The best eye drops to use with scleral lenses are preservative-free saline solutions and lubricating drops specifically designed for contact lens users.
These drops keep your eyes hydrated, improve comfort, and enhance the overall lens-wearing experience.
Scleral lenses revolutionise the way people with dry eyes, keratoconus, and other corneal irregularities see and feel. However, keeping your eyes moist and comfortable while wearing them is crucial. Choosing the right eye drops plays a big role in ensuring your vision remains crystal clear and your lenses fit comfortably throughout the day.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eye drops for scleral lenses, helping you make informed decisions for optimal eye care.
Why Do You Need Eye Drops With Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses, vaulting over the cornea and resting on the sclera. This unique design offers several benefits, such as a liquid reservoir that relieves dry eye symptoms and protects the eye’s surface. However, wearing them for extended periods can sometimes lead to dryness or discomfort.
Eye drops are essential for maintaining comfort and ensuring that your scleral lenses provide clear vision without irritation. Here’s why they matter:
- Hydration: Preservative-free eye drops help keep both the lens and eye hydrated.
- Preventing Redness: Dry eyes can cause redness, and eye drops alleviate this by providing additional moisture.
- Enhancing Lens Comfort: Lubrication reduces friction between the lens and the eye.
Using the right drops enhances your lens-wearing experience while protecting the health of your eyes.
Types of Eye Drops Safe for Scleral Lenses
Not all eye drops are compatible with scleral lenses. It’s essential to choose products that won’t harm the lenses or irritate your eyes. Here are the types of drops you can use safely with scleral lenses:
Preservative-Free Saline Solutions
Best for filling your scleral lens reservoir.
Before inserting your scleral lenses, fill the bowl (the concave side) of the lens completely with preservative-free saline solution to create the fluid reservoir. This reservoir protects your cornea and provides hydration throughout wear. Preservative-free saline is recommended because it reduces the risk of irritation or toxicity to the eyes. Unlike saline solutions containing preservatives, it avoids exposure to chemicals that could cause long-term eye irritation or damage.
Popular options include:
- LacriPure
- ScleralFil
- Purilens PLUS
These products are FDA-approved and designed specifically for scleral lens users.
Lubricating Eye Drops for Contact Lenses
Great for maintaining comfort throughout the day.
Lubricating drops help prevent dryness and discomfort while wearing scleral lenses. It’s important to choose preservative-free lubricant drops, as they are gentler on the eyes and reduce the risk of irritation. These drops can be applied directly into the eye while wearing lenses, but should not be used inside the lens reservoir before insertion unless specifically recommended by your eye care professional.
Recommended Brands:
- Refresh Relieva for Contacts
- Blink Contacts Lubricating Drops
- Refresh Optive Advanced
Avoid over-the-counter lubricants that are not labelled “contact-safe,” as they may contain oils or other ingredients that can leave residue and cloud your lenses.
Thick Lubricating Gels
For severe dryness or post-removal hydration.
Thicker gels, such as Refresh Liquigel, are perfect for nighttime use or managing significant dryness after your scleral lenses are removed. While they’re effective at providing relief, gels are not recommended for application directly on the lenses or during wear due to their consistency.
Prescription Eye Drops
Includes medicated eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Certain prescription drops are safe for use with scleral lenses, particularly if you’re managing underlying conditions like ocular inflammation or severe dry eye. Always consult your eye care provider before using any prescription drops with scleral lenses, as some medications may not be compatible or require special handling.
Eye Drops to Avoid With Scleral Lenses
While several eye drops are safe, there are certain types to avoid:
Preservative-Containing Drops
Drops with preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) can damage the eye’s natural surface and cause long-term discomfort. They can also cling to the lenses, creating irritation or cloudiness.
Oily or Gel-Based Drops for Contacts
Although some thicker lubricants are effective for dry eye relief, avoid oily products during lens wear as they leave residue on the lens surface.
Redness-Reducing Drops
Drops that “reduce redness” often serve only cosmetic purposes. They don’t target the cause of dryness and can even worsen symptoms over time. These often contain vasoconstrictors that temporarily improve eye appearance but may compromise eye health.
Always read the label of any product to ensure compatibility with scleral lenses.
How to Apply Eye Drops With Scleral Lenses?
Applying eye drops correctly makes a significant difference in your comfort and lens care. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash Your Hands: Ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling your eyes or lenses to avoid contamination.
- Check the Label: Confirm that the drops are safe for use with contact lenses.
- Tilt Your Head Back: Look upwards and gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Apply Drops Carefully: Place 1-2 drops into your eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the lens or any surface to maintain hygiene.
- Blink a Few Times: This helps spread the moisture evenly across the lens and eye.
For saline solutions, remember to fill your scleral lens reservoir before inserting it. This ensures that your eye receives hydration throughout wear.
Signs You Need Eye Drops
How do you know when to reach for your eye drops? Here are common signs indicating your lenses or eyes need added moisture:
- Lens Fogging: Cloudy or foggy vision may mean the lens reservoir has dried out.
- Dryness or Irritation: If your eyes feel scratchy or dry, lubricating drops can provide instant relief.
- Blurred Vision: Not caused by lens power issues, this could improve with extra lubrication.
Using drops proactively keeps these symptoms at bay, making your experience with scleral lenses much smoother.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Eyes With Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are an excellent choice for eye health, but proper care is critical. Here’s how to ensure your eyes stay happy and hydrated:
- Choose the Right Products: Stick to preservative-free options and always consult with your optometrist about compatibility.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as overall hydration impacts your eyes.
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Keep your doctor informed about any discomfort or issues.
- Replace Supplies as Needed: Replace your saline and drops as recommended to avoid risking contamination.
Remind yourself regularly that scleral lenses are a tool for comfort and health. Your choices in drops and care play a big role in maintaining these benefits.
Final Thoughts on Eye Drops for Scleral Lenses
Selecting the best eye drops for scleral lenses ensures optimal comfort, health, and performance. Using the right solutions not only prevents dryness and irritation but also protects your investment in high-quality lenses.
For day-to-day wear, preservative-free saline solutions and lubricating drops are your go-to options. Avoid redness-reducing drops or those with preservatives to keep your eyes safe.
Take the time to explore various products, and don’t hesitate to consult with your eye care provider for personalised recommendations. A little attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to eye health and comfort with scleral lenses.
