Who Prescribes Scleral Lenses?

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist is typically the one to prescribe scleral contact lenses. In some cases, you may get a referral to an eye care professional who specializes in scleral lenses or one of the conditions they treat.

Are Scleral Lenses the Same Thing as RGP Contacts?

Not exactly. Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas permeable lenses—they’re made of the same sort of material as RGP lenses. But the terms rigid gas permeable contact lenses and RGP contact lenses usually refer to conventional hard contacts. Scleral lenses are larger and shaped differently than these RGP lenses.

How Much Do Scleral Lenses Cost?

Generally speaking, the cost of scleral lenses is rather high. Typical prices for scleral contact lenses, which are custom-made for each patient, run between $1,000 and $5,000 per lens.

How Long Do Scleral Lenses Last?

Scleral contact lenses usually last a year or two. This timeline varies with your needs and lens manufacturer. Your eye doctor’s recommended lens-replacement schedule can give you an idea of how long your specific scleral lenses should last.

How Long Can You Wear Scleral Lenses?

The amount of time one can wear scleral lenses varies from person to person. Someone new to scleral lenses may only wear them a few hours a day, before working up to a longer wear period. Your doctor can advise you on the maximum amount of time to wear your scleral lenses during the day.

Can You Sleep in Scleral Contact Lenses?

Sleeping in scleral contact lenses is a bad idea. Doing so can cause an eye infection, injury (like a corneal abrasion), or even vision loss. In fact, we don’t recommend sleeping in any contact lenses—or swimming or showering while wearing them.