Scleral Lens Stand Helps With Insertion

Inserting scleral lenses can be challenging, especially for patients who have difficulty controlling their blink reflex or who need both hands free to manage their eyelids. If you are a scleral lens wearer in Las Vegas who struggles with traditional insertion methods like a plunger or dental ring, a scleral lens stand may be the solution you have been looking for.

What Is a Scleral Lens Stand?

A scleral lens stand is a hands-free insertion device. It consists of a small plunger mounted on a stable base that holds your scleral lens in position on a flat surface, such as a countertop or table. Because the stand holds the lens for you, both of your hands are completely free to open and control your upper and lower eyelids during insertion.

How to Use a Scleral Lens Stand

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
• Place the scleral lens stand on a stable, flat surface at a comfortable height. Many patients find that sitting at a table works well.
• Set your scleral lens on the plunger tip of the stand with the bowl facing up.
• Fill the lens bowl completely with preservative-free saline solution. Overfill slightly to help prevent air bubbles from forming under the lens.
• Lean forward and position your face directly above the lens, looking straight down into the bowl.
• Use one hand to hold your upper eyelid firmly against the brow bone and the other hand to pull down the lower eyelid.
• Lower your eye steadily onto the scleral lens until it makes full contact.
• Release your lower lid first, then your upper lid, and gently lift your head away from the stand.

Who Benefits Most from a Scleral Lens Stand?

A scleral lens stand can be especially helpful for patients who have difficulty with fine motor control, including those with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or other neurological conditions. It is also a practical option for patients with limited use of one hand or arm, or anyone who finds that their blink reflex makes standard plunger insertion difficult. Some patients simply prefer the added stability that a hands-free device provides.

Tips for Successful Stand Insertion

• Practice with clean hands and a well-lit space so you can clearly see the lens and saline fill level.
• Keep your chin tucked and look straight down to align your eye directly over the lens.
• If an air bubble becomes trapped under the lens after insertion, remove the lens, refill with fresh preservative-free saline, and reinsert.
• Always use single-use preservative-free saline vials rather than multi-use bottles to reduce the risk of contamination.

When to Talk to Your Scleral Lens Specialist

If you are still having trouble inserting your scleral lenses after trying a stand, your lens fit or lens size may need adjustment. Persistent discomfort, redness, or sudden changes in vision during or after insertion are reasons to remove the lens and contact your eye care provider promptly.

At Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas, our scleral lens team, including Dr. Stephanie Woo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA, and Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, works closely with every patient to ensure comfortable and confident lens wear. If you need help with scleral lens insertion or would like to explore whether a lens stand is right for you, call us at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule an appointment.