Vision Therapy in Fredericksburg

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(540) 373-3021

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Premier Eyecare, Angela Tsai, O.D. and Associates, we are committed to providing thorough training to help you effectively insert, remove, and maintain your scleral lenses. Below is a comprehensive guide designed to make your scleral lens experience seamless.

woman putting in contact


Inserting Scleral Lenses

1. Clean Hands: The process begins with a thorough hand washing. Use mild soap and a lint-free towel to dry your hands. This step is essential to prevent tiny fibers or contaminants from adhering to your lenses.

2. Eye Examination: Before inserting your lenses, examining your eyes for any redness or secretions is essential. If you experience any discomfort or changes in vision while wearing scleral lenses, don't hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an eye exam.

3. Follow Professional Guidance: The experienced scleral lens team at Premier Eyecare, Angela Tsai, O.D. and Associates will provide specific instructions on the best insertion techniques during your visit to our clinic. Here's a general guideline:

  • Place a mirror flat on the table in front of you.
  • Examine the cleaned lens for any debris or cloudiness by holding it against the light.
  • Fill the lens bowl with your saline solution.
  • You can use your fingers or a specialized inserter tool for lens insertion. If you opt for using your fingers, the tripod method (employing two or three fingers) ensures stability and a flat lens placement on your eye.
  • Focus your gaze downward into the mirror, use one hand to hold your eyelids open, and gently insert the lens into your eye using your other hand. When you feel the saline against your eye’s surface, gently press and release. The lens will adhere  to your eye. Repeat the same process for the second lens.

If you experience discomfort, it could be due to an air bubble trapped beneath the lens surface. In such cases, remove the lens and reinsert it following the guidelines.


woman putting in contact

Tips for Removing Scleral Lenses

Clean Hands: After thoroughly washing your hands, look straight ahead. There are two methods for removing scleral lenses:

  1. Using Your Fingers: Gently press on your eye and pull the lens upward and out.
  2. Using a Plunger: Attach the plunger to the lower third of the lens, gently press on your eye, and then pull the lens upward and out. With practice, lens removal will become natural and effortless.

General Tips for Scleral Contact Lens Care

Scleral contact lenses are an innovative solution for various eye conditions, but their maintenance is crucial for your eye health and visual comfort. Here are some essential tips to ensure proper care:

Follow Your Optometrist's Instructions: Abide by your eye care professional's recommendations for lens cleaning, disinfecting, and storage solutions.

Proper Lens Insertion: When inserting lenses, ensure they are debris-free.

Adequate Lubrication: Use lubricating eye drops or preservative-free artificial tears to maintain eye moisture while wearing scleral lenses.

Regular Cleaning: Clean your lenses daily with the prescribed cleaning solutions. Rub and rinse them to remove any debris or deposits.

Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine follow-up appointments with Premier Eyecare, Angela Tsai, O.D. and Associates to monitor your eye health and lens fit.

Hydrogen Peroxide Care: If you use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system, ensure the lenses soak for the recommended duration before insertion.

Minimize Water Exposure: Avoid exposing your lenses to water, including swimming or showering while wearing them.

Avoid Overwearing: Stick to the recommended wearing time, especially if you're new to scleral lenses. Follow your optometrist's instructions for gradually increasing wear.

Replace Accessories: Replace your lens case regularly and follow care instructions to avoid contamination.

Emergency Removal Kit: Keep a lens removal kit with a plunger, spare lenses, and necessary accessories for unexpected situations.

Cleanliness: Maintain a clean lens storage case. Rinse it with saline and leave it open to air dry during the day.

Travel Precautions: When traveling, ensure you have all the necessary lens care items and spare lenses, and follow security regulations for carrying liquids.

Never Use Tap Water: Always avoid rinsing your lenses with tap water to avoid dangerous pathogens that can cause corneal ulceration leading to permanent vision loss.  

Proper care and maintenance of your scleral lenses are essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Always follow your optometrist's guidance for the best practices tailored to your needs.

Patient Reviews
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45 Reviews
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- Nov. 09, 2024
Dr. Church is a wonderful doctor. He explains his findings very well and allows time for questions ... and provides thorough explanations. We felt he took his time to examine and care for my husband. We will always return to him!
- Nov. 09, 2024
Excellent experience! Very professional, friendly, and inviting staff. Clean and well kept facility.... Dr. Lambertson diagnosed my eye care needs effectively and was very professional and helpful! I highly recommend Premier Eyecare
- Nov. 05, 2024
Competent professional service. Dr Church and the staff at Premier Eyecare are great!
- Nov. 05, 2024
What a relief to finally find a doctor who knows their stuff and cares enough to do things right!
- Nov. 01, 2024
If you want the BEST of the BEST, Dr. Bradley Church is the doctor you need to choose.
- Oct. 24, 2024
Professional Patient, play, and attends to all your needs
- Oct. 05, 2024
Doctors and staff members at Premier Eyecare are amazing!!
- Sep. 26, 2024
Extremely pleased with service for many years!
- Sep. 16, 2024
Good service.
- Sep. 08, 2024
I love my new glasses
- Sep. 03, 2024
Justin at Premier eyecare, is a professional, along with Dr Church, are a great team and represent e... xceptional customer service!! Dr.Brown
- Aug. 28, 2024
Dr. Tsai is the best there is! She is so patient with my son and attentive to his needs.
- Apr. 06, 2023
Great customer service, knowledgeable staff. First class operation!!Dr. Stephanie is awesome!!

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Scleral Lenses in Fredericksburg

Our optometry practice in Fredericksburg

Photograph of Angela Tsai
Hours
  • Monday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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