Scleral Lens Care Instructions

How to safely use and care for your scleral lenses

Scleral lenses require specific daily care to ensure clear vision, comfort, and long-term eye health. This page walks you through everything you need to know about your lenses, from identifying your lenses to safely putting them in, taking them out, cleaning them, and storing them each day. 
 
You’ll also find helpful tips, recommended solutions, and tool care guidance to keep your eyes comfortable and your lenses working their best. Following these simple steps, especially using preservative‑free saline and proper cleaning solutions, will help protect your eye health and make wearing your scleral lenses a positive, confident part of your daily routine.

Quick links

Lens identification

  • Right lens = Clear
  • Left lens = Blue 

Tip: “Right” and “Clear” both have 5 letters. “Left” and “Blue” both have 4.

Application and removal (putting in and taking out your scleral lenses)

Learn how to properly put in and take out your scleral lens.

Application (putting in your scleral lenses)

Before you start:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap (no lotion) and dry with a lint-free towel
  • Set up a clean, well-lit area (mirror recommended)

Steps

  1. Place lens on your inserter (plunger) or fingertips
  2. Fill the lens completely to the brim with preservative-free saline
    1. Avoid bubbles — they can blur vision and cause discomfort
  3. Lean forward so your face is parallel to the ground
  4. Hold eyelids open wide (use both hands if needed)
  5. Look straight down and gently place the lens onto the eye
  6. Slowly release eyelids
  7. Blink gently and check vision

If something feels off

  • If vision is blurry or uncomfortable → remove, refill, and reapply

Removal (taking out your scleral lenses)

Before you start

  • Wash and dry hands
  • Use your removal plunger

Steps

  1. Look straight ahead or slightly upward
  2. Place plunger on the lower edge of the lens (not the center)
  3. Gently press to create suction
  4. Tilt the plunger slightly to break the seal
  5. Remove the lens carefully

After removal

  • Clean lenses immediately (see cleaning section)

Helpful tips for application and removal

  • Keep your head down during insertion to prevent saline spilling
  • If you keep getting bubbles — try overfilling the lens slightly
  • If the lens feels “stuck,” use a lubricating drop before removal
  • Never force the lens off — always break the seal gently

Video tutorials from DryEyeShop

Daily cleaning and storage

Every night after wear:

  1. Place lens in palm of your hand
  2. Add a few drops of cleaning solution
  3. Gently rub both sides for 10–15 seconds
  4. Place lenses in the correct side of the case
  5. Fill case with fresh solution (never top off)
  6. Close case and store overnight

Saline solutions (for filling lenses)

Saline is used to fill your lens before putting it on your eye and to rinse lenses.

IMPORTANT

  • Only use preservative-free saline
  • The liquid inside your lens stays against your eye all day — preservatives can be toxic to the cornea

Recommended options (single-use vials):

  • LacriPure
  • Nutrifill
  • ScleralFil
  • Sodium chloride 0.9% (Addipak, AirLife)

Key Tips

  • Use new vials each day (discard after opening)
  • “Preservative-free” will always be labeled clearly on the box
  • Do NOT use saline for storing lenses overnight

Where to get saline

  • Pharmacy (sometimes by prescription)
  • Online: Amazon or DryEyeShop

Cleaning solutions (for disinfection)

Use these solutions to clean and store lenses overnight:

  • Unique pH (Menicon)
  • Boston Simplus
  • Tangible Clean

How to use

After removing lenses:

  1. Rub lenses for at least 10 seconds
  2. Place in case
  3. Fill with cleaning solution
  4. Soak overnight to disinfect

Lens case and tool care

  • Do not close your case while wet – let it air dry
  • Clean case and tools 2–3 times per week with soap and water
  • Let everything air dry completely

Replace regularly

  • Lens case: every 1–2 months
  • Plungers/tools: replace as needed (if worn or dirty)

Where to buy tools

It is recommend that the following search terms be used to get the correct tools:

  • “DMV Scleral Lens Inserter”
  • “DMV Contact Lens Remover” Available at clinic or online (Amazon, DryEyeShop)

*Important Safety Reminder: NEVER use tap water with your scleral lenses or tools

Resources

Related links