(949) 693-4900·We do not accept Medi-Cal
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Keratoconus specialist Dr. Bonakdar — Bascom Palmer trained, Orange County
Official DesignationKeratoconus Vision Center
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Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus — 2,000+ Cases Treated

Most clinics see 10 keratoconus patients a year. We’ve treated 2,000+. Same-week appointments near you.

Book Consultation(949) 693-4900

We do not accept Medi-Cal

Advanced Scleral Lens TechnologyNon-Surgical Vision RestorationComplex Case SpecialistsMost Insurance Accepted

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, causing blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty with everyday activities. At Keratoconus Vision Center, we specialize in comprehensive keratoconus management.

Our keratoconus specialist, Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, has over 35 years of experience fitting scleral contact lenses and managing complex corneal conditions. We've helped thousands of patients who were told they had no options achieve remarkable improvements in their vision and quality of life.

Benefits of Keratoconus Treatment

  • Clear vision restoration with specialized lenses
  • Non-surgical treatment options available
  • Same-day consultations for new patients
  • Advanced diagnostic imaging
  • Coordinated care for cross-linking
  • Flexible payment options and insurance accepted

How Scleral Lenses Work

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid lenses that vault completely over the irregular cornea without touching it. Instead of resting on the cornea like a standard contact, a scleral lens lands on the white of the eye (the sclera).

The space between the lens and the cornea fills with a reservoir of preservative-free saline. This fluid layer fills in every irregularity of a keratoconus cornea, creating a perfectly smooth optical surface. Light then focuses cleanly — which is why scleral lenses deliver sharp vision that glasses and soft contacts simply cannot.

Because nothing presses on the sensitive cone, most patients find scleral lenses remarkably comfortable — even those who could never tolerate other contacts. The same fluid reservoir also continuously bathes the eye, which is why scleral lenses help patients with both keratoconus and severe dry eye.

Scleral Lenses vs. Regular Contacts

  • Fit: Vault over the cornea vs. rest directly on it
  • Vision: Smooth optical surface corrects irregular astigmatism
  • Comfort: No pressure on the cone — comfortable all day
  • Dry eye: Fluid reservoir bathes the eye continuously
  • Stability: Large diameter means lenses don't pop out or dislodge

Curious about cost and coverage? See our scleral lenses cost guide.

The Keratoconus Process

A dedicated pathway to restoring your vision.

1

Comprehensive Evaluation

Advanced corneal imaging and detailed eye examination to assess your keratoconus severity.

2

Treatment Planning

Reviewing your options including scleral lenses or hybrid lenses to create a personalized plan.

3

Lens Fitting & Trial

Custom fitting with multiple trial lenses to ensure optimal comfort and immediate vision improvement.

4

Follow-Up Care

Regular monitoring appointments to track progression and ensure long-term eye health.

See the Difference

Experience how Scleral Lenses can transform typical Keratoconus vision into clear sight using our interactive simulator.

Is Keratoconus Treatment Right for You?

Good Candidates

  • Diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal ectasia
  • Dissatisfied with vision in glasses
  • Contacts are uncomfortable or pop out
  • Experience glare, halos, or ghosting

Note: Even if you've been told you are a "difficult fit," our specialized technology can often help.

Insurance Plans We Accept

We work with most major vision and medical insurance providers to maximize your benefits.

Vision Plans

  • VSP (Vision Service Plan)
  • EyeMed
  • Davis Vision
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Avesis

Medical Plans

  • Medicare
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • Tricare

*Medical insurance is often used for medically necessary contact lenses.

CareCredit Financing

Make keratoconus treatment affordable with CareCredit. We offer 0% interest financing for 6- and 12-month plans on scleral lens fittings and other treatments. Apply in minutes — no impact to your credit score to check eligibility.

Apply for CareCredit
HSA/FSA AcceptedMajor Credit Cards

Scleral Lens FAQs

Common questions about scleral lenses for keratoconus, fitting, dry eye, and insurance.

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses and vault over the entire cornea without touching it. They rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the corneal surface. This provides a smooth optical surface that corrects the irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus, which standard soft lenses cannot adequately address.

A scleral lens fitting for keratoconus typically requires two to three office visits. The process begins with corneal topography and tomography to map the corneal surface, followed by diagnostic lens trials and adjustments. Modern imaging technology has shortened this process compared to older trial-and-error methods.

Yes. Scleral lenses are frequently used after corneal transplant surgery and for post-LASIK or post-RK corneal irregularity. Many of these patients have residual irregular astigmatism that glasses cannot correct. Scleral lenses provide a smooth optical surface over the cornea and can deliver clear, comfortable vision when other options have failed.

Yes. Because scleral lenses hold a reservoir of preservative-free saline against the cornea all day, they continuously bathe the ocular surface and are often prescribed for severe dry eye and ocular surface disease in addition to keratoconus. Many patients with both keratoconus and dry eye find scleral lenses significantly improve comfort.

In most cases, scleral lenses for keratoconus are classified as medically necessary by insurance providers. Many major vision and medical plans — including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and others — cover medically necessary contact lenses. Prior authorization is typically required, and coverage varies by plan. We verify your benefits before fitting.

Start Your Journey

Don't let keratoconus define your vision. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bonakdar today.

1
Request Appointment
2
Comprehensive Exam
3
Custom Treatment Plan

We do not accept Medi-Cal