Keratoconus & Severe Dry Eye: What to Expect at Your First Scleral Lens Fitting in Portland

If you have keratoconus or severe dry eye, standard contact lenses may not give you the clarity or comfort you need. At The Eye Studio in Portland, we offer scleral lens fittings for patients who need a more customized approach to vision correction and eye comfort.

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses. Instead of sitting directly on the cornea, they vault over it and rest on the white part of the eye. This design creates a smooth optical surface and a fluid-filled space that can help protect sensitive eyes throughout the day.
 

Why Scleral Lenses Help With Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and develop an irregular shape. Because the cornea becomes less smooth, glasses and soft contacts may not correct vision clearly enough. Scleral lenses help by creating a new, even surface over the cornea, which often improves sharpness and stability.

During your first scleral lens fitting in Portland, we evaluate the shape of your eyes, your current prescription, your visual needs, and any symptoms you are experiencing. Our goal is to design lenses that support clear vision while reducing irritation.
 

How Scleral Lenses Support Severe Dry Eye

For patients with severe dry eye, contact lens comfort can be difficult. Burning, redness, fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity can make daily tasks frustrating. Scleral lenses hold a layer of preservative-free saline between the lens and the eye, which helps keep the surface hydrated while the lens is worn.

This does not replace dry eye treatment, but it can be an important part of managing symptoms for the right patient. At The Eye Studio, we look at the full picture of your eye health before recommending scleral lenses.
 

What Happens During Your First Fitting

Your first scleral lens fitting is more detailed than a standard contact lens visit. We take careful measurements and assess how the lens sits on your eye. The fitting process is designed to make sure the lens vaults the cornea properly, rests comfortably, and provides stable vision.

During the appointment, we may review:

• Your history with keratoconus, dry eye, or past contact lenses
• The shape and condition of your cornea
• Your current vision and prescription needs
• Lens comfort, movement, and alignment
• How to insert, remove, and care for scleral lenses

It is common for scleral lenses to require adjustments. A trial lens helps us understand what design works best, and follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune the fit.
 

What To Expect After The Appointment

Scleral lenses are highly personalized, so they are not usually a one-visit process. After your first fitting, we may order custom lenses based on your measurements. Once they arrive, we check the fit again and make sure you feel confident handling them at home.

Many Portland patients choose scleral lenses because they want clearer vision, better comfort, or both. For keratoconus and severe dry eye, the right fit matters. We take the time to make sure your lenses are designed around your eyes, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
 

For scleral lens fittings in Portland, OR, contact The Eye Studio at 339 NW 9th Ave. by calling 503-219-0023.