What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting? A Step-by-Step Guide
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Antoine Copty, OD | Eyes On Brickell
Last Updated: August 2026
If your eye doctor has recommended scleral lenses, you may be wondering what happens during the fitting process. It’s common to have questions about how long the appointment will take, whether the lenses will feel comfortable, or if more than one visit is normal. The encouraging news for patients in Brickell and across Miami is that a scleral lens fitting is a carefully planned process designed to provide clear vision, long-lasting comfort, and a personalized fit.
Unlike standard contact lenses that come in predetermined sizes, scleral lenses are custom-designed to match the unique shape of your eyes. Achieving that fit involves detailed measurements, trial lenses, and follow-up evaluations to ensure your lenses perform exactly as they should. While some patients achieve an excellent fit quickly, others benefit from additional adjustments before their final lenses are ordered, and that’s a normal part of the process.
This guide walks you through what to expect during a scleral lens fitting, from your initial eye examination to follow-up visits, including screenings for severe conditions like acute angle-closure glaucoma. If you’re considering scleral lenses or would like to learn more about how they work, explore our comprehensive guide to scleral contact lenses.
Why Is a Scleral Lens Fitting Different?
A scleral lens fitting is different from a standard contact lens appointment because the goal is not simply to improve your vision. Your eye doctor also needs to determine how the lenses fit the unique shape of your eyes while resting comfortably on the sclera, the white part of the eye.
Every eye has different measurements and fitting requirements. During the fitting process, your provider evaluates how the lens sits on your eye, how much clearance it provides over the cornea, and how stable it remains after settling. These assessments help ensure your finished lenses provide clear vision, lasting comfort, and reliable performance throughout the day.
Rather than selecting a ready-made lens, your eye doctor begins with trial scleral lenses to evaluate the initial fit before ordering a custom pair. Small adjustments to the lens design, along with guidance on the best eye drops for dry eyes, can make a meaningful difference to comfort, stability, and overall vision.
The fitting journey typically begins with a comprehensive eye exam, followed by trial lenses, detailed fit assessments, and any adjustments needed before your custom scleral lenses are ordered.
What Happens During a Scleral Lens Fitting?
If you’ve recently been told you need scleral lenses, it’s natural to wonder what your fitting appointment will involve. Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses are custom-designed for the unique shape of your eyes, so the fitting process is much more detailed than simply checking your prescription.
Rather than completing everything in a single appointment, your eye doctor uses several stages to evaluate how the lenses fit, how they perform, and whether any adjustments are needed before your custom lenses are ordered. While every patient is different, most fittings follow the same general process outlined below.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Comprehensive Eye Examination | Your eye doctor performs a detailed eye examination, takes measurements of your eyes, and assesses your vision to determine the best starting point for the fitting. |
| 2. Trial Scleral Lenses | Trial lenses are inserted so your doctor can evaluate the initial fit and assess your vision and comfort. |
| 3. Settling Period | You’ll usually wear the trial lenses for around 10 to 15 minutes, allowing them to settle into their natural position before they’re reassessed. |
| 4. Fit Assessment | Using a slit lamp microscope, your doctor checks the corneal vault, lens alignment, edge fit, and looks for trapped air bubbles that could affect comfort or vision. |
| 5. Lens Adjustments | If needed, the lens diameter, depth, or edge profile can be refined to improve the fit before the final lenses are ordered. |
| 6. Custom Lens Order | Once the fitting measurements are complete, your custom scleral lenses are ordered using the information gathered during the appointment. |
| 7. Follow-Up Visits | After your lenses arrive, your doctor evaluates the fit again and makes any additional adjustments needed to optimize comfort and vision. |
Although the process follows the same general steps, every scleral lens fitting is personalised. Some patients achieve an excellent fit within a couple of visits, while others benefit from additional refinements before their final lenses are approved. Throughout each stage, your feedback plays an important role. Let your eye doctor know if you notice discomfort, blurred vision, or anything that doesn’t feel quite right, as even small details can help fine-tune the fit and improve your overall wearing experience.
How Long Does a Scleral Lens Fitting Take?
Although every scleral lens fitting follows the same general process, the length of your appointment can vary depending on your eyes and the adjustments needed to achieve the best possible fit. Some patients complete most of the fitting during their first visit, while others benefit from additional appointments to refine the lenses before the final pair is approved. This personalized approach helps ensure your scleral lenses provide clear vision and lasting comfort.
Most Initial Fittings Take Around an Hour
In most cases, you should allow about an hour for your initial scleral lens fitting. During this time, your eye doctor will perform a detailed eye examination, select trial lenses, evaluate your vision, and assess how the lenses fit your eyes. If your eyes require additional measurements or refinements, the appointment may take longer.
