How To Store Scleral Lenses Overnight

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to vision correction, many people turn to scleral lenses for their unique benefits and effectiveness. These specialized lenses are designed to provide clear and comfortable vision for individuals with various eye conditions. However, to ensure their optimal performance and longevity, proper storage is crucial. In this article, we will explore the importance of storing scleral lenses overnight and provide a step-by-step guide to help you maintain your lenses effectively.

Scleral lenses are large gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Their innovative design allows them to fit securely and comfortably on the eye, creating a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This unique feature makes them an ideal option for those with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus or severe dry eye syndrome.

People who use scleral lenses often experience improved vision and comfort compared to traditional contact lenses or glasses. The lenses provide a smooth and stable surface for light to pass through, correcting refractive errors and reducing visual distortions. Additionally, the tear-filled reservoir created by the lenses helps moisturize the eyes, providing relief for those with dryness or discomfort.

Now that we understand the benefits of scleral lenses, let’s dive into the importance of proper storage for these valuable vision correction tools. Storing scleral lenses overnight is essential for maintaining their cleanliness, integrity, and lifespan.

Understanding Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses designed to provide clear vision and comfort for individuals with various eye conditions. Let’s delve into what scleral lenses are, who uses them, and the benefits they offer.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This reservoir helps in maintaining ocular health, providing improved comfort and visual acuity.

The unique design of scleral lenses offers a larger lens diameter, which creates a more stable and secure fit on the eye. This stability is especially beneficial for individuals with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, post-surgical corneal irregularities, or corneal scarring.

Who Uses Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are primarily used by individuals with specific eye conditions that cannot be adequately corrected with traditional contact lenses or glasses. Some common conditions that may require the use of scleral lenses include:

• Keratoconus: A condition characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, resulting in distorted vision.
• Pellucid marginal degeneration: A progressive thinning of the cornea, causing irregular astigmatism.
• Post-corneal transplant: After a corneal transplantation, scleral lenses can help improve vision and protect the delicate corneal graft.
• Dry eye syndrome: Scleral lenses can provide relief and protection for individuals suffering from severe dryness by maintaining a humid environment on the ocular surface.

In addition to these conditions, scleral lenses can also be used for individuals who require rigid gas permeable lenses due to their desire for improved visual acuity, comfort, and stability.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses offer several advantages compared to traditional contact lenses or glasses, making them a preferred choice for individuals with specific eye conditions:

• Sharper and clearer vision: The larger size of scleral lenses allows them to correct higher-order aberrations, resulting in improved visual acuity and reduced visual distortions.
• Moisture and comfort: The tear-filled reservoir created by scleral lenses helps keep the cornea hydrated, providing relief for individuals with dry eyes.
• Protection and stability: Scleral lenses provide a stable and secure fit, protecting the cornea and improving overall lens stability.
• Longer wear time: Due to their size and moisture retention properties, scleral lenses can be worn for longer periods without discomfort or risk of drying out.

Overall, scleral lenses offer a unique solution for individuals with specific eye conditions, providing improved vision, comfort, and ocular health.

Importance of Proper Storage

Proper storage of scleral lenses overnight is vital for maintaining their cleanliness, integrity, and overall lifespan. Let’s explore the reasons why storing scleral lenses correctly is crucial.

Why Store Scleral Lenses Overnight?

Storing scleral lenses overnight serves multiple important purposes:

• Avoiding Contamination: Storing lenses in a clean and controlled environment helps minimize the risk of contamination by bacteria, viruses, or other foreign particles that may be present in the surrounding environment.
• Maintaining Lens Integrity: By storing lenses in an appropriate solution, you can help preserve their shape, curvature, and optical properties. This ensures that the lenses maintain their intended fit and provide optimal vision correction.
• Prolonging Lens Lifespan: Proper storage helps extend the lifespan of your scleral lenses, allowing them to provide clear and comfortable vision for a longer period. This can help you avoid the need for frequent lens replacements, saving you time and money.

Avoiding Contamination

Contamination is a significant concern when it comes to contact lenses, including scleral lenses. Exposure to bacteria, fungi, or other contaminants can lead to eye infections and discomfort. By storing your scleral lenses in a clean and hygienic environment overnight, you reduce the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to your eyes.

To avoid contamination, it’s crucial to handle your lenses with clean hands and use proper disinfection techniques. Additionally, ensure that your lens storage case is cleaned regularly and replaced as recommended by your eye care professional.

