How Much Do Scleral Contact Lenses Cost?

With so many types of 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 whether they could be a good choice for you.

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Most contact lenses rest directly on your cornea. Scleral contacts have a unique design that arches over your eye, resting on the sclera (the white of your eyes). The space created is filled with a preservative-free solution that promotes hydration for the cornea.

Although perhaps counterintuitive, they may feel more comfortable and stable because they’re larger than standard contact lenses. They’re also less likely to move around or fall out.

Your eye doctor may recommend scleral lenses if you have one of the following conditions:

• Cornea with irregular shapes
• Corneal irregularities after refractive surgery (like LASIK, PRK, RK, etc.)
• Hard-to-fit eyes
• Keratoconus (bulging or cone-shaped cornea)
• Moderate to high astigmatism
• Post-penetrating keratoplasty (following a corneal transplant)
• Severe dry eye syndrome

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

Types of scleral contacts

There are various sizes of scleral contact lenses to choose from:

• Full scleral lenses. This is the largest option with a range of 18.0-24.0 mm in diameter. The arch over the cornea provides a large space between the lens and the cornea, making it a good option for irregularly shaped corneas.
• Mini-scleral lenses. While its name might indicate otherwise, the mini is a mid-sized scleral lens with a range of 14.5-18.0 mm. It is positioned on the front part of the sclera and arches over the cornea. 

Scleral vs. other contact lenses

Contact lenses are divided into two main categories: hard (also known as rigid gas permeable) and soft. Scleral lenses are a unique type of hard contact lens that:

• Arch over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera (instead of resting directly on the cornea like other contacts)
• Are larger than most other contacts
• Need a special preservative-free saline solution for the gap between the contact lens and the cornea
• Require a different insertion and removal technique

This design gives them benefits over other contact lenses:

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

How Much Do Scleral Contacts Cost?

The national average cost* of scleral contact lenses is $1,011 each, but the cost can range from $776 to $1,950 (before customization).¹ This amount does not include fitting fees.

Material quality can also significantly impact the cost, as can any customizations based on a patient’s specific needs, eye condition, type of procedure (impression molding, PROSE technology, etc.) and the process of ensuring the right fit.

Highly specialized custom scleral lenses, like Eyeprint Pro, use an exact mold of your eyeball. Others use advanced techniques such as scleral lens profilometry and corrections for higher order aberrations. These precise features improve lens performance but also add to the overall cost.

Calculate the costs of scleral contacts near you*

Average scleral contacts cost by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* for scleral contact lenses (before customization) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Does Insurance Cover Scleral Contacts?

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

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.

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. But it’s a good idea to have an idea for a financing alternative in case your out-of-pocket cost is high.

Good Candidates for Scleral Lenses

Good candidates for scleral contact lenses include people who have:

• Active lifestyles (sports and outdoor activities)
• Corneal irregularities (corneal scarring, ectasia, keratoconus) 
• Dry eyes
• High prescription (customized to fit eye shape and prescription)
• Intolerance of regular contact lenses

These contacts can be good options for people with certain eye conditions or who have a tough time wearing other contacts. However, they are more challenging and not always recommended for people who have:

• Difficulty with lens insertion and removal (i.e., from a hand tremor)
• Financial concerns (sclera lenses are significantly more expensive than traditional contacts)
• Persistent eye infections or inflammation

Getting Fitted for Scleral Contacts

Scleral lenses are individually designed for each patient, and getting fitted for these contacts is a more in-depth process than what’s needed for regular contacts. Special imaging devices and automated instruments are used to ensure accurate eye measurements, a precise prescription and a good fit. As a result, a scleral lens consultation and fitting are more expensive than a regular contact lens exam.

Wearing Scleral Contacts

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

Inserting the lens

Before you begin, check your eyes for any redness or discharge and wash your hands thoroughly. Inspect your scleral lens for any problems, such as debris, spots or chips. Then follow these steps:

1. Hold the lens with your thumb, index and middle fingers in a tripod shape.
2. Fill the bowl of your lens with a preservative-free saline. Make sure it’s filled completely to prevent air bubbles.
3. Place a mirror on a flat surface, and look down at it. (Your upper body should be parallel to the floor.)
4. Use one hand to hold your upper and lower eyelids open, and the other hand to move the lens toward the center of your eye.
5. When the solution touches your eye, gently press the lens to the eye and let go. 
6. Blink several times to help the lens position correctly on your eye.
7. If you feel any discomfort, remove the lens and try again.

Your doctor will usually provide a plunger tool that lets you insert the lens without touching it with your fingers. The insertion technique is the same as listed above except that you hold the lens in the large insertion plunger rather than your fingers. If you experience difficulty with insertion, there are several tools available to help. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which tools would be appropriate for you and your specific needs.

Removing the lens

Again, begin by washing and thoroughly drying your hands. Then follow these steps:

1. Look into the mirror.
2. Lower your eyelid with your non-dominant index finger.
3. Use the removal plunger you receive from your doctor to suction onto the lower or upper one-third of your scleral lens according to your doctor’s instruction.
4. Pull your lens away from your eye being careful not to blink until it is full removed.

If you have difficulty with removal, be sure to practice your technique with your doctor to ensure you know how to safely remove your scleral lens.

Possible Side Effects

Scleral contacts are safe, but as with any medical device, there are potential concerns. It can take some time to get used to how they feel. And if you’ve had trouble putting in regular contacts before, these may be more difficult to put in at first.

There are also some potential complications and side effects:

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

These types of complications may be from an improper fitting.

Scleral Contact Lenses Can Be a Worthwhile Investment

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Contact Lenses

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

Financing Eyewear 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?

Expert Bio

Dr. Y. Shira Kresch O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O.

Dr. Y. Shira Kresch is the founder and owner of Michigan Contact Lens, where she works as a contact lens and dry eye specialist. Dr. Kresch also serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Kresge Eye Institute. Previously, she was an Instructor of Optometric Sciences (of Ophthalmology) at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology as well as the Director of Optometry of Wayne State University’s Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Kresch has authored several publications, lectured and presented research at several national optometric and ophthalmologic meetings and is the founder and immediate past president of the Academic Optometry Society.

Author Bio

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