Scleral lenses need the right products to stay safe and comfortable — and the choices aren't the same as for soft contacts. Using the wrong solution can cause irritation or worse, so here's a clear guide. (Always follow your own doctor's specific recommendations.)
Filling solution: preservative-free saline only
This is the single most important rule. The saline you put inside the lens sits against your cornea for hours, so it must be preservative-free. Preservatives that are fine for rinsing can irritate or damage the corneal surface with prolonged contact. Look for single-use vials or bottled preservative-free saline specifically labeled as safe for filling scleral lenses.
Never use tap water to fill or rinse your lenses — it can carry microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.
Cleaning solution: for the outside of the lens
To clean the lens surface, you'll typically use a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) cleaner or a solution your doctor recommends. Gentle rubbing with the cleaner removes deposits and debris that build up during wear.
Disinfecting and storage
Between wears, lenses are disinfected and stored in an appropriate RGP disinfecting/conditioning solution. Some patients use hydrogen-peroxide-based systems — but these require careful handling and complete neutralization before the lens touches your eye. Your doctor will specify the right system for you.
Products to avoid
- Tap or distilled water for filling or rinsing
- Preserved saline or multipurpose soft-lens solutions inside the lens
- Any product not approved for your lens type without checking first
Keep it simple and consistent
The safest routine is the one your eye doctor sets up for you, followed the same way every day. If you're ever unsure whether a product is appropriate, ask before you use it.
Have questions about your scleral lens care routine? Our team sets every patient up with the right products. Contact CFE Memphis for guidance.