If you’ve been told you have keratoconus or another eye condition that makes traditional contact lenses uncomfortable, you may benefit from scleral lenses. Illinois Eye Associates offers customized scleral lens fittings for patients with keratoconus, post-surgical eyes, or complex prescriptions. These fittings require extra care and our Manhattan eye doctors take the time to ensure your lenses are designed for your eyes.
Solutions for Complex Eyes
Specialty Contact Lenses in Illinois
Clear Vision for Hard-to-Fit Eyes
Scleral Lenses & Keratoconus Fits in Manhattan & Peotone
Manhattan
Illinois Eye Associates
(815) 478-9100
- monday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- tuesday:
- 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- wednesday:
- 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- thursday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- friday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- saturday:
- Closed
- sunday:
- Closed
Peotone
- monday:
- Closed
- tuesday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- wednesday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- thursday:
- 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- friday:
- 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- saturday:
- Closed
- sunday:
- Closed
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are rigid gas-permeable lenses that are larger in diameter than standard contacts. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they vault over it, landing gently on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, which:
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Provides sharper vision by smoothing out irregularities
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Improves comfort by protecting the eye surface
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Delivers moisture to the eye, which can be helpful for severe dry eye sufferers
Who can benefit from Specialty Contact Lenses?
Scleral lenses are typically recommended for people with:
Keratoconus
Scleral lenses help improve vision by vaulting over the irregular corneal surface caused by keratoconus or similar conditions.
Post-Surgical Changes
Patients who’ve had LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplants may benefit from these lenses.
High Astigmatism
For astigmatism that soft lenses can’t correct, scleral lenses offer greater precision and sharper visual clarity.
Corneal Scarring or Trauma
Scleral lenses can mask corneal irregularities caused by injury or scarring.
Dry Eye or Surface Disease
The fluid reservoir in scleral lenses provides hydration and relief for patients with dry eye, ocular rosacea, or other surface diseases.
Contact Lens Intolerance
If you've struggled with pain, discomfort, or inconsistent vision from other lens types, scleral lenses may offer a more comfortable solution.
What to Expect from a custom Lens Fitting
Fitting scleral lenses is more complex than a standard contact lens fitting. Our Peotone eye doctors take detailed measurements of your corneal surface, evaluate your tear film and eye health. Here’s what the process typically includes:
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Advanced corneal imaging or topography
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In-office trial lens application and evaluation
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Custom lens design based on your eye shape and prescription
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Education on lens insertion, removal, and cleaning
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Follow-up visits to fine-tune your fit and monitor eye health
How are scleral lenses different from regular contacts?
Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), not the cornea. They create a fluid layer over the eye, which improves comfort and visual clarity.
Can scleral lenses stop keratoconus from progressing?
Scleral lenses can stabilize vision and improve clarity, but they don’t halt the progression of keratoconus. If your condition is worsening, we’ll refer you to a corneal specialist to discuss treatments like corneal cross-linking.
How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care, most scleral lenses last 12 to 18 months before needing replacement. We’ll monitor your lenses and eye health during regular follow-ups.
Book an appointment
Supportive care for complex eyes
If you’ve been struggling with vision correction due to keratoconus, corneal irregularity, or discomfort with standard contacts, you may be a candidate for scleral lenses. Schedule a consultation or an eye exam at Illinois Eye Associates in Manhattan or Peotone to explore your options.