Vision Therapy in Longview

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(360) 577-1500

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Cascade Eye Care, 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 Cascade Eye Care 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 Cascade Eye Care 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
4.7
293 Reviews
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- Oct. 11, 2024
Confused as to why an office visit for yearly and another visit just to check my eyes for Contacts. ... Almost $ 210.00 more than I have Ever paid before. Have to do some thinking about that,
- Oct. 05, 2024
You couldn’t ask for a more caring bunch of folks.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr. John Cheslock and staff are all very friendly and helpful. My appointments are always quick and ... efficient and Dr. John easily answers any questions I have. I highly recommend Cascade Eye Care.
- Aug. 26, 2024
They always treat me good and are very helpful.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Dr. Cheslock is friendly, professional and efficient!
- Jul. 31, 2024
Very nice doctor and staff.
- Jul. 26, 2024
clean, friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Jul. 18, 2024
In the past, I did not have medical insurance coverage. Nevertheless, Dr. John went beyond his call ... of duty and conducted additional tests on my left eye without any additional charges, demonstrating his commitment to his patients' well-being. Thank you Dr. John ☺️.
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr cheslock is the best!
- Jul. 08, 2024
I have so many good things to say. They are the easiest office ever to schedule with, amazing friend... ly front office. Dr. Bill is amazing, friendly & SO knowledgeable. Found out what's been causing 6 years of struggling and walked out excited to be able to see again clearly. Optical department is great as well. Cool clean and calm atmosphere. Seriously, best experience at optometrist ever. Highly recommend. They also see my son and he adores them too. Never changing offices.
- Jul. 08, 2024
Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Very personable optometrist. I'll definitely be going back for an... y eye care needs
- Jun. 24, 2024
Everyone was very friendly and helpful 🙂
- Jun. 15, 2024
Love this company. The staff are helpful and friendly and very welcoming. They schedule appts accord... ingly. Very punctual in taking back patients at their scheduled time.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Staff had a smile on their face and a great attitude!
- Jun. 06, 2024
I've been going there for several years now because of how the staff and doctors make me feel so muc... h at home.
- Jun. 04, 2024
They are the friendliest bunch of chuckleheads I've ever seen in a medical office.
- Jan. 30, 2024
My grandma, my mom, me, and all my children go to this eye doctor for decades. I love it here..they ... are very affordable and helpful. The receptionists are always friendly and understanding.
- Nov. 22, 2023
Appointments are easily scheduled, very courteous and friendly staff, clean, wheelchair accessible, ... and they have so many options for glasses.
- Sep. 16, 2023
Great experience. Everyone there is very nice and professional . Got my glasses very quickly and abl... e to use my own frames. Prescription was perfect. Highly recommend this practice.
- Jun. 28, 2023
This has been my go to optometrist for years now and I highly recommend giving them your business. A... lways friendly staff and willingness to help is just a couple of the benefits of going here.

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Scleral Lenses in Longview

Our optometry practice in Longview

Photograph of Brandon  Malmstadt
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • EyeMed
  • Metlife
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Regence
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • ebms
  • Lifewise