Sclera Lenses How To Put In: The Definitive Master Guide

Mastering how to put in sclera lenses requires meticulous hygiene, precise digital stabilization of the eyelids, and the complete elimination of air bubbles beneath the fluid-filled prosthetic reservoir. Because these large-diameter lenses rest entirely on the conjunctiva over the sclera rather than the cornea, following a structured clinical technique ensures safe handling, prevents corneal trauma, and guarantees all-day comfort.

Pre-Insertion Preparation and Essential Equipment Checklist

Sclera lenses are larger than standard contact lenses, typically measuring between 15 millimeters and 24 millimeters in diameter. Because they vault over the cornea and require an ecosystem of saline solution beneath the bowl, the preparation phase is just as critical as the physical insertion. Setting up a sterile, well-lit workstation prevents contamination and reduces the likelihood of dropping these delicate, high-cost medical devices.

• Essential Gear and Materials:

  
  
  
  • Preservative-free saline solution (specifically approved for sclera lens filling).
  • A hollow sclera insertion plunger (suction holder) or a clean, dry tripod finger technique.
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) conditioning or wetting drops as recommended by your optometrist.
  • Lint-free optical wipes or a microfiber towel.
  • A well-lit mirror placed flat on a table or an adjustable vanity mirror positioned horizontally.
  • Hand soap free of moisturizers, perfumes, and oils.

• Mandatory Prerequisites and Standards:

  
  
  
  • Complete thorough handwashing with antibacterial soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, followed by drying with a lint-free towel.
  • Ensure fingernails are trimmed short and filed smooth to prevent tearing the lens matrix or scratching the ocular surface.
  • Set aside 10 to 15 uninterrupted minutes for the insertion process, particularly during the initial learning curve.

• Estimated Benchmarks:

  
  
  
  • Average initial insertion time: 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
  • Target fluid reservoir integrity: 100 percent bubble-free upon release.

Step-by-Step Sclera Lens Insertion Workflow

Step 1: Cleaning and Inspecting the Sclera Lens

Begin by placing your sclera lens in the palm of your hand and applying a few drops of multipurpose or daily cleaner designed for rigid gas permeable materials. Gently rub the lens surfaces with the pad of your index finger in a linear motion—never in circles, which can warp or crack the material. Rinse the lens thoroughly with sterile preservative-free saline to remove all surfactant residue. Inspect the edges under a bright light for any chips, protein deposits, or micro-cracks.

Warning: Never use tap water, bottled water, or homemade saline solutions to clean, rinse, or store sclera lenses, as these introduce severe risks of acanthamoeba keratitis and microbial infections.

Step 2: Positioning the Lens on the Plunger or Fingers

If using a hollow insertion plunger, squeeze the base slightly to create a light suction, then gently balance the dried sclera lens on top of the rubber tip. For the tripod finger method, place your index, middle, and ring fingers in a stable triangular formation beneath the lens rim. Ensure the bottom of the lens is completely dry so that moisture does not prematurely release the grip of the plunger during transport to your eye.

Step 3: Filling the Fluid Reservoir

Fill the entire bowl of the sclera lens to the absolute brim with preservative-free saline solution. Create a slight positive meniscus (a rounded dome of liquid rising slightly above the rim of the lens).

Pro-Tip: Adding a single drop of a high-viscosity artificial tear or lubricating drop into the saline pool before insertion can help anchor the fluid and prevent spilling when you tilt your head downward.

Step 4: Securing Eyelid Retraction and Alignment

Bend completely over at the waist so your face is parallel to the floor, looking straight down into the mirror or table surface. This gravity-defying posture prevents the saline from spilling out of the bowl before the lens touches your eye. Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull your upper eyelid up and secure it firmly against the orbital bone by pressing against the eyelashes. Use the index finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid down, locking both margins wide open.

Step 5: Applying the Lens to the Ocular Surface

Bring the plunger and the fluid-filled lens slowly upward toward your eye, maintaining steady eye contact with the center of the lens bottom through the mirror. Gently press the rim of the lens against the white of your eye (the sclera), positioning it slightly toward the lower portion of the eye if necessary. Once you feel the cold saline touch your eye surface, release the suction plunger by gently squeezing its base, or remove your balancing fingers.

Step 6: Settling and Bubble Inspection

Slowly release your eyelids—lower lid first, then upper lid—to allow them to close gently over the lens. Do not blink forcefully immediately, as this can dislodge a newly applied lens. Keep your eyes closed for five seconds to allow the fluid to distribute evenly. Open your eyes and look in the mirror to inspect for trapped air bubbles. If an air bubble occupies more than 20 percent of the fluid reservoir, remove the lens, refill it with saline, and repeat the insertion process.

Sclera Lens Technical Specifications and Material Comparison

Common Insertion Failures and Field Fixes

• Saline Spills Out Before Reaching the Eye

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Tilting the head back or moving too quickly, causing the heavy fluid weight to break the surface tension.
  • Actionable Fix: Bend entirely forward until your face is completely parallel to the floor, and move the lens upward in a slow, deliberate, perpendicular motion.

• Trapped Air Bubbles Beneath the Lens Apex

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Approaching the eye at an angle, failing to fill the bowl to a positive meniscus, or blinking prematurely.
  • Actionable Fix: Ensure the saline forms a rounded dome above the rim. Keep your chin tucked to your chest and look directly downward into the lens center during application.

• Eyelids Slipping Away from Finger Control

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Natural blinking reflex, wet fingers, or grabbing the soft eyelid skin instead of anchoring directly against the eyelashes and orbital bone rim.
  • Actionable Fix: Dry your fingers completely with a lint-free towel, and wrap your fingers directly around the lash margins to gain a mechanical grip on the eyelid tarsal plates.

• Lens Sticking Too Aggressively or Failing to Release from Plunger

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Applying too much inward pressure or squeezing the plunger too hard against the eye surface.
  • Actionable Fix: Practice a lighter touch, ensuring the plunger merely guides the lens to the surface rather than pressing into the ocular tissue. Gently twist the plunger or squeeze its base to release suction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does putting in sclera lenses hurt?

Inserting sclera lenses should not cause pain, though the initial sensation of cold saline touching the eye can feel startling. If you experience sharp pain, stinging, or pinching, remove the lens immediately, rinse it, inspect for debris, and reinsert.

What should I do if an air bubble appears after insertion?

An air bubble trapped under a sclera lens can dry out the cornea and cause blurry vision or discomfort. You must remove the lens using a designated removal plunger, thoroughly rinse and refill the bowl with fresh sterile saline, and reinsert the lens.

Can I wear makeup before putting in sclera lenses?

You should insert your sclera lenses before applying any facial makeup, eyeliner, or mascara to prevent cosmetic particles from contaminating the fluid reservoir. When removing makeup at the end of the day, take your lenses out first before using any facial cleansers or makeup removers.

How long does it take to get used to inserting sclera lenses?

Most wearers experience a learning curve lasting between one and two weeks. With daily practice, muscle memory develops, and the entire insertion process typically drops to under two minutes per eye.

Why do I need preservative-free saline for sclera lenses?

Preservative-free saline is mandatory because the fluid remains trapped against the cornea in a sealed reservoir all day long. Preservatives found in standard multi-purpose or bottled saline solutions will cause severe chemical toxicity, corneal staining, and tissue breakdown over extended contact periods.

Perfect Your Sclera Lens Routine Today

Schedule a comprehensive fitting session with your eye care professional to verify vault clearance, landing zone alignment, and optimal prescription parameters for your unique ocular geometry. Consistent daily hygiene combined with precise insertion mechanics will guarantee crystal-clear vision and exceptional ocular health for years to come.