Scleral lenses are among the more expensive types of contact lenses because they are custom fitted rather than purchased like standard daily or monthly contacts. In Canada, the total cost can vary considerably depending on your prescription, eye shape, fitting requirements and whether one or both eyes need lenses.
Your first-year cost may include:
- A specialty contact lens examination
- Detailed corneal measurements
- Trial and fitting appointments
- Custom scleral lenses
- Follow-up visits and adjustments
- Cleaning and care supplies
The first year is usually the most expensive because of the initial fitting process. After a stable fit has been established, ongoing annual costs may be lower and mainly involve replacement lenses, routine checkups and lens care products.
What Is Included in Scleral Lens Costs?
The total cost of scleral lenses is not just the price of the lenses themselves. Because they require a specialized fitting process, the quote may include several services.
Typical costs can include:
- Specialty eye exam
- Corneal measurements or mapping
- Trial lenses
- Custom scleral lenses
- Fitting appointments
- Follow-up visits
- Adjustments or remakes
- Lens care supplies
Also read: Contact Lens Cost in Canada by Lens Type
Why Scleral Lenses Are Expensive
Scleral lenses cost more than standard soft contacts because they are customized and more complex to fit.
The higher price usually comes from:
- Custom lens design based on the shape of your eye
- More detailed measurements than a standard soft lens fitting
- Specialized fitting appointments
- Multiple trial lenses or adjustments
- More practitioner time
- Complex prescriptions or corneal shapes
The Fitting Process Adds a Lot to the Cost
Scleral lenses are much larger than regular soft lenses and need to sit correctly over the cornea while resting on the white part of the eye.
That means the fit often needs to be checked and fine-tuned carefully, which is one of the main reasons the overall cost is higher.
Factors Affecting Scleral Lens Pricing
There is no single fixed price for scleral lenses because the fitting can be very different from one person to another.
The biggest factors include:
- Prescription complexity: More complex vision correction can require a more customized lens design.
- Shape of the cornea: Irregular corneas may need additional measurements and adjustments.
- One eye vs both eyes: Fitting both eyes naturally increases the total cost.
- Number of fitting visits: Some people find a suitable fit quickly, while others need several adjustments.
- Lens customization: Changes to diameter, vault, power or other design features can affect pricing.
- Remakes or replacements: Some fitting packages include these, while others charge separately.
- Clinic and location: Specialty fitting fees can vary across Canada.
The more customization and follow-up work required, the higher the overall cost is likely to be.
Also read: How to Buy Contact Lenses Online in Canada
First-Year vs Annual Scleral Lens Costs
The cost pattern for scleral lenses is different from standard disposable contacts. Most of the extra expense happens at the beginning, when the fit is being established.
|
Cost Stage |
What You’re Mainly Paying For |
What to Expect |
|
First Year |
Initial exam, detailed measurements, trial lenses, fitting, final lenses and follow-ups |
Usually the highest-cost year |
|
Later Years |
Replacement lenses, routine checkups and care supplies |
Often more predictable if the fit stays stable |
|
If Your Eyes or Prescription Change |
New measurements, refitting or redesigned lenses |
Costs can rise again |
Why Costs Can Change From Year to Year
A stable prescription and well-fitting lenses can make later years simpler. However, a change in your corneal shape, vision or comfort may mean another fitting is needed.
This is why it is useful to think of scleral lens pricing as an ongoing care cost, rather than just the price of buying a pair of lenses.
How Long Do Scleral Lenses Last?
Scleral lenses are reusable and usually last much longer than daily or monthly soft contacts. Many wearers can use the same pair for around 1–2 years, but the actual lifespan depends on how well the lenses are cared for and whether your prescription or eye shape changes.
They may need replacing sooner if:
- The lens becomes scratched or damaged
- Deposits build up on the surface
- Vision becomes less clear
- The fit changes
- Your prescription changes
Proper Care Can Extend Their Lifespan
Cleaning the lenses correctly, storing them safely and handling them carefully can help reduce unnecessary wear. Even if a lens still looks fine, regular checkups are important to make sure it still fits properly.
Does Insurance Cover Scleral Lenses in Canada?
Sometimes. Coverage depends on your private insurance or employer vision-benefit plan.
Some plans may treat scleral lenses as regular contact lenses, while others may offer different coverage if they are considered medically necessary.
Before starting the fitting process, check whether your plan covers:
- Specialty contact lenses
- Medically necessary lenses
- Fitting fees
- Eye exams
- Follow-up appointments
- Replacement lenses
It is also worth asking whether the lenses and fitting need to be billed separately, as this can affect how much of the total cost is reimbursed.
Also read: Can You Order Contacts With an Expired Prescription in Canada?
Scleral vs Hybrid Lens Cost Comparison
Both scleral and hybrid lenses cost more than standard soft contacts, but scleral lenses are generally the more expensive option because the fitting process is usually more involved.
|
Feature |
Scleral Lenses |
Hybrid Lenses |
|
Upfront cost |
Usually higher |
Usually lower |
|
Fitting complexity |
More specialized |
Specialized |
|
Customization |
Highly customized |
Customized, but often less complex |
|
Replacement cycle |
Often 1–2 years |
Varies by lens type |
|
Ongoing care |
Cleaning and filling solution required |
Cleaning and storage products required |
|
Best suited for |
Irregular corneas, severe dryness, complex vision needs |
People who want rigid-lens clarity with a softer edge |
Which One Offers Better Value?
That depends on what your eyes need.
Hybrid lenses may cost less and work well for people who need sharper vision than standard soft lenses can provide. Scleral lenses can justify the higher price when they provide better comfort, stability or vision for more complex eye conditions.
Also read: How Long Do Contact Lenses Last? Maximizing Your Investment
FAQs About Scleral Lens Costs
How much does one scleral lens cost in Canada?
Pricing varies by clinic, prescription and fitting complexity. The total is usually much higher than standard soft lenses because fitting and customization are involved.
Why are scleral lenses so expensive?
They require detailed measurements, custom lens design, specialty fitting and follow-up appointments.
How long do scleral lenses usually last?
Many scleral lenses can last around 1–2 years with proper care, although prescription or fit changes may require earlier replacement.
Does insurance cover scleral lenses in Canada?
Some private or employer vision plans may cover part of the cost, especially if the lenses are considered medically necessary.
Are scleral lenses more expensive than hybrid lenses?
Usually, yes. Scleral lenses often involve a more complex fitting and higher level of customization.
Do scleral lenses need to be replaced every year?
Not always. Some can last longer than a year if they remain in good condition and your fit and prescription stay stable.
Is the fitting fee included in the scleral lens price?
Sometimes. Some clinics offer bundled pricing, while others charge separately for fitting, lenses and follow-ups.
Are scleral lenses worth the cost?
They can be if they provide better comfort or vision than standard lenses, especially for more complex eye or corneal needs.
