Scleral Contact Lenses and the Importance of Solutions

If you wear scleral contact lenses, your care routine involves two distinct types of solutions, each serving a different and essential purpose. Using the wrong solution at the wrong step can lead to discomfort, cloudy vision, or even serious eye infections. Whether you are new to scleral lenses or have been wearing them for years, understanding the role of each solution is one of the most important things you can do to protect your eye health. Patients at our Las Vegas practice frequently ask about solution choices, and this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Does the Cleaning Solution Do?

The cleaning and disinfecting solution is designed to remove bacteria, fungi, protein deposits, and other debris that accumulate on your scleral lenses throughout the day. This solution contains antimicrobial agents that kill or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.

How Should You Clean Your Scleral Lenses?

Your eye care provider will instruct you on the proper cleaning technique, which typically involves placing the lens in the palm of your hand and gently rubbing it with the cleaning solution for several seconds on each side. This mechanical rubbing step is important because it physically removes deposits and organisms that soaking alone may not eliminate. After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly before placing it in a clean case filled with fresh disinfecting solution to soak overnight.

It is essential to use a cleaning solution that is specifically formulated for rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses. Standard multipurpose solutions designed for soft contact lenses may not have the appropriate antimicrobial properties for scleral lens materials and could leave residue that affects lens clarity and comfort.

Why Does the Filling Solution Matter So Much?

The filling solution is what you place inside the bowl of the scleral lens before inserting it onto your eye. This solution fills the vault between the lens and your cornea and remains in direct contact with your corneal surface for the entire wearing period.

Why Must Filling Solution Be Preservative-Free?

Because the filling solution sits against your cornea for hours, it must be preservative-free sterile saline. Preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride can cause cumulative toxicity to the corneal epithelium when trapped beneath a scleral lens for extended periods. Even small amounts of preservative that would be harmless with brief exposure can become problematic when held against the cornea all day.

Never use tap water, bottled water, or preserved saline to fill your scleral lenses. Tap water can harbor Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that can cause a severe and difficult-to-treat corneal infection. Always use single-use preservative-free saline vials or a large-volume preservative-free saline product recommended by your doctor.

Tips for Keeping Your Lenses and Solutions Safe

• Replace your lens case at least every one to three months, or whenever your doctor recommends. Biofilm can build up inside cases and harbor bacteria even after rinsing.
• Never top off old solution in your lens case. Always empty, rinse, and refill with fresh disinfecting solution each night.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses or opening solution bottles.
• Do not let the tip of any solution bottle touch your lenses, fingers, or any surface to prevent contamination.
• Discard single-use saline vials after opening, as they have no preservatives to prevent bacterial growth once the seal is broken.
• Never expose your scleral lenses to water from pools, hot tubs, or showers while wearing them.

When Should You Contact Your Eye Doctor?

If you notice persistent redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or a sudden decrease in vision while wearing your scleral lenses, remove the lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. These symptoms could indicate an infection or other complication that requires prompt treatment. Do not attempt to self-treat an eye infection with over-the-counter drops.

Keep Up With Regular Follow-Up Visits

Routine follow-up appointments allow your doctor to evaluate the health of your cornea, check the fit of your lenses, and ensure your care routine is working well. Even if your lenses feel comfortable, regular checkups help catch potential issues before they become serious.

At Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas, our specialty lens team provides comprehensive scleral lens fitting and ongoing care. Dr. Stephanie Woo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA, and Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, bring nationally recognized expertise in scleral lenses and complex contact lens management. To schedule a scleral lens consultation or follow-up appointment, call 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com.