Sclera contact lenses cover the white of your eye for a full, dramatic transformation. The choice comes down to two sizes: 17mm mini sclera, which cover most of the white and are easier to wear, and 22mm full eye sclera, which cover the entire eye for the most extreme look. Most Aussie buyers start with a mini. Here is how to pick the right one, get it in, and wear it comfortably.
What are decorative sclera lenses?
Decorative sclera lenses are large costume lenses that extend well past the iris to cover part or all of the white of your eye. They are made for cosplay, Halloween and special-effects looks. They are not the same as the medical scleral lenses an optometrist fits for conditions like keratoconus, which are a different product entirely. Everything here is about the decorative, non-prescription kind. The centre over your pupil stays clear, so you can still see, though the largest lenses can slightly reduce your side vision.
17mm mini vs 22mm full eye sclera
This is the real decision. It comes down to how much coverage you want versus how easy the lens is to live with for a few hours.
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17mm mini sclera |
22mm full eye sclera |
|
|---|---|---|
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Coverage |
Most of the white |
The entire visible eye |
|
Impact |
Bold |
The most extreme look possible |
|
Comfort |
Easier to wear, better for first-timers |
Less breathable, best in short stretches |
|
Insertion |
Manageable with a little practice |
Takes real practice, a suction tool helps |
|
Best for |
Most cosplay and costume looks |
Demons, aliens and full-eye effects |
If you are new to sclera lenses, start with a 17mm mini sclera. If you want the most dramatic, screen-accurate full-eye effect and you are happy to practise putting them in, go for 22mm full eye sclera.
The sclera lenses Aussies buy most
We can tell you what actually sells, not just what looks good in a photo. Across the year, black leads both sizes. The 17mm black mini sclera is our most-ordered sclera lens overall, because it hits the sweet spot of big impact and wearable comfort. The 22mm full eye black sclera is the premium statement piece, the one people reach for when they want the complete, no-human-left transformation. Beyond black, white and blind-white minis, red minis, and UV glow styles round out the most popular looks.
Colours and effects to choose from
Sclera lenses are not just black. The colour you pick changes the character completely:
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Black: the classic demon, alien or possessed look, and the most popular by far.
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White: blind, undead and ghostly characters, with or without a visible pupil.
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Red: vampires, demons and rage-fuelled characters.
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UV glow: styles that light up under blacklight, made for parties and stage.
Match the colour to your character first, then choose mini or full based on how much coverage and drama you want.
How to put in full sclera lenses
Full sclera lenses are larger than anything most people have handled, so do not let the night of your event be your first attempt. Practise a day or two beforehand. Here is the method that works:
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Wash and dry your hands, and have a fresh solution ready.
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Rest the lens on the tip of your finger, or use a suction tool, with plenty of solution in the bowl of the lens.
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Use your other hand to hold both eyelids well clear, top and bottom.
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Look slightly away from the lens, then place it onto the white of your eye steadily.
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Look back towards the lens and blink gently to settle it into place.
A tweezer and suction kit makes both insertion and removal far easier with lenses this size.
How long can you wear sclera lenses?
Wear them for up to 8 hours a day. That said, full sclera are larger and less breathable than standard lenses, so most people find them most comfortable worn for shorter stretches rather than a whole day. Put them in close to when you need them, carry rewetting drops, and take them out if your eyes feel tired. Mini sclera are easier going and suit longer wear.
Taking them out
Removal is the same idea in reverse. With clean hands, hold your eyelids clear, look in the opposite direction, and gently slide or lift the lens off the white of your eye, using a suction tool if it helps. Never drag a dry lens. If it feels stuck, add a few drops of solution, blink, and wait a moment before trying again.
Wearing them safely
The basics are the same as any lens: clean, dry hands, fresh solution and never water, never sleep in them, never share them, and replace them at the end of their wear cycle. If a lens causes pain or redness that does not settle the moment you remove it, leave it out and see an optometrist.
Sclera lens FAQ
Can you see properly in full sclera lenses?
Yes. The centre over your pupil stays clear, so your central vision is fine. The largest 22mm lenses can slightly narrow your side vision, so take a moment to get used to them before moving around.
Are sclera lenses harder to put in than normal lenses?
The 22mm full sclera are, simply because of their size, which is why we suggest practising beforehand and using a suction tool. The 17mm mini sclera are much more manageable.
Which should a first-timer choose?
Start with a 17mm mini sclera. You get a big, bold effect with far less of the handling and comfort challenge of the full 22mm.
So, which should you choose?
For your first pair, or for comfort across a longer event, choose a 17mm mini sclera. For the most dramatic full-eye transformation, choose 22mm full eye sclera and give yourself time to practise. Either way, you are getting the boldest look decorative lenses can deliver. Explore the rest of our halloween contact lenses for more costume looks.