Scleral Contact Lenses

What Are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are large gas permeable (hard) contacts that rest on the sclera ( the white part of the eye). They benefit patients with an irregular surface of the eye that cannot be corrected with conventional contact lenses or glasses.

If you’ve been told your contact lenses don’t fit your eyes, scleral lenses may be an option. Our team of eye doctors in Omaha can help you find the best solution for your vision needs. Contact us at Heartland Eye Consultants.

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Which Conditions Would Benefit from Scleral Contact Lenses?

Some eye conditions that can benefit from scleral contact lenses include:

Severe dry eye syndrome
Keratoconus
Post-RK surgery
Corneal ectasia or irregularity post-LASIK surgery
Scarred or irregular corneas
Irregular or high astigmatism

What to Expect: Scleral Lens Examination & Fitting

Heartland Eye Consultants is one of only 40 private practices in the United States to have this technology and the only practice in Nebraska and Iowa to have the sMap3D mapping technology for a fully customizable scleral contact lens.

We offer the highest level of technological precision for mapping the shape of the eye with the sMap3D. Featuring 360-degree coverage and 10-micron precision, the sMap3D corneo-scleral topographer captures one million measurement points to create highly detailed maps of the cornea and sclera. The data collected informs the design of our customizable scleral lenses.

Heartland Eye Consultants is proud to have Dr. Holly Ternus provide this valuable service to our patients. She is the only doctor in Nebraska to have received a Fellowship in the Scleral Contact Lens Education Society. It is life-changing for many patients with irregular corneal conditions and dry eye syndrome.

Please call us today if you think you might benefit from scleral contact lenses or if you have any questions regarding this service.

What to Expect During Your Scleral Contact Lens Examination & Fitting

Corneal topography: a photography technique used to map the surface of your eye and provide detailed information on the shape and irregularities of the cornea.
Full ocular examination and possible dilation to assess the candidate for scleral contact lenses.
Scleral lens fitting: a trial lens will be placed on the eye to check comfort and vision.
You will return 1–2 weeks later for an examination of your custom-designed scleral contact lens. It will be placed on the eye for an evaluation of your vision and fit of the lens. If no further modifications are needed, you’ll be trained to insert and remove them. You will also be trained on how to care for your scleral contact lenses.
You will return in another 1–2 weeks to assess how your scleral contact lens fits your eye after a full day of wear. Any final modifications will be made if necessary.
Depending on your condition, the scleral contact lens will be assessed every 6–12 months to ensure proper fit and comfort for your eye.

Scleral Lens Success Stories

He got his Scleral Contact Lenses! Have you been told you can never wear contact lenses? James found out that is not always true, and he has a great story to tell you about his journey into scleral contact lenses.

“I no longer have to wear very thick glasses. I had always been told that I could not have contacts because I have astigmatism. Recently, I was told that since my astigmatism was so severe, that no one would be able to give the proper prescription for a lens for my left eye.

I was referred to Heartland Eye Consultants because they might be able to help. Dr. Holly Ternus was not only able to fit me with contact lenses that were comfortable, but I was able to see 20/20 in both eyes, even the left eye that had previously had a cornea transplant. My vision is the best it has ever been.

I would recommend this doctor and clinic to everyone with astigmatism or who has been told they cannot wear contacts.”

James S.

“My vision without scleral lenses makes day to day activities difficult and driving at night nearly impossible. A scar on my left cornea causes intense dazzling at night when driving and I was told surgical correction would have to remove a large amount of my natural material and wouldn’t guarantee an improvement. I was then referred to Dr. Ternus and her team at Heartland Eye Consultants. My first visit was to be evaluated to determine if I was a good candidate for scleral lenses and every person I interacted with was kind, caring and professional. I’ve never been treated so well at eye/vision appointments and this team was amazing. During my initial evaluation a set of test lenses were fitted and for the first time in two years my blurry vision in my damaged eye was clear and crisp! The scleral lens fluid reservoir filled in my scar imperfection, and protected it from my eyelid which would cause pain before the lenses. My other eye was fitted with a toric lens, and made my vision better than it ever has been.

My lenses are extremely comfortable and my vision is great. I’m so grateful for Dr. Ternus and her amazing team. Scleral lenses have changed my life.”

Chase N.

“I was referred to Dr. Ternus because of my eye issues with Keratoconus. After cataracts were removed, she fitted me with the new lenses. At first I had difficulty with them because I had worn the gas permeable lenses for years. I started wearing contacts at age 17 and I got new lenses at age 74. So, there was an adjustment to be made and old habits retired and new ones learned. I truly enjoy these lenses. My vision is so much better and I can even put them in without a mirror! I love them and wish that I could have had them earlier. Dr. Ternus and her team really care about the patient.”

Gloria M.

“I have been wearing hard contact lenses for 54 years. The last 15 years, I have been wearing the scleral lenses. When I first started with these lenses, I was training a young horse on some very dusty dirt roads in Washington State and immediately realized I was not having the constant painful problem of getting dirt in my eyes. That alone was a real plus for me.

I have had problems off and on with the fit of the lenses until I moved to Omaha and came to Heartland Eye Consultants. Dr. Ternus showed me the pictures of my eyes, explained exactly what had been foing on and then fit me with the most comfortable lenses I have ever worn.

My vision is changing as my eyes heal and I feel we are getting close to the final prescription, as close to perfect vision as I can get, and the happiest eyes I have had in a long time.

I have nothing but praise for Dr. Ternus and Heartland Eye Consultants.”

Lynn M.

Our Services

Eye Disease Management

Low Vision

Scleral Contact Lenses

Sports Vision

Dry Eye Therapy

Vision Therapy for Trauma

Vision therapy is an effective, non-surgical, doctor-supervised treatment that retrains the brain and eyes to work together more efficiently. Rather than compensate for vision problems, vision therapy aims to treat and correct the visual system itself.

Discover how we can help you or your child overcome vision problems such as strabismus and amblyopia, and build a greater sense of confidence. Take our vision therapy quiz today!

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Success Stories

What do you want for Christmas? Too soon a question? Not for Aeric, he already knows he wants BOOKS! Thank you, Dr. Annette Astuto, for your referral that allowed us to help Aeric succeed.

Aeric P.

Rowan is playing ball at the top of his game thanks to his work in vision therapy. Dr. Toelle, we thank you for your referral! His parents are now believers that vision therapy works!

Rowan U.

He got his Scleral Contact Lenses! Have you been told you can never wear contact lenses? James found out that is not always true, and he has a great story to tell you about his journey into scleral contact lenses.