Custom Scleral Contact Lenses in Honolulu | Kahala Eye Clinic

Scleral Contact Lenses - Precision Meets Customization

This page provides an overview of scleral contact lenses, their benefits, fitting process, and available options at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu, HI. It is intended for patients with complex vision needs or those seeking alternatives to traditional contact lenses. Scleral lenses can be life-changing for individuals with conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal scarring.

At Kahala Eye Clinic, we specialize in scleral contact lenses. Our custom scleral lenses are a specialized type of contact lens made of rigid gas permeable (RGP) material. They are significantly larger than standard soft lenses, typically ranging from 14.5 mm to 17.8 mm in diameter. Scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, providing a new optical surface that avoids contact with the damaged cornea.

Schedule your Scleral Contact Lens consultation today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu Hawaii.

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses? (Summary)

Scleral contact lenses are advanced, custom-made lenses designed for patients with complex vision issues or those who cannot be helped by regular contact lenses or glasses. These lenses are made of rigid gas permeable (RGP) material and are much larger than standard soft lenses, typically ranging from 14.5 mm to 17.8 mm in diameter. Scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), creating a tear-filled space that protects the cornea and provides a new, smooth optical surface. They are primarily used to treat complex vision issues such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, and corneal scarring, and can significantly improve visual acuity and comfort. Scleral lenses offer enhanced comfort, improved corneal protection, and better vision, especially for those with corneal irregularities or refractive errors.

The unique design and key features of scleral lenses—such as their larger size, specific shape, and advanced customization—allow them to address specific needs and complex eye conditions that standard lenses cannot. These lenses offer precise control with 4 distinct zones and multiple advanced customization options, making them ideal for patients with unique ocular requirements.

The fitting process for scleral lenses is more complex than for traditional contact lenses, requiring precise customization to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness, which is why a dedicated contact lens exam at Kahala Eye Clinic is essential.

Schedule your Scleral Contact Lens consultation today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu Hawaii.

A Truly Life Changing Lens

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Patients achieve all-day comfort, hydration, and crisp vision with custom scleral contact lenses. Scleral lenses are often the best solution to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other irregular corneas, especially when glasses cannot provide clearer vision, and our expertise with specialty contact lens fittings in Honolulu helps optimize those results. The fully customized scleral lens we utilize at Kahala Eye Clinic has achieved 510(K) clearance for the management of dry eye syndrome and is indicated for the therapeutic management of several ocular conditions. For many patients, this treatment offers improved visual acuity and comfort, and scleral lenses can be life changing.

When properly fitted, scleral lenses minimize discomfort and make eyes feel more comfortable by reducing direct contact with the cornea.

Fitting Process

The fitting process for scleral lenses is highly individualized. Our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to map the unique shape of your eye, ensuring a precise fit that maximizes comfort and vision. This process may involve several visits to achieve the perfect fit, but the results are worth it—especially for those with complex corneal conditions.

To further enhance comfort and vision, we offer a range of custom lens sizes and designs.

Custom Scleral Lens Sizes at Kahala Eye Clinic

Our custom scleral lenses in Honolulu are available in a range of diameters to fit your eyes perfectly. Each size is designed to provide a comfortable vault over your unique eye shape, whether you have normal corneas, post-surgical eyes, or keratoconus.

Oblate scleral lenses are slightly flatter in the center for normal or flatter corneas, while Prolate scleral lenses are steeper in the center to comfortably vault over higher or irregular corneas.

Lens Diameters & Eye Types

Below is a comparison of available scleral lens diameters and their recommended uses:

• 14.8 mm

  • Oblate (◉): Ideal for children, smaller eyes, flatter corneas, or standard corneal shapes.

  • Prolate (◎): For higher corneal elevations or eyes with smaller openings.

• 15.8 mm

  • Oblate (◉): Perfect for normal corneas, high astigmatism, or post-surgery eyes.

  • Prolate (◎): Designed for all types of keratoconus and corneal irregularities.

• 16.8 mm

  • Oblate (◉): Fits larger eyes, post-surgery, or patients needing extra comfort.

  • Prolate (◎): Ideal for larger eyes with keratoconus or ectasia conditions.

• 17.8 mm

  • Oblate (◉): For larger eyes with extreme clearance needs.

  • Prolate (◎): Designed for advanced keratoconus, ectasia, or eyes requiring maximum clearance.

These diameters are available in our Custom Scleral Contact Lens, giving you the best combination of fit, comfort, and vision clarity for patients seeking personalized contact lens solutions.

