What Happens to Returned Scleral Lenses?
March 20, 2025
If you have undergone scleral lens prescribing, you know it is a process. At ReVision Optometry, the prescribing period spans up to 60 days with multiple visits. During this time, you may receive a series of scleral lenses, with new ones replacing the previous lenses until you have finalized lenses. Each new set refines upon the geometry and light-bending properties of the earlier set. To receive the new scleral lenses, you turn in the old ones. What happens to the returned scleral lenses?
Old Scleral Lenses are Destroyed
Scleral lenses are Class II FDA medical devices, so they are prescription-only. The fabricating laboratory and prescriber share a duty to medical device accountability. As such, suboptimal lenses that you return are held by the prescribing office as medical waste and returned to the manufacturer on demand. By turning in the suboptimal scleral lenses, you receive account credit and don’t get charged for the new and improved lenses. In some cases, the manufacturer will perform metrology on the returned scleral lenses – an analysis of the lenses in the event of an unexpected outcome.
Can You Keep the Suboptimal Scleral Lenses?
Since the old lenses are ultimately destroyed, you may wonder if you can keep the interim, suboptimal scleral lenses. If you do not return the suboptimal lenses, you are charged for them! While there is value having a back-up pair of scleral lenses, the time to purchase a duplicate set is once your doctor has deemed your scleral lenses prescribing completed when you are released to annual contact lens examination.
No Additional Cost for Scleral Lens Exchanges
During the 60-day scleral lens prescribing period at ReVision Optometry, there is no additional cost for lens exchanges. However, if you delay receiving your new scleral lenses and are outside of the prescribing window, you can expect to pay for another set of scleral lenses to initiate a new 60-day prescribing period. When prescribing is completed, you end up with the best scleral lenses for your eyes.
Complete Scleral Lens Prescribing at the Same Location
When you begin scleral lens prescribing, any lens exchanges are tied to that same prescribing location. In other words, if you begin scleral lens prescribing in one office but finish it in another office due to relocation, you can expect to pay twice. Whenever possible, you want to begin and complete scleral lens prescribing in the same location.
ReVision Optometry is a referral-based practice in San Diego providing contact lens services for patients with keratoconus. To schedule an appointment, request your appointment online, or call our office at 619.299.6064.