It seems like a small detail, but the type of saline you use to fill your scleral lenses is one of the most important safety choices you'll make as a wearer. Here's why "preservative-free" isn't just a suggestion — it's essential.
The reason it matters so much
When you fill a scleral lens, that saline sits trapped against your cornea for the entire time you wear the lens — often eight to twelve hours or more. Any preservatives in the solution stay in continuous contact with delicate corneal tissue. Preservatives are designed to kill microbes in a bottle, and with prolonged direct exposure they can irritate or damage the corneal surface, causing redness, discomfort, and potential harm over time.
Preservative-free saline avoids that problem entirely, which is why it's the standard for filling scleral lenses.
What to look for
- Saline specifically labeled preservative-free and suitable for filling scleral lenses
- Single-use vials or bottles designed to stay sterile without preservatives
- Products your eye doctor has recommended for your lenses
What to avoid — always
- Preserved saline or multipurpose soft-lens solutions inside the lens
- Tap water, distilled water, or homemade saline, which can introduce dangerous microorganisms (including ones linked to severe, sight-threatening infections)
- Rewetting drops with preservatives for filling
A quick word on cost and convenience
Preservative-free saline does cost more than ordinary saline, and single-use vials create a bit more waste. It's worth every penny and every extra step — protecting your cornea is not the place to cut corners. Your doctor can point you to economical, reliable options.
When in doubt, ask
If you ever pick up a new saline and aren't sure it's appropriate, check with us before using it. A quick question can prevent a real problem.
Want to be sure you're using the right products? We set every scleral patient up correctly. Contact CFE Memphis with any questions.