Scleral lenses are special contacts usually prescribed to treat keratoconus, dry eye, and other corneal issues. The lenses are rigid and gas-permeable, making them more comfortable than regular soft lenses. They have a wide diameter, allowing them to rest on the sclera or white of the eye. Taking care of your scleral lenses is vital for preventing complications and ensuring you benefit from the treatment.
 

Wearing Your Scleral Lenses

Always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses. Use non-moisturizing and non-fragrant soap and rinse your hands thoroughly.
 

• Use a lint-free towel to dry your hands.

• You can use your index finger or an inserter tool to place the lens over your eye.

• Hold your upper and lower lids to keep them open as you insert the lens.

• Look down and keep both eyes open as you look at the center of the lens.

• Use your finger to hold the lens in place as you feel the solution touching your eye. Use minimal pressure to hold the lens, ensuring it stays in place.

• Check and feel the lens to ensure it is comfortable.
   

If the lens feels uncomfortable, it may be due to a trapped air bubble. Remove the lens and repeat the process.
 

Removing Your Scleral Lenses

Before removal, wet the remover tip using a rewetting drop before placing it on the contact lens. Facing a mirror, use your fingers to open your eyelids and apply slight pressure to remove the lens.
 

Rotate the lens slightly to release the seal created during insertion, and gently pull the lens up and away. Avoid dragging it across the eye surface. Ensure you clean and sterilize your lenses before you put them away.
 

Cleaning Your Scleral Lenses

Proper care of your scleral lenses is vital for success. Debris, protein deposits, and bacteria can accumulate on the lens surface with time. It can lead to eye infections and other severe complications.
 

When the lenses are not in your eyes, they should be stored safely in a solution. Do not use water to rinse your lenses or store them in saline solution. Use approved cleaning solutions for your lenses. Your eye doctor will recommend the best products for scleral lenses.
 

Caring for Your Lenses

Proper care of your scleral lenses will help to ensure you protect your eyesight and eye health.
 

• Always remove your contact lenses before bed. Sleeping in your contacts can lead to severe eye complications.

• Follow your eye doctor’s instructions on how to wear, remove, and clean your lenses.

• You can use a multipurpose solution to clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses. Place the lens on the palm of your hand and rub it with the solution for about 10 seconds.

• Place the clean lenses in the proper case filled with your approved solution. Store the lenses in the solution for six hours or overnight.

• Use a preservative-free solution to clean your lens storage case. Store it carefully to dry before the next use.

• Replace your lens case monthly or regularly as instructed to avoid the risk of contamination.
   

Regular Eye Exams

Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your lenses work as they should. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue wearing it and contact your eye doctor. Caring for your scleral lenses is vital for your vision and eye health.
 

For more on scleral lens care, visit Federal Hill Eye Care at our office in Baltimore, Maryland. Call (410) 752-8208 to book an appointment today.