Scleral Lenses vs. Traditional RGP Lenses

Quick answer. Traditional RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses rest directly on the cornea, which can be uncomfortable for keratoconus or irregular corneas. Scleral lenses vault completely over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white of the eye), avoiding the sensitive, irregular corneal surface. For moderate-to-severe cases this usually means significantly better comfort and more stable vision.

Reviewed by Bilal Rawashdeh, Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist, founder of Vision Experts in Amman, Jordan. 20+ years of clinical experience fitting specialty contact lenses for keratoconus and irregular corneas.

Many patients ask about the difference between scleral lenses and traditional RGP lenses when researching solutions for keratoconus or intolerance to standard contact lenses. Below we answer the most common questions, explained simply and clearly.

What’s the difference between scleral lenses and standard RGP lenses?

RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses rest directly on the cornea, which can cause discomfort in eyes with keratoconus or irregular corneal shape. Scleral lenses vault completely over the cornea and rest on the sclera instead, avoiding contact with the sensitive, irregular corneal surface. This usually means significantly better comfort and more stable vision, especially in moderate-to-severe cases.

I tried RGP or hybrid lenses and couldn’t tolerate them. Can scleral lenses help?

Often, yes. Patients who find RGP or hybrid lenses uncomfortable, unstable, or irritating are frequently good candidates for scleral lenses, since the fluid reservoir under the lens keeps the eye consistently hydrated and the larger diameter keeps the lens from shifting or dislodging during blinking.

Are scleral lenses more expensive than RGP or hybrid lenses?

Scleral lenses typically cost more upfront because they’re custom-manufactured using corneal topography data specific to your eye, and the fitting process takes longer. Many patients find this offset by fewer refits and better long-term comfort compared to repeated trial-and-error with RGP or hybrid lenses.

How long does a scleral lens fitting take compared to RGP fitting?

Scleral lens fittings generally require more time and precision (corneal mapping, trial lenses, and one or more follow-up adjustments) compared to a standard RGP fitting. This extra time upfront is what allows for a more accurate, stable, long-term fit.

Can scleral lenses correct vision that RGP or hybrid lenses couldn’t?

In many advanced keratoconus or highly irregular cornea cases, yes. Because scleral lenses fully vault the cornea and create a smooth optical surface via the fluid reservoir, they can correct visual distortion that RGP or hybrid lenses, which follow the cornea’s irregular shape more closely, may not fully address.