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Scleral Lens Insertion: Adjustment and Care Instructions for New Lenses
Summary
Welcome to the world of scleral lenses! These lenses are specially designed to fit over your cornea, providing comfort and improved vision. As you get used to your new lenses, it's normal to experience some initial sensations. This handout will guide you through the adjustment period and ensure you care for your lenses correctly.
What Is This & Why It Matters
Scleral lenses are larger, rigid contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. Unlike regular contact lenses, they vault over the cornea, making them perfect for people with irregularly shaped corneas or certain eye conditions. They help in providing clear vision and comfort, especially if standard lenses don't work well for you. Adjusting to these lenses can take a few weeks, so patience is key!
What You Should Do
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
- Use only the prescribed solution to clean and store your lenses.
- Insert your lenses before applying makeup or any face creams.
- Start wearing your lenses for a few hours each day and gradually increase wear time as recommended by your eye care provider.
- Ensure your lens is properly centered on your eye after insertion.
- Always check that the lens is clean and free of debris before putting it in.
- Schedule follow-up appointments at 1 week and 2 weeks after starting your new lenses.
- Contact your eye care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
What You Should NOT Do
- Don't use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.
- Avoid sleeping with your scleral lenses in unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- Refrain from using expired solutions or old lenses.
- Never share your lenses with others.
- Avoid wearing the lenses longer than recommended without consulting your eye care provider.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild discomfort as you adjust to the lens size.
- Slight redness in the eyes during the first few days.
- Increased tear production as eyes adapt to the lens.
- A feeling of something foreign in the eye initially.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Persistent discomfort or pain after a week of use.
- Vision remains blurry even after following wearing instructions.
- Redness or irritation that doesn't improve within a few days.
- Sudden sensitivity to light or glare that wasn't there before.
- Frequent headaches when wearing the lenses.
- Any discharge from the eyes indicating possible infection.
FAQ
How long will it take to adjust to my new scleral lenses?
It can take several weeks to adjust fully. Be patient and follow the gradual wearing schedule provided by your eye care provider.
Can I use regular contact lens solution for my scleral lenses?
No, it's important to use the specific solution recommended by your doctor to ensure proper cleaning and storage.
What should I do if my vision is still blurry with the lenses?
Contact your eye care provider if blurry vision persists after following all instructions.
Why do my eyes feel dry when wearing these lenses?
Some dryness is common during the adjustment period. Ensure you're using lubricating drops as recommended by your doctor.
Is it normal for my eyes to be red after inserting the lenses?
Mild redness is normal initially but should improve with time. If it persists, consult with your doctor.
What should I do if I lose a lens?
Contact your eye care provider for advice on obtaining a replacement lens.