Scleral Contact Lenses are advanced, highly specialized contact lenses designed for patients with complex corneal conditions, high prescriptions, or severe ocular surface disease. At our Miami Beach optometry clinic, Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD specializes in custom scleral lens fitting for patients who have not achieved clear or comfortable vision with glasses or standard contact lenses.
Serving Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and the greater Miami area, our practice is a destination for patients with keratoconus, corneal irregularity, post-surgical vision changes, and severe dry eye who require truly customized contact lens care. For patients comparing Contact Lenses in Miami Beach, a diagnostic evaluation helps determine whether Scleral Lenses in Miami Beach are the right solution for your vision and ocular surface needs.
What are scleral contact lenses?
These large-diameter rigid lenses rest entirely on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than the cornea. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea completely and create a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye.
This design provides a smooth optical surface for vision correction while simultaneously protecting and hydrating the cornea.
Who are scleral lenses designed for?
Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for patients with complex or irregular vision needs, including:
- Keratoconus and corneal ectasia
- Irregular astigmatism
- High myopia or high astigmatism
- History of LASIK, PRK, or radial keratotomy (RK)
- Corneal scarring or distortion
- Poor vision or discomfort with glasses or soft contact lenses
They are also used therapeutically for patients with ocular surface disease.
How do scleral lenses help irregular corneas?
In conditions such as keratoconus or post-surgical corneal irregularity, the cornea no longer has a smooth, regular shape. Glasses and soft contact lenses cannot fully correct these distortions.
Scleral lenses neutralize irregularities by vaulting over the cornea and replacing the distorted surface with a smooth, custom-designed optical lens. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens further enhances optical clarity, often providing significantly improved vision compared to other correction methods.
Can scleral lenses help with severe dry eye or exposure issues?
Yes. Scleral Lenses For Dry Eye are one of the most effective options for patients with severe dry eye disease or incomplete blink closure. Because the lens continuously holds sterile saline against the cornea, the ocular surface remains protected and hydrated throughout the day.
Scleral lenses are often used for patients with:
- Severe dry eye disease
- Ocular surface damage
- Neurotrophic corneas
- Incomplete blink or exposure keratopathy
- Autoimmune-related dry eye
For many patients, scleral lenses provide both visual improvement and significant symptom relief.
How is a scleral lens fitting different from a regular contact lens exam?
Scleral lens fitting is a highly specialized process that requires advanced measurements, diagnostic imaging, and careful customization. These lenses are not stock lenses and cannot be ordered without detailed evaluation.
Each scleral lens is 100% custom-made, designed to match the unique shape of your sclera in all 360 degrees. Even small differences in eye shape can significantly affect comfort and vision, which is why precision is critical.
What is the scleral lens fitting process like?
The scleral lens fitting process begins with a comprehensive eye exam and specialized contact lens evaluation. Advanced imaging and measurements are used to assess the cornea and scleral shape.
Trial lenses are applied to evaluate vault, alignment, and comfort. Based on these findings, a fully customized lens design is created. Follow-up visits are essential to fine-tune lens fit, optimize vision, and ensure long-term eye health.
This process may require multiple visits, as achieving the ideal balance of comfort, clarity, and ocular health is essential for success.
Why are scleral lenses custom-designed to the sclera?
Unlike standard contact lenses that rely on corneal curvature alone, scleral lenses must account for the unique shape, toricity, and elevation of the sclera. No two eyes are identical.
Customizing the lens 360 degrees around the sclera ensures even distribution of pressure, proper tear exchange, and long-term comfort. This level of customization is what allows scleral lenses to be worn successfully for extended periods each day.
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
When properly fitted, scleral lenses are often described as very comfortable, even by patients who previously could not tolerate contact lenses. Because the lens rests on less sensitive scleral tissue and does not touch the cornea, irritation is minimized.
Comfort depends heavily on precise fitting, lens design, and follow-up care.
Do scleral lenses require special care or training?
Yes. Because scleral lenses are larger and filled with sterile saline before insertion, patients receive detailed training on insertion, removal, and lens care.
Education and follow-up are essential components of successful scleral lens wear, and proper technique helps ensure both comfort and ocular health.
Why choose Dr. Rachel Shlomov for scleral lenses in Miami Beach?
Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD is a contact lens specialist in Miami Beach with extensive experience fitting scleral lenses for complex vision and ocular surface conditions. Her approach emphasizes precision diagnostics, individualized lens design, and careful follow-up, including guidance for patients pursuing Scleral Lenses in Miami Beach for long-term success.
Patients with keratoconus, post-surgical corneal changes, high prescriptions, or severe dry eye travel from Surfside, Bal Harbour, Miami, and surrounding areas for scleral lens care focused on long-term success.
Scleral Contact Lenses Near Surfside, Bal Harbour & Miami
Patients in Miami Beach, Surfside, and Bal Harbour seeking advanced solutions for keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, or post-refractive surgery complications can access specialized scleral lens care close to home. Custom scleral lenses offer a level of vision correction not achievable with standard contacts or glasses, and for many patients, Scleral Lenses in Miami Beach provide a practical path to clearer, more stable vision.
Schedule a Scleral Lens Consultation
If you have been told you are not a candidate for contact lenses or struggle with distorted vision, scleral lenses may be an option. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam and scleral lens evaluation with Dr. Rachel Shlomov to determine whether custom scleral lenses are right for you, and whether Scleral Lenses in Miami Beach align with your prescription, comfort, and lifestyle needs.