Vision Therapy in Columbia

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(573) 447-2020

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Advanced Vision, 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 Advanced Vision 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 Advanced Vision 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
4.8
234 Reviews
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- Oct. 10, 2024
Dr. Jill Radkowiec is such a personable doctor and immediately puts you at ease. She is very thoroug... h in the medical process and helping you get what you need for your vision health. I would totally recommend her to anyone needing vision care.
- Sep. 08, 2024
Evie and the other ladies were very accommodating and Profesional. They made my 10 year old son and... I feel like part of the family
- Aug. 26, 2024
Dr. Jill was awesome and I love my glasses!!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Jill and staff are all pleasant and the upmost professionals. This is a well ran business and I high... ly recommend them.
- Jul. 04, 2024
Great service and my glasses were great, no adjustments needed!
- Jun. 16, 2024
Dr. Jill is really great! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable too. Do I mention how awesome Dr.... Jill is?! 😀
- May. 22, 2024
Hadn’t been to an eye doctor in 8 years, the care was great and the people were wonderful. Definit... ely recommend.
- May. 09, 2024
Everyone is fantastic, especially Evie, who not only possesses expertise but also patience. She is s... upportive and professional, a delight with which to work.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Amazinggggg staff, customer service like no other. Amazing group of ladies who run the show and mak... e you feel so great. Thanks for all that you do
- Mar. 14, 2024
All the staff worked together to bring my vision back to normal!
- Mar. 06, 2024
Very nice team!
- Jan. 15, 2024
They are very nice & polite.. very helpful.
- Dec. 09, 2023
Great experience! Friendly and thorough
- Nov. 30, 2023
Very friendly and attentive staff!!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Appointments are easily made. If urgent situations arise, the office is accommodating and supportiv... e. The staff are professional and the equipment is modern. Dr. Jill is excellent. Thank you for helping me with my vision needs.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr. Jill and her team are not only professional but engaging. I appreciate the attention to detail, ... particularly the testing they did, in an effort to provide a baseline for my vision moving forward. From the initial call to schedule the visit all the way through picking out glasses the staff was exceptional. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service and optical care in a professional yet comfortable environment makes me give them a grade of A. I will highly recommend them to my clientele and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Jill and her staff. On a side note I read many previous reviews on this business before deciding to contact and go with this office. I would encourage people to give this office a chance. When Dr. Jalali and his office became affiliated with another company change was bound to happen. Growing pains are always going to part of the process but I felt as though they were trying to improve on their short comings. Dr. Jill believes eye care is important and made me feel that from the moment she began our testing. If something were wrong I believe she would address it then even if it may put another appointment behind. While not always convenient I take comfort in knowing something isn’t being rushed and missed. I’m not a paid endorser rather an actual patient who happens to own a business myself. Reviews, be them good or bad, can cause people to miss out on a service or a provider who would be a perfect fit for them.
- Sep. 14, 2023
I feel I am receiving quality care.
- Aug. 19, 2023
Love my new glasses which is important for work. Thank you.
- Aug. 12, 2023
Friendly Staff and very knowledgeable
- Aug. 10, 2023
Fast and friendly

View All 234 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Columbia

Our optometry practice in Columbia

Photograph of Jill Radkowiec
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem