How Much Do Scleral Contact Lenses Cost?

With so many contact lenses on the market today, it can be tough to pick the right one. If you have certain challenging eye conditions, like dry eye, or if you struggle with standard lenses, scleral contact lenses can offer a unique solution.

This guide will help you better understand these unique contacts, their cost and if they could be a good choice for you.

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contacts have a unique design that arches over your eye, resting on the sclera (the white of your eyes).¹ Most other contacts rest directly on your cornea.²

This design can help scleral contacts feel more comfortable and stable, which is especially appealing to people who are active or in sports.¹ Of course, despite all these benefits, scleral lenses aren't for everyone.

Your eye doctor is more likely to recommend scleral lenses if you have one of the following conditions:

• Keratoconus (thinner, cone-shaped corneas)¹
• Damaged corneas²
• Severe dry eyes²
• Unusually shaped cornea³
• Corneal scars⁴
• Moderate to severe astigmatism (especially if soft toric lenses don't work well)⁵
• Corneal ectasia⁶
• Post-corneal transplant⁶
• Post-LASIK patients⁶
• Post-refractive surgery or radial keratotomy (RK) surgery⁶
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome⁶
• Frequent eye infections⁷

Scleral contacts can also be recommended for other conditions, so be sure to talk to your optometrist if you're curious about them.⁶

Types of Scleral Contacts

There are three types of scleral contact lenses to choose from:¹

• Full scleral. Largest, measuring from 18 millimeters to 24 millimeters; used for severe cases of dry eye or irregular corneas
• Semi-scleral. Mid-sized, ranging from 15 millimeters to 18 millimeters; designed for moderate cases
• Mini-scleral. Smallest, measuring from 13 millimeters to 15 millimeters; may provide the most secure fit, making them ideal for less severe cases of dry eyes or irregular corneas

People with severe eye conditions are more likely to benefit from larger-sized scleral lenses. If you're more active, such as playing sports regularly, the smallest size may be a better fit. Much of your decision will be based on comfort and lifestyle.¹

Scleral Contact Lenses vs. Other Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are divided into two main categories: hard and soft. Scleral lenses are a unique type of hard contact lens:³

• They're larger than most other contacts.
• Instead of resting directly on the cornea like other contacts, these vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera instead.
• They require a different insertion and removal technique.
• They need a special saline solution for the gap between the contact lens and the cornea.

This design gives them benefits over other contacts:³

• By not touching the cornea, they leave a tear-filled gap that helps with hydration.
• Their larger size provides greater stability, reducing shifting when you blink or move.
• They better protect your eyes from irritants in the air. Some people even tear up less when chopping onions.⁸
• They may provide clearer vision — even reducing residual astigmatism — than other contacts.⁸

How Much Do Scleral Contacts Cost?

The national average cost* of scleral contact lenses is $1,011 each, with a cost range between $776 and $1,950, depending on material quality and customizations based on a patient's specific needs and eye condition, and to get the right fit.⁹

Average scleral contacts cost by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of scleral contact lenses for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁹

Does Insurance Cover Scleral Contacts?

Medical insurance typically does not cover scleral contacts.¹⁰ Whether or not your vision insurance covers them depends on the prescription. If they are medically necessary and less expensive contacts won't help, they might be covered.⁸

However, this isn't guaranteed. Many vision insurance plans require extensive documentation from your doctor to prove medical necessity, including whether the clinical measurements of your eye meet your insurance provider's criteria.¹¹

Even if your lenses are covered, you'll still need to meet your deductible and out-of-pocket costs before full coverage applies.

Sometimes a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can help you cover at least some of the cost with pretax dollars.¹¹ But it's a good idea to have an idea for a financing alternative in case your out-of-pocket cost is high.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for scleral lenses include people who:¹

• Can't achieve clear vision from regular contacts³
• Find regular contacts uncomfortable
• Have specific eye conditions, like irregular corneas or dry eyes
• Have moderate to severe astigmatism⁶
• Lead an active lifestyle
• Play sports

These contacts can be good options for people with certain eye conditions or who have a tough time wearing other contacts. However, they aren't recommended for people who:⁷

• Don't want to follow instructions on proper insertion and removal, as this might lead to side effects like bubbles trapped under the lens
• People with dry eye issues who haven't tried other treatments yet, like cyclosporine or certain topical drops¹²
• People with normal-shaped corneas who may end up not preferring the inconveniences or costs¹²
• Won't properly clean them, as this can lead to infection

How to Get Scleral Contacts

You can't just walk into a store and buy scleral contacts. You'll first need a thorough eye exam with an optometrist so you can review your specific vision issues.¹

Getting fitted for these contacts is a more in-depth process than what's needed for regular contacts. Because of how they rest on your eye, these lenses need to be individually designed for each patient. You'll likely be given an optical coherence tomography (OCT) to map your eye and ensure alignment down to a thickness even smaller than a single hair.⁶

Possible Side Effects

Scleral contacts are safe, but as with any medical device, there are potential downsides.⁷ If you're used to regular contacts, it may take you up to 10 days to adjust to how they feel.¹³ And if you've had trouble putting in regular contacts before, these may be more difficult to put in at first.⁸

There are also some rare potential complications and side effects:⁷

• Bubbles in the fluid gap between your lens and cornea (usually from incorrect insertion)
• Conjunctival prolapse
• Contact lens fogging
• Corneal edema from improper fit
• Corneal infection or swelling (especially if wearing them too long)
• Eye pain

How Do You Wear Scleral Contacts?

Wearing scleral contacts requires some practice, as they are larger and designed differently than regular lenses. Below is a general guide, but always follow your optometrist's specific instructions for the best results.¹⁴

Inserting the lens

• Use a special tool given to you by your doctor, typically a plunger or suction cup tool.
• Fill the lens with the saline solution recommended by your doctor.
• Hold the lens with your tool in front of your eye.
• Gently place the lens on your eye while keeping both eyes open.
• Alternatively, you can skip the tool if a three-fingered grip works better for you.

Taking out your lens

• Put your tool at the bottom of the lens.
• Gently rock the lens to break the suction and remove it.
• If that doesn't work, try looking up and gently pressing the white of your eye to break the suction.
• Avoid placing the tool directly on the center of your eye, as this can cause discomfort and is unlikely to work.

More tips when wearing scleral lenses

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your scleral lenses:¹⁵

• Place the removal plunger at the edge of your lens and lift at an angle, similar to using a bottle opener.
• Overfill the lens with solution to avoid the chance of air bubbles forming.
• Use an insertion plunger with a hole at the bottom to prevent suction from forming.

People with very dry eyes may need to put prescribed artificial tears into the lens before inserting it.⁶ Your doctor will advise you if this step is necessary.

Follow your optometrist's instructions for caring for your contacts. This includes not sleeping in them, cleaning them every day and storing them in a proper case when not in use.¹³

For people with irregularly shaped corneas, severely dry eyes or other eye conditions, scleral lenses may be their only option for wearing contact lenses regularly. The contacts' comfort and stability can greatly improve your quality of life, making the initial investment worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Contact Lenses

Do you still have questions about scleral contacts? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

Financing Scleral Contact Lenses With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you’re purchasing stylish new frames, getting contacts or due for an eye exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for care where your insurance leaves off.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a vision specialist near you that accepts CareCredit so you can see all that life has to offer. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to vision care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.