Handling scleral lenses is a learned skill — different from soft lenses, but very manageable once you've practiced. Here's a clear walkthrough. (Always follow the specific instructions your eye doctor gives you; this is a general overview.)
Before you start
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Work over a clean, flat surface — a folded towel over the counter catches a dropped lens and prevents damage. Have your preservative-free saline ready.
Inserting the lens
- Rest the lens on a plunger (applicator) or balance it on the tripod of your thumb and two fingers.
- Fill the bowl of the lens completely with preservative-free saline — filling it to the brim helps avoid trapped air bubbles.
- Lean forward so your face is parallel to the floor and you're looking straight down.
- Hold your upper and lower lids open wide with your free hand.
- Bring the lens straight up to your eye and press it gently onto the surface. Release your lids carefully.
- Check for bubbles or blur — if vision is cloudy, a bubble may be trapped and you'll need to remove and reapply.
Removing the lens
- Wash your hands again.
- Use a small removal plunger placed on the lower edge of the lens (not the center), then tilt and lift to break the seal.
- Alternatively, some patients learn a lid-manipulation technique to pop the lens free — your doctor can demonstrate.
Avoiding common mistakes
- Bubbles: Fill the lens fully and keep your head level and down.
- Overflow: A little spill is normal; do it over a towel.
- Suction too tight: Break the seal at the edge, never yank at the center.
- Contamination: Only ever use recommended, preservative-free saline — never tap water.
It gets easier fast
Almost everyone feels clumsy on day one and confident within a couple of weeks. If you're struggling, don't get discouraged — come back in and we'll coach you through it.
Want hands-on training with your lenses? Our team walks every patient through insertion and removal. Learn more about our scleral lens program at CFE Memphis.