Why You’ll Wait Before the Fit Is Checked
After the trial scleral lenses are inserted, your eye doctor won’t evaluate the fit immediately. Instead, you’ll usually wear the lenses for around 10 to 15 minutes, allowing them to settle naturally on your eyes. Once they’ve settled, your doctor can accurately assess the corneal vault, lens alignment, and overall fit before deciding whether any adjustments are needed.
Follow-Up Visits Are a Normal Part of the Process
Receiving your custom lenses doesn’t always mean the fitting process is complete. Many patients return for one or more follow-up appointments so their eye doctor can confirm the lenses continue to fit comfortably and provide the vision expected. If small refinements are needed, adjustments can usually be made before the fitting is considered complete.
Rather than viewing additional appointments as a setback, think of them as an important part of creating scleral lenses that are tailored specifically to your eyes. Each visit provides valuable information that helps your eye doctor optimize the fit, improve comfort, and achieve the best possible long-term outcome.
What Does Your Eye Doctor Check During a Scleral Lens Fitting?
A scleral lens fitting is about much more than finding the correct prescription. Your eye doctor carefully evaluates how the lenses fit your eyes to ensure they provide clear vision while remaining comfortable throughout the day. Even small adjustments can make a significant difference to the final result.
During the fitting, your eye doctor checks several important factors, including:
- Corneal vault: The lens should completely clear the cornea without touching its surface.
- Lens alignment: The lens should rest evenly on the sclera without creating excessive pressure.
- Air bubbles: Trapped bubbles can affect comfort and vision and may indicate that the lens fit needs adjustment.
- Overall comfort and vision: Your feedback helps determine whether the lenses need further refinements before your custom pair is ordered.
These assessments help your eye doctor determine whether the current lens design is suitable or whether adjustments to the diameter, depth, or edge profile are needed to improve the fit.
Learning to Insert and Remove Scleral Lenses
Learning to insert and remove scleral lenses is one of the biggest adjustments for first-time wearers. While it may feel challenging initially, most patients become much more confident with regular practice.
Your eye doctor will demonstrate the correct technique and may recommend helpful tools such as insertion stands, plungers, or soothing lubricating eye drops to make handling the lenses easier. During your first few appointments, it’s also common for a doctor or technician to assist with insertion until you feel comfortable doing it yourself.
The key is patience. What may take several minutes during the beginning often becomes a quick and routine part of your day as you gain experience.
Why Follow-Up Appointments Matter
Scleral lens fittings don’t always end once your custom lenses arrive. Follow-up appointments allow your eye doctor to confirm that the lenses continue to fit correctly and provide the level of comfort and vision expected.
Many patients require more than one fitting appointment before achieving their ideal result. During these visits, your doctor evaluates how the lenses perform after regular wear and can make small refinements if needed. Sharing any discomfort, blurred vision, or other concerns helps guide those adjustments and contributes to a better long-term outcome.
Scleral Lens Fittings in Brickell & Miami
At Eyes On Brickell, our Brickell eye doctors led by Dr. Antoine Copty provide personalised scleral lens fittings for patients throughout Brickell, Miami, and the surrounding communities. Whether you have keratoconus, an irregular cornea, severe dry eye disease requiring specialized dry eye treatment in Brickell, or another condition that makes traditional contact lenses uncomfortable, we take the time to customize your lenses for your individual needs.
From your initial evaluation through follow-up care, we focus on achieving a comfortable fit and clear, stable vision using a step-by-step fitting process. Whether you need specialty contact lenses or need to book a red eye exam, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the journey.
Visit us at: 2885 SW 3rd Ave Suite 100, Miami, FL 33129
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a scleral lens fitting appointment take?
Most initial scleral lens fittings take about an hour, although more complex cases may require additional time. You’ll also usually wear the trial lenses for around 10 to 15 minutes before your eye doctor reassesses the fit.
Why do some patients need more than one fitting?
Scleral lenses are custom-designed for each eye. Additional appointments allow your eye doctor to refine the fit, improve comfort, and ensure the lenses provide the best possible vision.
Are air bubbles under scleral lenses normal?
Small air bubbles can sometimes occur during the fitting process. They often indicate that the lens fit needs adjustment rather than a problem with how the lens was inserted.
Is it difficult to insert scleral lenses?
Most patients experience a learning curve at first. With practice and guidance from your eye doctor, inserting and removing scleral lenses becomes much easier over time.
When will I receive my custom scleral lenses?
After your fitting is complete, your custom lenses are ordered using the measurements gathered during your appointments. Your eye doctor will schedule a follow-up visit once they arrive to confirm the fit and make any final adjustments.
Can scleral lenses be adjusted after they’re made?
Yes. If the fit or comfort isn’t ideal, your eye doctor can often recommend adjustments or refinements to help improve your overall wearing experience.
