How is a scleral lens different from a normal contact lens?

It’s larger and rests atop a layer of tissue over the white part of the eye (sclera). A fluid barrier keeps the scleral lens from touching the cornea.

Are scleral lenses comfortable?

Because they rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, many patients find them surprisingly comfortable once they learn insertion and removal.

Who fits scleral lenses at Cohenmehr Optometry?

All scleral lens evaluations and fittings are personally overseen by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD. He designs scleral lenses for keratoconus, severe dry eye, corneal scarring and eyes after surgery from Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler maps of each eye.

Does insurance cover scleral lenses?

We are in network with common vision plans including VSP and EyeMed, which often cover partial or the full amount for scleral lenses. Call 310-828-2010 to verify your details.

How long do scleral lenses last?

A well-cared-for pair usually lasts one to two years, sometimes longer, before surface wear or a change in your prescription or eye shape calls for a new design. We check the lenses at every follow-up and replace them when the optics or the fit drift.

How much do scleral lenses cost?

The fee depends on the design and the number of visits the fitting needs, so we quote it after the evaluation. Many patients use vision benefits (VSP, EyeMed) and, for keratoconus or severe dry eye, medical insurance. Call 310-828-2010 and we will check your coverage before you come in.

How do you insert and remove scleral lenses?

Fill the bowl with preservative-free saline, bring your face down over the lens on a plunger or your fingertips, and place it straight on without tipping so no bubble gets trapped. Removal uses a small suction plunger at the lens edge. We teach it in the office and the step-by-step guide is here: How to insert and remove scleral lenses.

How many hours a day can you wear scleral lenses?

Most patients wear them through a full day. If the fluid reservoir fogs after many hours, removing, rinsing and refilling the lens restores clear vision in a minute. Your wearing schedule is set at the fitting and adjusted at follow-ups.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Scleral Lenses in Los Angeles

A smooth optical surface, and a reservoir of moisture, for eyes that other lenses can’t help.

A scleral lens is larger than a standard contact lens. It rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera), vaults over the cornea without touching it, and is filled with sterile saline before insertion. That fluid stays between the lens and your eye all day.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

A scleral lens filled with saline, on a fingertip

Led by: Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr
Design: Custom, from scleral profilometry
Worn for: Keratoconus, severe dry eye, exposure
Coverage: Often medically necessary lenses

Custom scleral lenses are fit at Cohenmehr Optometry for

Keratoconus and other conditions of the cornea
Post-LASIK ectasia and irregular astigmatism
Severe or treatment-resistant dry eye disease
Exposure from Bell’s palsy and other facial palsies
Dry eye from autoimmune disease, such as Sjögren’s
Corneal scarring, including after ocular shingles
Vision rehabilitation after corneal transplant

Led by

All scleral lens evaluations and fittings are personally overseen by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD, who authored the case report “An A+ Solution to Triple A Syndrome: Scleral Lenses.”

About Dr. Brandon →

How they work

A liquid bandage and a new front surface.

A scleral lens on an eye at the slit lamp

The fluid reservoir acts like a liquid bandage that protects the surface, a continuous reservoir of moisture for severe dry eye, and a smooth optical surface that often improves clarity and reduces glare.

Because the lens lands on the less sensitive white of the eye and never touches the cornea, many patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses, and many who thought they had “tried everything” finally get stable, all-day comfort.

The fitting

Designed from a map of your eye.

01
Evaluation and imaging
Our optometrists in Los Angeles examine the cornea and ocular surface and map the shape of the eye. Fittings use tools such as corneal topography and Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler mapping, which measures the contour of the sclera, not just the central cornea.
02
Custom design
Lenses are designed from your measurements. For asymmetric eyes we use free-form designs such as the Visionary Optics Latitude lens, so the lens lands evenly and stays stable.
03
Training
You learn to fill the lens with preservative-free saline, insert it without bubbles, remove it safely, and clean it properly.
04
Follow-up and fine-tuning
We check clearance over the cornea, the landing of the edge, comfort and vision, and adjust the design until it is right.

Insurance

Often covered when medically necessary.

Cohenmehr Optometry is in network with common vision plans including VSP and EyeMed
These plans often cover partial or the full amount for scleral lenses
Medical insurance may apply for conditions such as keratoconus and severe dry eye
Our office can help check your benefits before your visit

Accepted insurance

Common questions

Scleral lenses, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

It’s larger and rests atop a layer of tissue over the white part of the eye (sclera). A fluid barrier keeps the scleral lens from touching the cornea.
Because they rest on the sclera rather than the sensitive cornea, many patients find them surprisingly comfortable once they learn insertion and removal.
All scleral lens evaluations and fittings are personally overseen by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD. He designs scleral lenses for keratoconus, severe dry eye, corneal scarring and eyes after surgery from Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler maps of each eye.
We are in network with common vision plans including VSP and EyeMed, which often cover partial or the full amount for scleral lenses. Call 310-828-2010 to verify your details.
A well-cared-for pair usually lasts one to two years, sometimes longer, before surface wear or a change in your prescription or eye shape calls for a new design. We check the lenses at every follow-up and replace them when the optics or the fit drift.
The fee depends on the design and the number of visits the fitting needs, so we quote it after the evaluation. Many patients use vision benefits (VSP, EyeMed) and, for keratoconus or severe dry eye, medical insurance. Call 310-828-2010 and we will check your coverage before you come in.
Fill the bowl with preservative-free saline, bring your face down over the lens on a plunger or your fingertips, and place it straight on without tipping so no bubble gets trapped. Removal uses a small suction plunger at the lens edge. We teach it in the office and the step-by-step guide is here: How to insert and remove scleral lenses.
Most patients wear them through a full day. If the fluid reservoir fogs after many hours, removing, rinsing and refilling the lens restores clear vision in a minute. Your wearing schedule is set at the fitting and adjusted at follow-ups.

Articles

By Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD

What else scleral lenses solve

One platform, a dozen rescues, each with its own page.

Scleral lenses near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

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Next step

Find out what your eyes are capable of.

A diagnostic lens trial shows, in one visit, how much vision a smooth optical surface can give you. Book a scleral lens consultation in our West Los Angeles office.

Schedule a Scleral Lens Consultation Or call 310-828-2010