Maintaining Lens Integrity

Scleral lenses are precision-made to provide optimal fit and vision correction. Proper storage helps maintain the integrity of these lenses by preserving their shape, curvature, and optical properties. Storing your lenses in an appropriate solution prevents them from drying out or warping, ensuring they continue to provide the intended vision correction and comfort.

Prolonging Lens Lifespan

By storing your scleral lenses correctly, you can extend their lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only saves you money but also ensures that you consistently enjoy clear and comfortable vision. Regularly replacing your lenses due to improper storage or lens degradation can disrupt your visual routine and increase the financial burden of maintaining your eye health.

To prolong the lifespan of your lenses, it’s crucial to handle them with care, follow proper cleaning and disinfection guidelines, and store them in the recommended solutions.

Now that we understand the importance of proper storage, let’s explore the recommended solutions and step-by-step guide for storing scleral lenses overnight.

Recommended Storage Solutions

When it comes to storing scleral lenses overnight, several solutions and tools are recommended to ensure the cleanliness and integrity of your lenses. Let’s explore the recommended storage solutions for scleral lenses:

Lens Storage Case

A lens storage case is an essential tool for storing scleral lenses overnight. These cases are specifically designed to hold and protect your lenses in a clean and hygienic environment. They often come with separate compartments for each lens, preventing them from rubbing against each other and potential damage.

It’s important to choose a lens storage case that is durable, easy to clean, and has proper ventilation to allow air circulation. Regularly cleaning and replacing your lens case is crucial to avoid the buildup of bacteria and contaminants.

Multipurpose Contact Lens Solution

A multipurpose contact lens solution is a versatile option for storing and cleaning your scleral lenses. These solutions are specifically formulated to disinfect, rinse, and store contact lenses, including scleral lenses.

When using a multipurpose solution, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper disinfection, cleaning, and storage. Typically, soaking the lenses in the solution overnight is recommended to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Saline Solution

Saline solution, also known as physiological saline, is often used as a rinsing solution for scleral lenses. It is a gentle and isotonic solution that can help remove debris and refresh the lenses before storing them.

While saline solution can be used for rinsing, it is important to note that it does not have disinfecting properties. Therefore, using a multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide solution in conjunction with saline solution is typically recommended to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Hydrogen peroxide solution is an effective disinfecting option for scleral lenses. It provides a deep clean by breaking down and removing protein deposits, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can accumulate on the lens surface.

It’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide solutions require a specific lens case with a built-in neutralizing disc. This disc helps convert the hydrogen peroxide into a gentle saline solution, ensuring the lenses are safe to wear after the disinfection process is complete. Following the instructions on the solution package and allowing the adequate neutralization time is crucial to prevent eye irritation and damage.

Avoiding Tap Water or Homemade Solutions

Avoid using tap water or homemade solutions, such as salt water, distilled water, or homemade saline solutions, for storing or rinsing your scleral lenses. Tap water can contain microorganisms and impurities that may lead to eye infections or lens contamination. Homemade solutions may not have the necessary properties for proper lens cleaning and disinfection.

Stick to the recommended storage solutions and consult with your eye care professional for specific recommendations based on your individual needs and lens type.

Now that we know the recommended storage solutions, let’s proceed to the step-by-step guide for storing scleral lenses overnight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Scleral Lenses Overnight

Properly storing your scleral lenses overnight is essential for maintaining their cleanliness and integrity. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you store your lenses correctly:

1. Wash Hands Thoroughly

Before handling your scleral lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps remove any dirt, oils, or contaminants that could potentially transfer to your lenses.

2. Remove Lenses Carefully

Gently remove one lens at a time from your eyes. It’s important to handle the lenses with care to avoid tearing or damaging them.

3. Rinse Lenses with Solution

Rinse your lenses with the recommended lens solution. This helps remove any debris or buildup on the lenses’ surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate rinsing time.

4. Fill Lens Case with Solution

Fill your lens storage case with fresh lens solution. It’s crucial to use the recommended solution for storing scleral lenses, whether it’s a multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide solution with a built-in neutralizing disc.

5. Place Lenses in Case

Carefully place each lens into its respective compartment in the lens storage case. Make sure the lenses are submerged in the solution to prevent drying or warping.

