Getting your first pair of scleral lenses for keratoconus can be both exciting and intimidating. For many people, these lenses offer life-changing vision improvement. But the beginning often feels like a test of patience and practice.
Wearing scleral lenses for the first time can feel both exciting and confusing. You might worry about how they will feel or how long it takes to get used to them. Understanding what happens at your first fitting and what comes next helps you feel more comfortable and confident right from the start.
Understand Scleral Lenses and Their Purpose
Before diving into the experience, it’s helpful to know why scleral lenses are recommended for people with keratoconus. Unlike regular contact lenses that sit on the cornea, scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and form a liquid cushion over the cornea. This design not only helps correct irregular vision but also keeps the eye constantly hydrated and protected.
For those with keratoconus, where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, scleral lenses help create a smooth optical surface that brings back clarity and comfort. According to research from the Scleral Lens Education Society, nearly 80% of keratoconus patients report a major improvement in their vision and overall quality of life after proper fitting and consistent use.
Your First Step Toward Clear Vision with Scleral Lenses
Most first-time scleral lens wearers describe their early days as a mix of frustration and hope. It’s not unusual to take an hour just to insert one lens during your first attempt. But as your technique improves, the same process can take less than five minutes. The key to success is practice, patience, and knowing that every small struggle leads to better comfort and vision clarity.
Initial Discomfort and Adaptability
In the beginning, your eyes may water more than usual, and it might feel like a speck or grain is resting on your eye. Don’t panic, this is normal. Your eyes are just getting used to the new lenses, and after a few days, the feeling usually goes away as your eyes adjust.
Long Insertion and Removal Time
Many new wearers spend a long time learning how to put their lenses in and take them out. It can be frustrating, especially if you spill saline solution or the lens falls off the plunger. However, with consistent practice in front of a mirror and proper guidance from your optometrist, the process becomes smooth and quick.
Vision Clarity and Comfort
Once you manage to insert the lenses correctly, the world looks sharper and steadier. Scleral lenses cover your cornea completely, creating a perfectly smooth surface for light to focus on. For people with keratoconus, this often feels like regaining a sense of normal vision after years of distortion.
The Importance of Proper Lens Fitting
A precise fit is one of the most Important parts of wearing scleral lenses successfully. Every eye shape is unique, especially for people with keratoconus. So your optometrist custom designs your lenses using corneal mapping and imaging technology. A good fit ensures that your lenses stay comfortable, don’t touch the cornea, and allow proper tear exchange.
How Optometrists Measure the Fit
During the fitting, your doctor uses tools like corneal topography or 3D mapping to study the shape of your eye. They will observe how the lens sits, how much space (clearance) exists between the lens and the cornea, and how your vision behaves through the lens. These details are essential for customizing a design that balances comfort, oxygen flow, and vision accuracy.
Why Regular Adjustments Are Necessary
Keratoconus is a progressive condition, which means the shape of your cornea can continue to change over time. Because of this, your lens design might need updates every year or two. Regular visits to your optometrist help ensure that the fit remains perfect and your eyes stay healthy without unnecessary pressure or dryness.
Real Tips from People Who Have Been There
Hearing from others who have gone through the same experience can be very encouraging. Many scleral lens users share their honest struggles online, and their stories reveal that the early frustration always pays off once comfort and routine set in.
Be Patient and Don’t Give Up
Almost every new wearer starts with failed attempts, watery eyes, and moments of frustration. But remember, everyone goes through it. One Reddit user shared that it took them nearly 55 minutes to insert one lens during their first appointment, yet after a few weeks, they could do both in 10 minutes. With patience and repetition, what seems impossible becomes easy.
Choose the Right Solutions
Using the proper cleaning and filling solutions is essential for both comfort and eye health. Most wearers prefer preservative-free saline such as LacriPure to fill the lens before insertion, and a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant like Clear Care Plus for overnight cleaning. Avoid multipurpose solutions meant for soft lenses—they’re not safe for scleral lenses.
Handle with Clean, Dry Hands
Clean hands prevent bacteria from transferring to your eyes. Use fragrance-free soap and lint-free towels. Even small lint particles can cause irritation or cloudiness under the lens, so drying your hands properly is as important as washing them.
Learn to Manage Cloudiness
Some people experience foggy or cloudy vision after wearing lenses for a few hours. This often happens due to tear film buildup or debris under the lens. Removing, rinsing, and refilling the lens halfway through the day can make a big difference in maintaining clear vision throughout.
Build a Consistent Routine
Once you establish a steady morning and evening routine, everything becomes easier. Clean, insert, wear, remove, disinfect, and repeat. Many people find comfort in following the same pattern every day, which minimizes mistakes and keeps the lenses in perfect condition.
