Specialty lenses
Contact lenses for eyes that need something more
We fit rigid gas permeable, scleral and hybrid lenses for keratoconus, irregular corneas, dry eye and cases where glasses or regular contacts do not give good vision.
They can help if you have
- Keratoconus
- Irregular or scarred corneas
- Corneal transplant or surgery
- Moderate or severe dry eye
- High astigmatism
- Intolerance to regular lenses
Lens types
Every eye has its lens
Rigid gas permeable
Firm lenses that keep their shape on the cornea and let oxygen through. They give very sharp, stable vision.
High astigmatism, mild to moderate keratoconus
Learn more ↓ScleralScleral
Larger lenses that rest on the white of the eye and keep a fluid reservoir over the cornea.
Keratoconus, irregular corneas, dry eye
Learn more ↓HybridHybrid
A rigid gas permeable center for vision and a soft skirt for comfort, in one lens.
Those who want rigid-lens clarity with a soft-lens feel
Learn more ↓Scleral lenses
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger specialty contact lenses designed to fully cover the cornea and rest gently on the sclera, the white part of the eye.
Thanks to their design, they hold a small fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, keeping the ocular surface hydrated while providing an even optical surface for better quality of vision.
Unlike regular contact lenses, scleral lenses can be especially helpful for people with keratoconus, irregular corneas, moderate or severe dry eye, and patients who do not get good vision or comfort with traditional lenses.
Benefits of scleral lenses
Sharper vision
They compensate for corneal irregularities, providing a more even optical surface and better visual quality that, in many cases, glasses or regular contact lenses cannot achieve.
More comfort
The lens rests on the white of the eye without pressing directly on the cornea, which can feel more comfortable even for sensitive eyes.
Hydration and dry eye relief
The fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea keeps the ocular surface hydrated during wear, helping reduce dryness, burning or a gritty feeling.
More stability
Because of their size and design, scleral lenses stay stable on the eye and move less when blinking or during daily activities, for more consistent vision.
Who can benefit?
Scleral lenses can be an excellent option for patients who need a more specialized visual solution, especially when glasses or regular contact lenses do not provide good vision or comfort.
Patients with keratoconus
Keratoconus causes progressive thinning and reshaping of the cornea. Scleral lenses help create a more regular optical surface for sharper, more stable vision.
Irregular or scarred corneas
They can help patients with corneal scars, previous eye surgery, corneal transplant or other irregularities that affect vision quality.
Patients with dry eye
The fluid reservoir kept between the lens and the cornea helps keep the ocular surface hydrated during wear, making them especially useful for moderate or severe dry eye.
Hard-to-fit eyes
Some patients do not tolerate traditional contact lenses because of their corneal shape, eye sensitivity or other anatomical features. Scleral lenses can offer more stability, comfort and visual quality.
The fitting process
Fitting scleral lenses is a personalized process. Every eye is different, so we carry out a detailed assessment to find the best balance of vision, comfort and stability.
- 01Full assessmentWe examine your vision and eyes to determine whether scleral lenses are a good option for your needs.
- 02Custom lens designWe use specialized measurements and technology to assess the shape of the cornea and design a lens tailored to each eye.
- 03Trial, fitting and trainingOnce the lens is ready, we check its fit, comfort and visual quality, and show you step by step how to insert, remove, clean and store it.
- 04Follow-up visitsWe schedule follow-ups to check your adaptation, ocular surface health and vision quality, and adjust the lens if needed.
RGP lenses
Rigid gas permeable
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made from firm materials that keep their shape on the eye and let oxygen reach the cornea.
Because they do not mold to the eye, they create a new, regular optical surface. That is why they usually give sharper vision than soft lenses for high astigmatism and irregular corneas.
- Sharp, stable visionThey correct astigmatism and corneal irregularities with great precision.
- Good oxygen flowTheir materials let oxygen through, which supports corneal health.
- Long-lastingWith proper care, one pair can last much longer than a soft lens.
- Adaptation periodThey feel more noticeable than soft lenses at first; most people get used to them within days or a few weeks.
Hybrid lenses
Hybrid: rigid in the center, soft at the edge
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center, which gives the visual quality of a rigid lens, with a soft skirt that brings the comfort of a regular lens.
They are an option for people who need rigid-lens optics but do not adapt well to them.
- Rigid-lens clarityThe rigid center corrects astigmatism and corneal irregularities.
- Soft-lens comfortThe soft edge rests gently on the eye and reduces the foreign-body feeling.
- Better centeredIt moves less on the eye than an RGP, helping keep vision consistent.
Specialty lens specialist
A personalized approach for every eye
Fitting scleral lenses requires a detailed assessment and a personalized approach. We combine advanced corneal analysis technology with experience in specialty contact lens fitting to design solutions for each patient.
Whether it is keratoconus, severe dry eye, corneal irregularities or difficulty with regular contact lenses, our goal is to help you see more clearly, steadily and comfortably.
Experience with corneal conditions
Specialized assessment of conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas and corneal transplant patients, tailored to each case.
Custom lens design
We design scleral lenses for the unique shape of each eye, using corneal mapping technology and advanced fitting tools.
Comprehensive follow-up
Regular check-ups to assess how the lens performs and make any adjustments, to keep a good fit, comfort and visual quality.
Experience with specialty lenses
Experience managing cases that need specialty contact lenses, focused on stable visual results and a comfortable experience.
Frequently asked questions
How do scleral lenses help with dry eye?
Scleral lenses can help dry eye patients in several ways at once: they correct vision, protect the ocular surface and keep the cornea hydrated during wear.
Before insertion, the lens is filled with preservative-free saline, creating a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This fluid stays in contact with the ocular surface and keeps it moist and comfortable.
This can ease common dry eye symptoms such as burning, grittiness, redness, itching and discomfort, while giving clearer, more stable vision.
Why can scleral lenses be more comfortable?
Scleral lenses are custom-fitted to the shape, curvature and features of each eye. Their larger diameter lets them rest on the sclera, the white of the eye, instead of directly on the cornea, which can feel more stable and comfortable.
To design them, we take detailed measurements of the ocular surface with tests such as corneal topography, which let us assess the shape of the cornea and choose the right parameters for each patient.
A good fit aims for clear, stable vision, good comfort and proper hydration of the ocular surface during wear.
Does insurance cover scleral lenses?
Coverage for scleral lenses varies by country, insurer and plan.
Some plans may cover the assessment, diagnostic tests or fitting process, while others may cover part of the lens cost when there is a specific medical indication. In some cases, the lenses may not be covered.
We recommend checking directly with your insurer for the benefits and requirements of your plan.
How do I know which specialty lens is right for me?
It depends on the shape of your cornea, the health of your ocular surface and your previous experience with lenses. At the assessment we measure your eye and recommend the option with the best balance of vision, comfort and stability.
Are specialty lenses right for you?
If you have keratoconus, corneal irregularities or scars, dry eye or trouble wearing regular contact lenses, book a specialized assessment with Opt. Arnold Brito Crisóstomo.
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