Next, let's explore the advanced technical features and customization options available for your scleral lenses.

Technical Features & Customization Options

Multifocal Scleral Contact Lens

Choose from distance-center or near-center designs for the ultimate customization.

Quadrant Specific Scleral Lens Adjustments

Precise control of every fit in four distinct zones to provide ultimate comfort and vision.

Scleral Lens Edge Vault Customization

Provides a comfortable, customized vault over your unique eye structures, delivering precise fit and effortless wear.

Scleral lenses can significantly improve visual acuity, often allowing patients to see 20/30 or even 20/20 compared to 20/200 with glasses.

Now that you know about the technical features, let's look at the different versions of scleral lenses available at our clinic.

Available Scleral Lens Versions

Our scleral designs are part of our broader specialty contact lenses portfolio, which allows us to tailor vision correction to many unique eye conditions.

Toric Landing Zone

With fully customizable toric landing zone, this scleral lens aligns to the sclera naturally and provides excellent comfort and vision.

Multifocal

Custom scleral multifocal lenses help patients achieve their visual goals at all distances and near. These lenses are available in center-distance or center-near designs for the ultimate customization.

Schedule your Scleral Contact Lens consultation today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu Hawaii.

Custom Scleral Lens Achieved 510(K) Clearance from the FDA

Our custom scleral contact lenses have achieved approval for dry eye syndrome and are indicated for the therapeutic management of several ocular conditions. Scleral contact lenses are an effective treatment for corneal irregularities and irregularly shaped corneas, providing vision correction while protecting the eye against debris, dust, and allergens.

To further enhance your experience, we offer advanced coatings for your scleral lenses.

Advanced Scleral Lens Coatings at Kahala Eye Clinic

At Kahala Eye Clinic, we specialize in custom scleral lenses that provide more than just clear vision—they enhance comfort, durability, and eye health as part of our comprehensive eye care services in Kahala. Scleral lenses have a unique design that allows them to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a protective cover for the ocular surface. Beyond precise fit and advanced optics, we offer specialized coatings that elevate the performance of your lenses, tailored to your unique visual needs. This vaulted design creates a tear-filled space between the lens and the cornea, which helps alleviate dry eye symptoms and provides a stable environment for the ocular surface. Scleral lenses vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, distinguishing them from other contact lenses and complementing the full range of care provided by our optometrist in Kahala

Types of Advanced Scleral Lens Coatings

• Anti-Reflective (AR) Coatings:
  Reduce glare and reflections from digital screens, headlights, and bright sunlight. Our AR coatings make your vision sharper and more comfortable, especially for those who spend long hours on computers or driving at night.

• Hydration & Wetting Coatings:
  Scleral lenses rely on a tear-filled vault to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. This tear reservoir provides a soothing effect similar to artificial tears, enhancing comfort for patients with dry eye syndrome. Hydration or wetting coatings enhance tear film stability, reducing dryness and improving all-day comfort, particularly for patients with dry eye syndrome who are seeking a trusted eye doctor in Honolulu.

• Anti-Protein & Anti-Debris Coatings:
  Protein and debris can accumulate on scleral lenses, leading to irritation and reduced clarity. Our specialized coatings repel deposits, keeping your lenses clean longer and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

• UV-Blocking Coatings:
  Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while maintaining clarity of vision. UV coatings help prevent long-term damage to the cornea and internal eye structures, which is especially important in sunny climates like Honolulu Hawai‘i.

• Neuro-Optic Coatings (Exclusive / Optional):
  For patients seeking next-level visual enhancement, we can incorporate neuro-optic coatings that help reduce digital eye strain, improve contrast, and enhance overall visual comfort, backed by the personalized approach described on our About Kahala Eye Clinic page. This is ideal for those sensitive to light or prone to visual fatigue.

With these advanced coatings, your scleral lenses are optimized for comfort, clarity, and protection.

Why Choose Kahala Eye Clinic for Scleral Lenses

Every pair of scleral lenses we create is customized for your eyes and lifestyle. Our advanced coatings are applied thoughtfully to maximize comfort, clarity, and protection. With our expertise, your lenses are not just a vision solution—they’re a personalized tool for eye health and visual performance, and many common concerns are addressed in our frequently asked questions.

Experience the difference of scleral lenses with advanced coatings, designed to keep your eyes comfortable, clear, and protected.

Schedule your Scleral Contact Lens consultation today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu Hawaii.