{"id":7888,"date":"2020-09-14T12:34:20","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T12:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=7888"},"modified":"2022-03-03T15:00:25","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T15:00:25","slug":"how-to-insert-and-remove-scleral-lenses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-contact-lenses\/what-are-scleral-lenses\/how-to-insert-and-remove-scleral-lenses\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Insert and Remove Scleral Lenses"},"content":{"rendered":"

New to scleral lenses? Here\u2019s a beginner\u2019s guide to inserting and removing scleral lenses.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Scleral lenses<\/a> are larger than the traditional hard or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, so learning how to use them may take a little time and patience.<\/p>\n

Your eye doctor\u2019s staff will ensure you learn the basic steps to insert, remove and care for your new scleral lenses before you take them home.<\/p>\n

Always speak to your eye doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort or have any questions about your scleral lenses.<\/p>\n

Note: This article is not intended to be a substitute for the instructions or medical advice from your eye care professional.<\/i><\/p>\n

How to put in your scleral contact lenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Always insert the same lens into the same eye first to avoid confusion.<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap and water, and dry your hands on a lint-free cloth or towel.<\/li>\n
  2. Place a flat mirror on the table in front of you and inspect your eyes for any redness or discharge.<\/li>\n
  3. Holding your scleral lens up to the light, carefully check for any chips, debris, or white or cloudy spots.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Using the tripod or three-finger method<\/b>:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Hold the lens with your thumb, index, and middle fingers.<\/li>\n
    2. Fill the bowl of the lens completely with a preservative free saline recommended by your eye doctor. Filling the bowl completely will help to prevent an air bubble.<\/b><\/li>\n
    3. Ensure that your body is parallel to the floor and look downwards at the mirror on the table. You may want to draw a fixation dot on the mirror.<\/li>\n
    4. Using your non-dominant hand, hold your upper and lower eyelids open. Don\u2019t release your eyelids until your scleral lens is comfortably positioned on your eye.<\/b><\/li>\n
    5. Move the lens toward the center of your eye.<\/li>\n
    6. When you feel the solution against your eye, gently press the lens to your eye and let go. The lens will adhere to your eye.<\/li>\n
    7. Release your lens and blink several times to help the lens find the correct position on your eye.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Using the DMV scleral or plunger<\/b>:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Lightly squeeze the grip of the DMV as you place the lens in the center of the plunger.<\/li>\n
      2. Release your grip on the DMV once the lens is positioned and suctioned to the DMV.<\/li>\n
      3. Fill the bowl of the lens completely with saline solution to avoid an air bubble.<\/li>\n
      4. Looking straight down at your mirror and\/or fixation dot, hold your eyelids open with your non-dominant hand.<\/li>\n
      5. Move the DMV toward the center of your eye.<\/li>\n
      6. When you feel the lens touch your eye, lightly squeeze the DMV to release the lens.<\/li>\n
      7. Blink a few times to help the lens find the correct position on your eye.<\/li>\n
      8. Repeat this process with your second scleral lens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        If you feel any discomfort following insertion of your scleral lens, remove the lens and insert again.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

        If you experience eye discomfort from your scleral lenses, promptly remove your lenses and<\/b> consult with an eye doctor<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

        SEE RELATED:<\/b> Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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