If you suffer from keratoconus, severe dry eye, or complications from past eye surgeries, traditional glasses and soft contacts often fall short. At Green Eye Harlem, we specialize in providing life-changing vision and comfort through custom scleral lenses.

As a premier scleral lens specialist in Manhattan, we believe that advanced eye care should be accessible. We are one of the few specialty clinics in NYC that proudly accepts Medicaid for medically necessary contact lenses.

Ready to see clearly again? Book your scleral lens consultation online today.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, highly breathable gas-permeable contact lenses. Unlike standard contacts that sit directly on the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses are designed to vault completely over the cornea and rest gently on the sclera (the white part of the eye).

This unique design creates a smooth optical surface to correct vision and traps a soothing reservoir of saline between the lens and your eye, providing a continuous "liquid bandage." We prescribe scleral lenses for dry eye in NYC, as well as for:

• Keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD)

• Post-LASIK or post-surgical corneal irregularities

• Severe dry eye syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome

• Corneal scarring or trauma

How to Get Scleral Lenses Covered by Medicaid

Many specialty lens clinics in Manhattan operate strictly on a "private pay" basis. At Green Eye Harlem, our competitive advantage is our commitment to our community. We proudly accept NY Medicaid to help cover the costs of these advanced treatments.

Does NY Medicaid cover Scleral Lenses?

Yes, under specific circumstances. When scleral lenses are deemed a "medically necessary contact lens" rather than a cosmetic choice, NY Medicaid and many managed care plans will cover the cost of the exam, the fitting, and the lenses themselves.

You may qualify for medically necessary coverage if:

• Your vision cannot be corrected to 20/40 or better using standard eyeglasses.

• You have a documented medical condition like keratoconus or severe corneal scarring.

• Traditional contact lenses have failed to provide adequate vision or comfort.

Our billing specialists are experts at submitting the necessary documentation, corneal topography maps, and letters of medical necessity to ensure you get the coverage you deserve. Schedule an appointment to check your eligibility.

Our Technology & The Fitting Process

Achieving the perfect scleral lens fit requires precision, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology. We utilize the Topcon Corneal Topographer to capture thousands of data points, creating a highly detailed 3D map of your eye's unique surface. We partner with industry-leading manufacturers, offering premium lens designs including Synergeyes and Zenlens to ensure maximum oxygen permeability and all-day comfort.

Your Step-by-Step Scleral Lens Journey:

• Consultation & Topography: We use the Topcon Corneal Topographer to map your cornea and determine if scleral lenses are the right medical solution for you.

• Diagnostic Trial Fitting: We place a series of diagnostic lenses on your eye to evaluate the vault, landing zone, and prescription.

• Custom Ordering: Your unique parameters are sent to the lab, where your Synergeyes or Zenlens contacts are custom-lathed to the exact micron.

• Dispensing & Training: Once your lenses arrive, we ensure the fit is perfect and spend dedicated time teaching you the specialized insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques required for scleral lenses.

Scleral Lens Care & Handling Guide

Proper cleaning and handling are essential for the health of your eyes and the longevity of your custom lenses. Because scleral lenses hold a continuous reservoir of fluid against your eye all day, using the correct solutions is critical.

1. Cleaning & Disinfecting Solutions

We will recommend a specific cleaning system based on your tear chemistry and whether your lenses have special surface coatings.

• Clear Care (Hydrogen Peroxide System): The gold standard for deep cleaning. This system uses hydrogen peroxide to bubble away proteins and debris. Important: You must use the provided specialized case and let the lenses soak for at least 6 hours to neutralize the peroxide into safe saline. Never put Clear Care directly into your eye.

• Boston Simplus: A highly effective, all-in-one multi-purpose solution for rigid gas permeable lenses. It cleans, disinfects, and conditions the lens overnight. Simply rub and rinse the lenses with this solution before storing.

• Tangible Clean: If your custom lenses are ordered with a Tangible Hydra-PEG coating (which makes the lens incredibly slippery and resistant to deposits), Tangible Clean is the ideal multi-purpose solution. It cleans and disinfects while protecting the advanced coating.
  
  

2. Application (Filling) Solutions

Before inserting your scleral lens, the "bowl" of the lens must be filled to the brim with a strict preservative-free saline. Using preserved solutions will trap toxic chemicals against your cornea, causing severe irritation and damage.

Approved preservative-free salines include:

• PuriLens Plus: A pH-balanced, preservative-free saline available in larger bottles (must be discarded 15 days after opening).

• LacriPure: Convenient, single-use vials of sterile, unbuffered saline.

• ScleraFil: Single-use vials of buffered saline, which some patients find more comfortable and less irritating upon insertion.
  
  

3. Pro Tips: Managing Fogging & Using PFATs

Even with a perfect fit, some patients experience "mid-day fogging"—where mucus, oils, or tear debris cloud the fluid beneath the lens after a few hours of wear.

• The Quick Fix for Fogging: If your vision gets cloudy, simply remove the lens, clean it briefly, refill it with fresh preservative-free saline, and reinsert it.

• The PFAT Trick (Preservative-Free Artificial Tears): If you suffer from severe dry eye or rapid fogging, try adding 2 to 3 drops of a high-viscosity PFAT (Preservative-Free Artificial Tear) directly into the bowl of the lens, then top off the rest with your unpreserved saline before insertion. This creates a thicker, more soothing cushion that slows down debris buildup.

• Throughout the Day: You can also use PFATs over your scleral lenses while wearing them to rehydrate the front surface of the lens and clear away surface smudges. Always ensure your eye drops say "Preservative-Free".

Comparing Your Contact Lens Option

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)