Medically Reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D.
Scleral Lenses Cost: What to Expect
Scleral lenses for keratoconus typically cost $1,500–$3,500 per eye. Here is exactly what that includes, what insurance covers, and how to make treatment affordable.
$1,500–$3,500
Per Eye (Initial Fitting)
Includes evaluation, trials, custom lens, training, follow-up
$500–$1,000
Replacement Lens
Every 1–2 years, less than initial because diagnostics are done
Most Covered
Medical Insurance
Keratoconus lenses are medically necessary, not cosmetic
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Why Scleral Lenses Cost More Than Regular Contacts
Standard soft contacts are mass-produced — millions of identical lenses stamped from the same mold for $200–$500 per year. Scleral lenses are the opposite: each lens is custom-manufactured for your specific eye based on micron-level corneal topography measurements.
The fitting process itself requires specialized expertise that most general optometrists do not have. Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years of experience and has fitted 500+ keratoconus patients — the precision required to vault a scleral lens over an irregular cornea while maintaining comfort for 14+ hours of daily wear demands this level of specialization.
Think of it this way: the cost of scleral lenses is comparable to a quality pair of prescription eyeglasses — but scleral lenses provide vision that glasses cannot achieve for keratoconus patients.
What Makes Them Worth It
- 90%+of keratoconus patients achieve 20/20 or better with scleral lenses
- 14+ hrsof comfortable daily wear — compared to 4–6 hours with older lens types
- 90%of patients avoid corneal transplant surgery with scleral lens treatment
- 1–2 yrslens lifespan — works out to ~$2–5/day for clear vision
Cost Comparison: Treatment Options
| Treatment | Cost | Vision Quality | Customization | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Soft Contacts | $200–$500/yr | Cannot correct keratoconus | No | Daily–Monthly |
| RGP (Hard) Contacts | $300–$600/yr | Moderate correction | Semi-custom | 1–2 years |
| Scleral LensesRecommended | $1,500–$3,500 initial | 20/20 or better in 90%+ | Fully custom per eye | 1–2 years |
| Corneal Transplant | $13,000–$27,000 | Variable, may still need lenses | Surgical | 15–20 years |
Insurance & Payment Options
Medical Insurance (Use This)
Scleral lenses for keratoconus are classified as medically necessary under ICD-10 code H18.6. File under your medical insurance, not vision plan.
- ✓ Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- ✓ Aetna
- ✓ Cigna
- ✓ United Healthcare
- ✓ Anthem
- ✓ Medicare (with documentation)
Additional Payment Options
- HSA / FSA: Pre-tax dollars — saves 25–35% on out-of-pocket costs
- CareCredit: 6- and 12-month no-interest financing available
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover accepted
Important: Vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed) does NOT cover scleral lenses for keratoconus. Always use your medical insurance. We verify benefits and obtain pre-authorization before starting.
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.
Get Your Insurance Verified
We check your medical insurance benefits for scleral lens coverage before your first visit — no surprises.
Or call: (714) 558-0641
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