The Easiest Way to Insert & Remove Your Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses offer incredible comfort and clarity for people with dry eyes, keratoconus, corneal irregularities, or for anyone who struggles with standard contact lenses. But if you’re new to them, learning how to insert and remove scleral lenses can feel intimidating at first. The good news? With the right technique - and a little practice - it becomes quick, simple, and stress-free.

Why Scleral Lenses Require a Different Technique

Unlike soft contacts, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of your eye). Because of their size and fluid reservoir, they must be inserted while filled with saline—and removed using a special plunger. This design is what makes them so comfortable, but it also means technique matters.

The Easiest Way to Insert Your Scleral Lenses

Begin by washing, rinsing, and thoroughly drying your hands with a mild, non-moisturizing soap. This helps keep your hands lint-free and reduces the chance of debris getting into the lens. Next, rinse and inspect your scleral lens carefully, checking for chips, scratches, or any particles. Always start with the same eye to prevent mixing up your lenses.

Fill the lens completely to the top with sterile, preservative-free saline. This liquid creates the essential moisture reservoir between the lens and your cornea, and it’s important that no bubbles are present. When you're ready to insert the lens, you can use either the tripod method or an inserter tool. With the tripod method, rest the lens on the tips of your index, middle, and ring finger to keep it steady. With the plunger inserter method, use a large scleral lens inserter filled with saline for added stability and clearer visibility.

Lean forward over a mirror so your face is parallel to the table - this position helps the saline stay inside the lens. Use your free hand to hold your eyelids open, placing one finger on the upper lid and one on the lower lid to prevent blinking. Gently bring the lens toward your eye and place it slowly onto the surface. Once the lens makes contact, release your eyelids and blink normally.

Finally, check for bubbles. If you see one or feel any discomfort, remove the lens and try again, as trapped bubbles can interfere with both comfort and vision.

The Easiest Way to Remove Your Scleral Lenses

Begin by using a small suction plunger, making sure it’s completely clean and dry before touching your lens. Once ready, look slightly upward - this helps expose more of the lower edge of the scleral lens, making removal easier and more comfortable.

Place the plunger just below the center of the lens, aiming for the lower third rather than the middle. This position helps break the seal without creating unnecessary suction. Gently pull outward and upward; you’ll feel the seal release, allowing the lens to come off smoothly.

As the lens lifts away, use your opposite hand to catch or cup it to prevent dropping. After removal, clean and store the lens properly using the solution recommended by your eye doctor. Never use tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria or contaminants.

Tips to Make the Process Even Easier

•           Practice over a clean towel to avoid dropping lenses.

•           Keep your plunger clean and replace it every few months.

•           Use a stand-up mirror at first - it helps with stability.

•           If lenses fog during the day, ask us about tear film strategies or coating options.

Schedule Your Scleral Lens Consultation

Inserting and removing scleral lenses becomes second nature with practice. By using the right techniques and keeping your lenses clean and well-maintained, you’ll enjoy the full comfort and visual clarity they’re designed to provide. If you ever struggle with insertion, bubbles, fogging, or lens comfort, our team is here to help.
 

Get support, training, and customized scleral lens care at Burbank Family Optometry. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.