Vision Therapy in Pleasant Hills

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(412) 653-3000

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Vision Care 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 Vision Care 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 Vision Care 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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21 Reviews
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- Dec. 03, 2024
Excellent staff knowledge and Dr is friendly and helpful!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Dr. McCord is the triple OG.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Customer service was good. Dr. McCord took the time to perform a very detailed eye exam. Highly re... commend.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Excellent customer service, wonderful staff, and great Dr.
- Jan. 17, 2024
Best customer service, they take time to listen to your concerns and you don't feel rushed. I hig... hly recommend
- May. 05, 2023
Best customer service I’ve had in years! From the moment you step in the door, they’re kind and ... welcoming. They’ll help you with any registration needs and work with you and your insurance for payment. The doctor was the first optician I actually felt comfortable with. He was friendly, personable and confident. He explained exam results with ease. I felt well taken care of every step of the way! My contacts arrived at my home as promised and my glasses (using my own beloved frames) arrived at the office just days later. Not to mention, the entire facility was crisp and clean. 10/10!
- Jan. 19, 2022
Had a great experience today With my eye exam and glasses purchase. My wife, my kids, and myself all... go there and always have a good experience. Very helpful, prompt, and friendly. I also get way more information about my eye health than other places I’ve gone. They also have a really good selection of frames.
- Mar. 22, 2018
Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Aulicino and his staff. Everyone takes their time to explai... n to you your eye health and eye care options. I’ve been seeing Dr. Aulicino for over 15 years, and he is by far and away the best eye doctor I’ve ever had. His staff are always polite and helpful. Thank you to everyone at Vision Care Associates for your professionalism and courtesy whenever we visit.
- Apr. 05, 2017
Dr. Aulicino is a great doctor - thorough, personable, and really cares about educating patients abo... ut their eyes and eye health. The staff is extremely friendly and professional. Great place!

View All 21 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Pleasant Hills

Our optometry practice in Pleasant Hills

Photograph of Jason  McCord
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VBA
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
  • UPMC Health Plan