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How to Properly Care for Your Scleral Contact Lenses

Edmonton Eye Doctors

30-08-2024

Proper care of scleral contact lenses is essential to maintain their effectiveness, comfort, and longevity. By following a regular cleaning and storage routine, you can ensure that your lenses provide optimal vision and protect the health of your eyes.

The Importance of Proper Lens Care

Taking care of your scleral lenses is crucial for preserving the quality of your vision and preventing eye-related complications. Consistent and thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and storing of your lenses can help you get the most out of your scleral lenses.

Why Lens Care Matters

Scleral lenses are designed to fit precisely over your cornea, creating a smooth surface that corrects vision. Proper lens care ensures that this surface remains clean, clear, and free from debris or protein buildup, which can otherwise lead to discomfort and reduced visual clarity. Additionally, maintaining clean lenses helps to prevent eye infections and other complications.

Risks of Poor Maintenance

Neglecting proper lens care can result in serious eye health issues. Poorly maintained lenses can harbour bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, increasing the risk of eye infections, such as keratitis. Additionally, inadequate cleaning can cause deposits to build up on the lens surface, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the cornea. In severe cases, poor maintenance can result in reduced vision quality and may require discontinuation of lens use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Scleral Lenses

Cleaning your scleral lenses daily is a key part of ensuring clear vision and protecting your eye health. By following a consistent cleaning routine and using the right solutions and tools, you can keep your lenses in optimal condition and extend their lifespan.

Cleaning Solutions and Tools

To clean your scleral lenses effectively, it's important to use the right cleaning solutions and tools. Always use a solution that is specifically designed for scleral lenses, as these are formulated to remove debris, protein deposits, and bacteria without damaging the lens material. In addition to the cleaning solution, you'll need a lens case that is suitable for scleral contact lenses and a plunger to assist with handling the lenses during insertion and removal. Avoid using tap water or any homemade solutions, as these can introduce harmful bacteria or contaminants to your lenses.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Establishing a daily cleaning routine is essential for maintaining the clarity and safety of your scleral lenses. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with a non-moisturizing soap and drying them with a lint-free towel. Carefully remove the lens using the plunger, and place it in the palm of your hand. Apply a few drops of the recommended cleaning solution and gently rub the lens in a circular motion to remove any deposits. Rinse the lens thoroughly with a saline solution, ensuring that all cleaning solution is removed before storage. Finally, place the cleaned lens in the appropriate lens case filled with fresh saline or storing solution, and repeat the process for the other lens. This daily routine helps keep your lenses free from contaminants and ensures they are ready for safe and comfortable wear the next day.

Storing Scleral Lenses Safely

Proper storage of your scleral contact lenses is just as important as cleaning them. Correct storage techniques help maintain the lenses' shape, cleanliness, and overall integrity, ensuring they remain comfortable and effective for daily wear.

Proper Storage Techniques

When storing your scleral lenses, always use a clean lens case that is designed specifically for larger lenses. After cleaning, fill the case with fresh saline or storing solution, ensuring that the lenses are fully submerged. Avoid using the same solution multiple times, as this can increase the risk of contamination. It's also important to keep the lens case tightly closed when not in use to prevent exposure to dust and bacteria. Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the effectiveness of the solution and the condition of the lenses.

When to Replace Your Case

Replacing your lens case regularly is a critical step in preventing infections and maintaining the cleanliness of your scleral contact lenses. Ideally, you should replace your case every one to three months or immediately if it becomes damaged or shows signs of contamination, such as discoloration or residue buildup. Regularly cleaning the case with a sterile solution and allowing it to air dry can also help extend its usability. By keeping your storage case in good condition, you minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria to your lenses and, ultimately, to your eyes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proper care of scleral lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring clear vision. However, certain common mistakes can undermine your efforts and potentially lead to discomfort or complications. Here are some key errors to avoid in your lens care routine.

Skipping Cleaning Steps

One of the most common mistakes scleral lens wearers make is skipping essential cleaning steps. Rushing through or neglecting the daily cleaning routine can leave harmful deposits, bacteria, and other contaminants on the lenses. Over time, this can cause discomfort, blurred vision, or even serious eye infections. To avoid these risks, ensure that you consistently follow each step of the cleaning process, including rubbing the lenses with the appropriate solution and rinsing them thoroughly before storage.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Solutions

Another critical error is using the wrong solutions for cleaning or storing your scleral lenses. Not all solutions are suitable for scleral lenses, and using the wrong type can damage the lens material or fail to adequately disinfect the lenses. Avoid using tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as these can introduce harmful bacteria and compromise lens safety. Always use solutions that are specifically recommended for scleral lenses, and double-check the labels to ensure they meet your eye care needs.

Scleral lenses in Edmonton

If you live in the Edmonton area and are seeking to upgrade your vision with scleral contact lenses or are in need of some help maintaining them, schedule an eye exam and consultation with our optometrists in Edmonton today!

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