vision in patients with keratoconus by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. This helps reduce visual distortions such as glare, halos, ghosting, and blurred vision while also improving overall comfort.
2. Do scleral lenses cure keratoconus?
No, scleral lenses do not cure keratoconus. They are a non-surgical treatment designed to improve vision and comfort by correcting the way light enters the eye. While they can significantly improve visual quality, they do not stop the progression of the condition.
3. Why am I still seeing glare, halos, or ghosting with scleral lenses?
Some patients continue to experience visual symptoms due to higher-order aberrations (HOAs), which are not always fully corrected with standard scleral lenses. In these cases, more advanced custom lens designs may be needed to further improve clarity and reduce distortion.
4. Are all scleral lenses the same?
No, not all scleral lenses are the same. Differences in design, fit, and technology can significantly impact both vision and comfort. Advanced options such as wavefront-guided lenses, scan-based lenses, and impression-based lenses allow for a higher level of customization.
5. Who is a good candidate for custom scleral lenses?
Custom scleral lenses are ideal for patients with keratoconus or irregular corneas who are not achieving clear or comfortable vision with glasses or traditional contact lenses. They are also a good option for patients who have tried scleral lenses but are still experiencing visual issues.