Vision Therapy in Manchester

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(636) 225-9300

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At West County Eyecare, 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 West County Eyecare 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 West County Eyecare 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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269 Reviews
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- Sep. 10, 2024
I've been coming here since I was in 6th grade. I've had no reason to switch my eye doctor because o... f how great the environment and staff are here. I will always recommend West County Eye care to anybody.
- Aug. 24, 2024
My teenage daughter had only positive things to say after her appointment. I also appreciated the fl... exibility of the staff and Dr. after we had a scheduling mistake on our end. They were still able to get her in the same day.
- Aug. 12, 2024
The staff is always friendly, polite and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 03, 2024
Great employees and great service! Highly recommend!
- Jun. 04, 2024
Dr Haring is a great doc. exams are thorough & accurate. staff is very nice & helpful. hours are g... ood for people who work during the day.
- May. 07, 2024
Everyone I dealt with was very professional and friendly. I really appreciate Dr. Hering taking all... the time I needed.
- May. 05, 2024
Great personalized care. Super attentive and warm. I'm grateful to have switched over!
- Apr. 26, 2024
great service -- friendly
- Mar. 26, 2024
Steve is awesome! Friendly and didn't make me feel rushed.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent customer service care that is unmatched by anyone in this field of practice!! Great job by... everyone there. Thank you,
- Feb. 21, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Harring and his staff. Timely, efficient, and professional. Dr Harring exudes... confidence in a very attentive manner. It’s always a very positive experience.
- Feb. 18, 2024
Dr. Stephen Haring is personable and professional, not to mention thorough. He took his time during... my appointment and addressed my concerns. His staff is very friendly and were helpful while I chose my new glasses. Definitely would recommend West County Eyecare.
- Feb. 12, 2024
West County Eyecare fit me in the day I called with my eye issues. Staff was efficient and courteou... s. Dr. Haring is the best. I recommend them highly.
- Feb. 05, 2024
The office was clean and spacious. The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Dr Emily was prof... essional, knowledgeable, and had great bedside manner. I left feeling great. I would recommend this office.
- Jan. 20, 2024
The doctors and staff are professional and helpful! They go above and beyond!
- Jan. 18, 2024
I appreciated their timeliness and skilled care I receive during the exam.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Always willing to help in resolving issues
- Nov. 15, 2023
I really appreciate how thorough the exams are and how well Dr Pike explained the results.
- Nov. 01, 2023
Knowledgeable and friendly
- Oct. 31, 2023
Great experience and examination by Dr. Haring and his staff!

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Scleral Lenses in Manchester

Our optometry practice in Manchester

Photograph of Stephen  Haring
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
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