Scleral lenses are larger than typical contact lenses, covering the sclera (white part of your eye). They are typically used to treat certain eye conditions and correct high refractive errors.
Like other contact lenses, scleral lenses require careful cleaning. Scleral lenses can be cleaned with a designated cleaning solution. We’ll share some basic cleaning tips in this post, but we suggest asking your optometrist for personalized cleaning advice and recommendations on specific cleaning products.
Interested in trying scleral lenses? Talk to your optometrist at your next routine eye exam.
Scleral Lens Basics
Scleral lenses are a type of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens. They are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the sclera, or the white part of the eye, forming a vault over the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. This creates a small space between the lens and the cornea, which can be filled with saline solution or medicated fluid to protect and hydrate the eye.
Eye care providers typically prescribe scleral lenses to treat certain conditions. These include:
- Diseases of the cornea, such as keratoconus
- Injuries to the cornea
- Severe dry eye disease
- Severe refractive errors, such as high myopia (nearsightedness)
- Diseases that affect the surface of the eye, such as types of keratitis
- Conditions that affect the eyelid or areas around the eye
- Other conditions that require holding a medicated liquid against the eye
Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?
Scleral lenses provide several unique benefits. They can correct higher prescription powers, stay securely in place better than traditional contact lenses, and may help some individuals with certain eye conditions avoid or postpone surgery.
However, it can take longer to get used to wearing scleral lenses comfortably. Scleral lenses also require careful cleaning because debris can collect in the space between the lens and the eye.
Cleaning Tips for Scleral Lenses
Cleaning your scleral lenses properly is important for keeping your eyes healthy. While general tips are available, the best approach is to check with your optometrist. They can give you advice tailored to your lenses and recommend products that work best for you.
Cleaning Solution
If you’re using a cleaning solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Then, remove your lenses and place them in the palm of your hand.
- After dropping 2–4 drops of fresh solution onto the lens, gently rub both sides of the lens with your ring finger using circular motions. Then, drop another 2–4 drops of fresh solution onto the lens to rinse it.
- Place each lens in its correct space in your contact lens case. Then, fill up the case with fresh solution.
- Leave the lenses in their case for at least 4 hours before wearing them again.
- With the caps off, rinse out your case with the solution and dry it after every use.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Contact lenses can also be cleaned with a specific hydrogen peroxide-based system approved for contact lenses. Putting lenses that have been cleaned with peroxide immediately into the eyes can cause irritation that sometimes requires medical attention.
Other Tips
Never use water (including tap or distilled water) or your saliva to clean your contact lenses. Stick to the solutions your optometrist recommends.
Always use fresh solution. Never reuse old solution or top off your solution. You should also replace your contact lens case every 3 months.
Things to Watch Out For
If you notice changes in how your scleral lenses fit or how you see with them, contact your optometrist. You should alert your optometrist if your lenses move a lot or are difficult to remove.
If your scleral lenses cause you discomfort (that is, more discomfort than the mild discomfort many people experience when they first start wearing scleral lenses), remove them right away and contact your optometrist.
Ask Us About Scleral Contact Lenses
The unique design of scleral lenses offers an interesting option for contact lens wearers. If you’re curious about whether scleral lenses can help you, talk to an optometrist. With 2 locations in Jacksonville and Orange Park, River City Vision Center offers eye exams, contact lens fittings, and for our patients who wear glasses, a wide selection of frames and lenses. We strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for community members to receive eye care, and we welcome all your questions about scleral contact lenses. Book your next comprehensive eye exam or contact lens fitting with us in Jacksonville or Orange Park.
