Vision Therapy in St. Augustine

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

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Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Rowe Family 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 Rowe Family 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 Rowe Family 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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178 Reviews
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- Nov. 21, 2024
Mark is the goat. Best optician ever.
- Nov. 14, 2024
Great eye care for the entire family.
- Nov. 07, 2024
It was good.
- Oct. 15, 2024
Shelby was incredibly helpful and patient. It took me a couple of times coming in (the doc was on hi... s way out - just a factor of timing) and there was a lag, but the staff is excellent. Thank you!
- Oct. 14, 2024
All employees were very professional.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Great experience on my first visit to Rowe Family EyeCare for an eye exam! Staff was quick and court... eous, equipment and tech is first rate, I was in and out in no time!
- Sep. 10, 2024
Great and friendly staff!! Super professional doctors, will be coming back again next time!
- Sep. 06, 2024
Best eye center in NE Florida. They have done wonders for my son in the eye therapy department.
- Aug. 26, 2024
I'm a new patient and they helped me through my eye exam and purchasing of glasses for a new, and un... fortunately worsened, prescription. But my headaches have gone and I can see clearer, so that's a big help. Thanks again.
- Jul. 01, 2024
Highly recommend.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Have always received quality service for many years
- Jun. 07, 2024
Jade was extremely helpful and professional and I would highly recommend you and your family for pro... mpt and professional care.
- May. 17, 2024
My appointment was kept on time, and Dr Horning was very knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough
- May. 08, 2024
Prompt,professional,and complete eye examination and evaluation.
- May. 03, 2024
Staff was welcoming & friendly. Dr Horning was personable & professional. I had a great experience a... t Rowe family Eye Care
- Apr. 11, 2024
Dr. Pearl and his staff are professional, dedicated, and kind.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Dr. Pearl is wonderful. The staff was friendly and efficient.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Always a good experience
- Apr. 03, 2024
I was visiting Florida and needed some contact lenses. The wonderful people at Rowe’s helped me ou... t and I am so appreciative!! Thank you so much!
- Mar. 13, 2024
Great knowledgeable and friendly staff, highly recommend Rowe Family EyeCare!!

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Scleral Lenses in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

Photograph of Austin  Taylor
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed