Scleral lenses are durable, but accidents happen — a lens slips down the sink, a plunger drops one on the tile, or you notice a crack. Here's how to handle each situation calmly and what to do next.
If you drop a lens
- Freeze and look before you move. Don't step or sweep until you've located it, so you don't crush it.
- Recover it gently. Wet a clean fingertip to lift it, or use your plunger.
- Clean thoroughly before wearing. A dropped lens has touched a surface, so clean and rinse it properly (never with tap water) before it goes near your eye.
- Inspect it for chips or scratches under good light.
If a lens goes down the drain
It's a classic mishap. Always handle lenses over a towel-covered sink with the drain closed. If one does disappear down the drain, it's usually gone — which is why a backup and a replacement plan matter (more below).
If a lens is cracked or chipped
Stop wearing it. A damaged lens can scratch or irritate your eye and won't fit or perform correctly. Set it aside and arrange a replacement. Don't try to "make do" with a cracked lens.
If you lose a lens entirely
Contact us to arrange a replacement. Because your lenses are custom-designed and your specifications are on file, we can typically reorder your exact lens — though it takes some time to arrive, so plan around it.
Prevention tips
- Work over a folded towel with the sink drain closed, every time.
- Handle lenses low, close to the surface, not up in the air.
- Keep your plungers clean and in good condition so they grip reliably.
- Ask about a backup pair if going without your lenses would seriously disrupt your life or work.
Don't panic — plan
The best defense is a good routine and a replacement plan. If you're frequently dropping lenses, a quick handling refresher can help.
Need a replacement or a handling refresher? Contact CFE Memphis and we'll take care of it.