6. Secure and Store the Case

Close the lid of the lens storage case firmly to seal it. Store the case in a clean, dry, and safe place, away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. It’s recommended to store the case in an upright position to prevent the solution from leaking or spilling.

It’s important to note that the length of time you store your lenses overnight may vary depending on your eye care professional’s instructions and the type of lens solution you’re using. Some solutions require a minimum soaking time for proper disinfection.

Remember to consult with your eye care professional for specific guidelines and recommendations on storing your particular brand or type of scleral lenses.

Now that you know how to store your lenses properly, let’s explore some additional tips for maintaining your lens storage and traveling with scleral lenses.

Additional Tips for Proper Lens Storage

Ensuring that your lens storage practices are up to par is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your scleral lenses. Here are some additional tips to help you with proper lens storage:

Cleaning Lens Case Regularly

Regularly cleaning your lens case is crucial for preventing contamination and bacteria buildup. After each use, rinse the case with sterile saline solution or multipurpose contact lens solution. Allow it to air dry, and make sure to clean it thoroughly at least once a week with a mild soap and water solution, taking care to avoid touching the inside of the case with your fingers.

Replacing Solution Daily

It’s important to replace the lens solution in your storage case daily. Leaving the same solution in the case for an extended period can increase the risk of microbial growth and contamination. Discard any remaining solution from the previous day and refill the case with fresh solution before storing your lenses.

Avoiding Excessive Heat or Sunlight

Avoid exposing your lens storage case or solution to excessive heat or direct sunlight. High temperatures can compromise the effectiveness of the solution and potentially damage the lenses. Keep the case stored in a cool and dry place to ensure the solution remains at its optimal quality and to prevent any warping or distortion of the lenses.

Traveling with Scleral Lenses

Traveling with scleral lenses requires extra care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure you can maintain your lens storage routine while on the go:

• Always carry a travel-sized bottle of multipurpose solution or saline solution for rinsing and storing your lenses.
• Invest in a sturdy and compact lens storage case specifically designed for travel. These cases often come with a smaller size while still providing adequate protection for your lenses.
• If you’re using a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system, make sure to pack the necessary neutralizing disc and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Keep your lenses and lens storage case in your carry-on bag rather than checking them in your luggage, as the temperature and pressure fluctuations in the cargo area of an airplane can affect the lenses and solution.
• If you plan to fly, consider using lubricating eye drops or rewetting drops during the flight to keep your eyes moist, as the dry cabin air can cause discomfort for those with dry eye syndrome.
• If traveling to a different time zone, consult your eye care professional for guidance on when to remove and store your lenses overnight to ensure you maintain your regular lens wearing schedule.

By following these additional tips, you can ensure that you maintain proper lens storage practices for your scleral lenses, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Now, let’s conclude our article on storing scleral lenses overnight and emphasize the importance of following these guidelines for optimal lens performance and eye health.

Conclusion

Properly storing your scleral lenses overnight is essential for maintaining their cleanliness, integrity, and overall performance. By implementing the recommended storage solutions and following the step-by-step guide provided, you can ensure that your lenses remain safe, hygienic, and comfortable to wear.

Understanding the benefits of scleral lenses and who uses them helps emphasize the importance of proper storage. Scleral lenses offer clear and comfortable vision for individuals with various eye conditions, making them a valuable tool for vision correction.

By storing your scleral lenses correctly, you can avoid contamination, maintain lens integrity, and prolong their lifespan. Using a dedicated lens storage case, along with the appropriate lens solution such as a multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide solution, ensures that your lenses are properly cleaned, disinfected, and stored overnight.

Additionally, incorporating additional tips for proper lens storage, such as cleaning your lens case regularly, replacing solution daily, and avoiding excessive heat or sunlight, helps maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your lenses.

When traveling with scleral lenses, be sure to pack the necessary solutions, a travel-sized lens storage case, and follow the recommended guidelines to ensure your lenses stay clean and safe during your journey.

In conclusion, proper storage of scleral lenses is a vital part of maintaining optimal vision and eye health. By following the guidelines and implementing the recommended practices discussed in this article, you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision with your scleral lenses for an extended period.

Remember to consult with your eye care professional for specific instructions and recommendations based on your individual needs and the type of lenses you wear. With proper storage and care, your scleral lenses can continue to provide the vision correction you need and deserve.