At the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, patients routinely travel from hours away because of the unique expertise and advanced care we provide. We regularly see scleral lens patients not only from North Carolina and South Carolina, but also from Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia. Every new patient receives a comprehensive and detailed initial examination, spending 100% of their exam time one-on-one with the doctor. Our doctors lecture nationally on scleral contact lenses, so you can feel confident knowing you are working with true scleral lens specialists.

Another reason The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute stands out is the cutting-edge technology we use to design scleral lenses. The Pentacam AXL Wave is a highly advanced medical device available at only a limited number of optometry practices nationwide.

This device captures up to 240,000 unique data points for each eye, which are then used to design a scleral lens fully customized to that individual’s ocular structure. Because every eye is unique, each lens we design is different—resulting in the best possible fit, comfort, and visual outcome for every patient.

Scleral contact lenses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are large-diameter gas-permeable (“hard”) lenses, which may sound intimidating at first. However, scleral lenses are uniquely designed to vault over the cornea (the most sensitive part of the eye) and rest gently on the sclera, the white portion of the eye.

Because of this specialized design, scleral lenses are typically very comfortable to wear. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses extend across the sclera’s outer edges, distributing pressure more evenly. If discomfort occurs, it usually means the lens design needs to be adjusted, or the patient may be experiencing dry eye syndrome, which can be addressed with proper treatment.

• Stability and Comfort – Scleral lenses provide a consistently stable fit, minimizing lens movement on the eye and ensuring long-lasting comfort throughout the day.
• Corneal Protection – By vaulting over the cornea, these lenses create a protective barrier that shields the eye from dust, wind, and potential abrasions.
• Enhanced Visual Correction – Scleral lenses are highly effective in addressing complex vision challenges such as keratoconus, irregular corneas, and high prescriptions, delivering sharper and clearer vision.
• Dry Eye Relief – The fluid reservoir beneath the lens maintains constant hydration, making scleral lenses an excellent solution for patients struggling with dry eye syndrome.
• Custom Versatility – Each scleral lens is uniquely designed to match the eye’s shape, allowing for a personalized fit that works for a wide variety of eye conditions.

There are two primary approaches to designing scleral lenses. While The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute primarily relies on advanced methods, it’s important to first understand the standard approach: the “fit set.”

A fit set usually contains 12–40 standard scleral lens designs provided by manufacturers. The doctor selects a lens that closely matches the patient’s eye shape, then observes how the “fit” lens sits on the eye to determine necessary adjustments. This method works reasonably well for straightforward cases, but traditional scleral lenses often fall short in delivering the best fit, vision, and comfort compared to more advanced options like freeform scleral lenses or lenses designed with scleral topography.

The fit set process can also be time-consuming and costly, sometimes requiring multiple visits before achieving the right fit. With today’s technological advancements, the trend is shifting toward more customized scleral lens solutions. Freeform lenses, for example, are created using high-resolution imaging and specialized lens design software to match the unique contours of each patient’s eye.

At The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, our doctors primarily use scleral topography–based freeform lenses, ensuring the highest level of comfort, stability, and visual clarity for patients who need scleral contacts.

Most patients want the best possible fit, vision, and comfort, which is why at The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute we rarely rely on “fit sets.” Instead, we utilize one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available — the Pentacam AXL Wave — a medical device found in only a handful of optometry practices nationwide.

The Pentacam AXL Wave collects up to 240,000 unique data points on the eye, providing an incredibly detailed map of each patient’s corneal and scleral surface. This wealth of data allows our doctors to design truly custom scleral contact lenses with a level of precision and personalization that simply isn’t possible with traditional fit sets.

Not only does this advanced technology result in superior lens design, it also significantly reduces the number of re-fits and adjustments typically required with standard methods. That means fewer return visits, faster results, and a more comfortable, stable, and reliable vision solution for patients seeking scleral lenses.

Scleral contact lenses are highly versatile and provide benefits across a wide range of eye conditions and vision challenges. Below are the most common applications:

• Keratoconus – One of the most frequent uses, scleral lenses help correct vision in patients whose corneas have developed a cone-like shape. Learn more about keratoconus
• Irregular Astigmatism – When astigmatism is caused by corneal irregularities or post-surgical complications, scleral lenses offer customized optics for sharper vision.
• Dry Eye Syndrome – By creating a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea, scleral lenses keep the eye hydrated throughout the day.
• Ocular Surface Diseases – Conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Sjögren’s Syndrome, or graft-versus-host disease can cause severe discomfort, and scleral lenses provide both protection and relief.
• Post-Corneal Transplant – After transplant surgery, corneal irregularities are common. Scleral lenses help restore clarity by compensating for these distortions.
• High Refractive Errors – Effective for extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism when glasses or soft lenses are not enough.
• Post-Refractive Surgery Complications – Patients who experience issues after LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgeries can often regain clear, comfortable vision with scleral lenses.
• Photophobia & Light Sensitivity – Useful for people with migraines, photophobia, or heightened sensitivity to light, providing comfort and stability.
• Corneal Trauma Recovery – Protects and stabilizes the cornea during healing after injury or trauma.
• Complex Prescriptions – Ideal for patients whose prescriptions are too challenging for standard contact lenses or glasses.
• Sports & Outdoor Activities – Offers stable, secure vision that resists dislodgement during physical activity, making them great for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Cosmetic & Prosthetic Use – Can be customized for cosmetic goals like enhancing eye color or for prosthetic purposes to mask disfigurements.

While scleral lenses provide exceptional vision correction and comfort, it’s important to also understand their potential limitations. At The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, our doctors take the time to explain both the benefits and disadvantages, helping patients make the most informed decision for their eye health.

Potential Disadvantages of Scleral Lenses:

• Cost – Compared to traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses can be more expensive. This is due to the advanced customization, specialized fitting process, and the lenses themselves. However, many patients find the improved comfort and vision well worth the investment.
• Complex Fitting Process – Achieving the right fit for scleral lenses requires greater time, technology, and expertise from eye care professionals. In some cases, multiple visits are necessary, though with our advanced imaging technology most patients achieve an optimal fit within 2–3 visits.
• Limited Availability – Not every eye care practice offers scleral lenses, and finding an experienced specialist can be difficult in certain areas. The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute is one of the few practices in the region with dedicated expertise in scleral lens fitting.
• Initial Application Challenge – For new wearers, inserting scleral lenses can feel intimidating at first. With proper training and practice, however, most patients adapt quickly and find the process manageable.

Many patients ask: “How much do scleral contact lenses cost?” The price of scleral lenses is typically higher than standard contact lenses because of the advanced technology, extensive customization, and the specialized fitting process required.

For new scleral lens wearers, the initial cost usually ranges between $1,995 – $2,900. This fee includes:

• A 1.5–2 hour comprehensive eye exam with the doctor
• All necessary lens adjustments
• A complete set of two custom scleral lenses
• Follow-up visits to ensure comfort and long-term success

At The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, we understand that cost is an important factor when considering specialty contact lenses. In addition to a paid-in-full option, we also provide affordable monthly payment plans starting around $120–$200 per month, making treatment more manageable.

For added flexibility, financing options such as CareCredit may also be available to qualifying patients.