Cleaning and Care Are The Foundation of Eye Health
Caring for scleral lenses is not just about cleanliness; it’s about protecting your vision long-term. Since these lenses cover a large surface area, any dirt, bacteria, or solution residue can quickly lead to discomfort or infection. Following a regular care routine ensures both hygiene and comfort.
Morning Routine
Start your day by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. Clean each lens with a lens conditioner, rinse with preservative-free saline, and fill it with sterile saline before placing it in your eye. Take your time to avoid trapping air bubbles under the lens, as these can cause blurry vision or discomfort.
Evening Routine
After removing the lenses, clean them using your daily cleaner or lens conditioner to remove deposits. Rinse them well and soak them overnight in a disinfecting solution for at least six hours. Always use a fresh solution each night and replace your storage case every few months to prevent bacterial growth.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Never rinse your lenses with tap water or skip your cleaning steps. Tap water can contain microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which may cause severe eye infections. Also, do not mix different brands of solution unless advised by your optometrist, as they may react and damage your lenses.
Adjusting Comfortably Over Time
The adaptation period for scleral lenses varies from person to person, but most people adjust within two to three weeks. During this period, it’s important to build up your wear time slowly and listen to your eyes.
Gradual Increase in Wear Time
Start by wearing the lenses for just a few hours a day, and gradually increase by one hour each day as your eyes adjust. Over time, you’ll be able to wear them comfortably for 8–12 hours without irritation.
Use Artificial Tears When Needed
If your eyes feel dry or tired, you can apply preservative-free artificial tears during the day. These drops keep the lens surface smooth and comfortable, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.
Take Breaks and Care for Your Eyes
Your eyes still need rest. Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless your optometrist has specifically recommended it. Taking short breaks, especially during long screen hours, helps reduce strain and dryness.
The Role of Follow-Up Visits and Eye Monitoring
Even if your vision feels perfect, regular checkups remain essential for long-term success. Keratoconus can progress silently, and early changes are easier to manage with timely adjustments.
Why Routine Visits Matter
Your optometrist examines your cornea, tear layer, and lens condition to ensure everything is healthy. They also check if your lens fit still provides the right clearance and oxygen flow. Small updates to your lens design can prevent future problems before they start.
Watching for Warning Signs
If you ever experience redness, pain, or sudden vision changes, remove your lenses and contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of dryness, poor fit, or early infection. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious issues later.
Final Thoughts
Wearing scleral lenses for keratoconus the first time can feel hard. It needs patience and practice. Every small mistake or spilled drop of saline helps you learn better. After a few weeks, it starts to feel normal and easy to wear them.
The main practices are patience, regular care, and following your doctor’s advice. Keep the same routine every day and give your eyes some time to adjust. Soon, you will see clearly and live without the blur that keratoconus once caused.
FAQs
How long does it take to get used to scleral lenses for keratoconus?
It usually takes about one to two weeks to get used to wearing scleral lenses. At first, your eyes may water or feel slightly irritated, but with daily wear, your comfort and confidence improve quickly.
Is it hard to put in scleral lenses for the first time?
Yes, it can be tricky at first. Many people take 20–30 minutes in the beginning, but after a few days of practice, most can insert and remove their lenses in just a few minutes. Using a mirror and good lighting helps a lot.
Can I wear scleral lenses all day?
Most wearers can wear them for 8–12 hours comfortably once their eyes adjust. However, it’s best to start with shorter wear times and slowly increase them as your eyes get used to the lenses.
What should I use to clean and store my scleral lenses?
Use preservative-free saline to fill the lenses and a hydrogen peroxide solution like Clear Care Plus for overnight cleaning. Always follow your optometrist’s cleaning instructions carefully to avoid eye irritation.
Do scleral lenses stop keratoconus from getting worse?
No, scleral lenses don’t stop the disease itself, but they greatly improve vision and protect the cornea from further damage by providing a smooth, clear surface for light to pass through.
Can I drive or work while wearing scleral lenses?
Yes, once you’re comfortable, you can drive, work, and do most daily tasks easily. In fact, many people say their vision with scleral lenses is clearer than with glasses or soft contacts.
What if my lenses feel cloudy or uncomfortable during the day?
Cloudiness is common at first. You can remove the lens, clean it, and refill it with fresh saline. If discomfort continues, contact your eye doctor to check if the fit needs adjusting.
How often should I visit my optometrist after getting scleral lenses?
You should have follow-ups every few weeks at first, then every 6–12 months. Regular visits help your doctor make sure the lenses fit well and your cornea stays healthy.
