Scleral contact lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses placed on the sclera of the eye. They are designed to create a saline-filled reservoir over the cornea and treat a variety of corneal conditions. When used correctly, these lenses are considered as one of the safest and most effective forms of visual correction.
In this post, Nova Vision Center shares some reminders on how to properly care for your scleral lenses.
- Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling your scleral lenses. And to remove surface debris and microorganisms from your lenses, you should rub each lens for two to 20 seconds. Follow this up with a thorough rinse using a solution for the time specified by the manufacturer.
- Your eye doctor will likely recommend a preservative-free filling solution to help maintain the health of your eyes. Also, you should never use eye drops while wearing your scleral lenses as these can damage your eyes and the lenses. Tap water should also not be used for cleaning your lenses. Tap water contains microorganisms that can infect your eyes and cause serious problems.
- Apart from the actual scleral lenses, you should also clean your scleral lens storage case on a regular basis. Since you will be keeping your lenses here when they are not in use, it is important for your lens case to be disinfected to avoid bacterial contamination. Additionally, experts also recommend replacing your lens case every month.
- It’s normal for people to be able to comfortably wear scleral lenses for 12 to 14 hours. But if you already start feeling the sensation of wanting to remove them, you should do so. You’ll probably notice some fogging, which is typically the result of the poor alignment of the lens with the eye. The misalignment causes the lens to rock and mucus to form. The mucus then gets trapped in the saline layer of the lens, causing the vision to blur. Don’t forget to remove your lenses before going to sleep as well.
- Always consult your doctor for proper scleral lens care and general eye care. If you notice any discomfort, an abnormal reaction, or a possible infection, go to an eye specialist immediately.
If you need the expertise of an optometrist, Nova Vision Center is one of the best places to go. We guarantee excellent eye care services, and we can also provide quality eye products for various needs. Call us at (703) 578-3600 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve customers in Alexandria and Arlington, VA.
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