Caring for Your Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses provide exceptional comfort and vision correction for many patients with complex eye conditions. Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your lenses, maintain eye health, and optimize your vision. This guide outlines the steps to clean, store, and handle your scleral lenses, including the use of approved solutions like Clear Care. Use this guide, along with our previous guide on Inserting and Removing Scleral Lenses, to ensure success on your scleral lens journey.
Why Proper Lens Care Matters
Scleral lenses are designed to create a tear-filled reservoir over your cornea, offering comfort and clear vision. However, improper care can lead to lens damage, discomfort, or even eye infections. By following the recommended cleaning and storage routine, you can protect your eyes and your investment in specialty lenses.
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Wash and Dry Your Hands
- Before handling your lenses, thoroughly wash your hands with a mild soap. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring debris to your lenses.
- Remove and Clean Your Lenses
- Upon removal, place the lens in the palm of your hand.
- Apply a few drops of a preservative-free multipurpose solution or a specialty scleral lens cleaner to the lens.
- Gently rub the lens with your fingertip to remove deposits.
- Rinse the lens with the same solution to ensure it is free from debris.
- Disinfect Your Lenses
- Place the lenses in a clean lens case filled with a hydrogen peroxide-based solution like Clear Care.
- Ensure the lenses are fully submerged and securely placed in the lens holder.
- Allow them to soak for at least 5 hours to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide. Never skip this step, as unneutralized peroxide can cause severe eye irritation.
- An alternative to Hydrogen Peroxide based cleaners include Boston Advance 2-step cleaners (speak to your optometrist about this option)
Inserting Your Scleral Lenses
- Inspect and Rinse
- After disinfecting, inspect each lens for scratches or debris. If the lens appears clean and undamaged, rinse it with a preservative-free saline solution designed for scleral lenses.
- Fill the Lens with Saline
- Use non-preserved saline (e.g., LacriPure) to fill the lens bowl completely before insertion. This creates the liquid reservoir that keeps your eyes hydrated.
- Insert the Lens
- Use a mirror or a lens inserter tool to gently apply the lens onto your eye. Ensure there are no air bubbles under the lens.
Storage and Case Care
- Clean the Case Daily
- Empty the lens case after each use and rinse it with sterile saline or multipurpose solution. Allow it to air-dry upside down on a clean tissue.
- Replace Your Case Regularly
- To prevent contamination, replace your lens case every 1-3 months.
Tips for Using Clear Care Safely
- Only use the Clear Care lens case with the attached neutralizing disc.
- Never rinse your lenses or fill your lens case with Clear Care directly before inserting them into your eyes.
- Store Clear Care and other solutions in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Additional Tips
- Avoid using tap water on your lenses, as it may contain harmful microorganisms.
- Carry a travel-sized saline bottle and appropriate plungers for on-the-go care.
- Schedule regular follow-ups with your optometrist to monitor the fit and condition of your lenses.
By following this guide on how to care for your scleral lenses, you can enjoy the benefits of scleral lenses while maintaining excellent eye health. If you have any questions about your lenses or care routine, contact Prpic Eyecare Centre. We’re here to help!
