Vision Therapy in Ocala

How to Insert & Care for Your Scleral Lenses

(352) 512-0560

Scleral Lenses Candidates

Navigating the world of scleral lenses is vital in ensuring your eye health and optimal vision. At Eye Care Center of Ocala, we are committed to providing thorough training to help you effectively insert, remove, and maintain your scleral lenses. Below is a comprehensive guide designed to make your scleral lens experience seamless.

woman putting in contact


Inserting Scleral Lenses

1. Clean Hands: The process begins with a thorough hand washing. Use mild soap and a lint-free towel to dry your hands. This step is essential to prevent tiny fibers or contaminants from adhering to your lenses.

2. Eye Examination: Before inserting your lenses, examining your eyes for any redness or secretions is essential. If you experience any discomfort or changes in vision while wearing scleral lenses, don't hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an eye exam.

3. Follow Professional Guidance: The experienced scleral lens team at Eye Care Center of Ocala will provide specific instructions on the best insertion techniques during your visit to our clinic. Here's a general guideline:

  • Place a mirror flat on the table in front of you.
  • Examine the cleaned lens for any debris or cloudiness by holding it against the light.
  • Fill the lens bowl with your saline solution.
  • You can use your fingers or a specialized inserter tool for lens insertion. If you opt for using your fingers, the tripod method (employing two or three fingers) ensures stability and a flat lens placement on your eye.
  • Focus your gaze downward into the mirror, use one hand to hold your eyelids open, and gently insert the lens into your eye using your other hand. When you feel the saline against your eye’s surface, gently press and release. The lens will adhere  to your eye. Repeat the same process for the second lens.

If you experience discomfort, it could be due to an air bubble trapped beneath the lens surface. In such cases, remove the lens and reinsert it following the guidelines.


woman putting in contact

Tips for Removing Scleral Lenses

Clean Hands: After thoroughly washing your hands, look straight ahead. There are two methods for removing scleral lenses:

  1. Using Your Fingers: Gently press on your eye and pull the lens upward and out.
  2. Using a Plunger: Attach the plunger to the lower third of the lens, gently press on your eye, and then pull the lens upward and out. With practice, lens removal will become natural and effortless.

General Tips for Scleral Contact Lens Care

Scleral contact lenses are an innovative solution for various eye conditions, but their maintenance is crucial for your eye health and visual comfort. Here are some essential tips to ensure proper care:

Follow Your Optometrist's Instructions: Abide by your eye care professional's recommendations for lens cleaning, disinfecting, and storage solutions.

Proper Lens Insertion: When inserting lenses, ensure they are debris-free.

Adequate Lubrication: Use lubricating eye drops or preservative-free artificial tears to maintain eye moisture while wearing scleral lenses.

Regular Cleaning: Clean your lenses daily with the prescribed cleaning solutions. Rub and rinse them to remove any debris or deposits.

Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine follow-up appointments with Eye Care Center of Ocala to monitor your eye health and lens fit.

Hydrogen Peroxide Care: If you use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system, ensure the lenses soak for the recommended duration before insertion.

Minimize Water Exposure: Avoid exposing your lenses to water, including swimming or showering while wearing them.

Avoid Overwearing: Stick to the recommended wearing time, especially if you're new to scleral lenses. Follow your optometrist's instructions for gradually increasing wear.

Replace Accessories: Replace your lens case regularly and follow care instructions to avoid contamination.

Emergency Removal Kit: Keep a lens removal kit with a plunger, spare lenses, and necessary accessories for unexpected situations.

Cleanliness: Maintain a clean lens storage case. Rinse it with saline and leave it open to air dry during the day.

Travel Precautions: When traveling, ensure you have all the necessary lens care items and spare lenses, and follow security regulations for carrying liquids.

Never Use Tap Water: Always avoid rinsing your lenses with tap water to avoid dangerous pathogens that can cause corneal ulceration leading to permanent vision loss.  

Proper care and maintenance of your scleral lenses are essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Always follow your optometrist's guidance for the best practices tailored to your needs.

Patient Reviews
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998 Reviews
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- Aug. 27, 2025
My visit here was fantastic from the moment I walked in and throughout my whole appointment. Alex wa... s my eye tech. She was very professional, friendly and made me feel very comfortable during all of my testing. She explained each test in detail which I appreciated! Doctor Castello is extremely nice and took his time to explain everything in detail regarding my test results. Check out was a breeze with Courtney. She is so pleasant! I am so very happy and grateful to have such a wonderful place to come to for my eye care. They really do make you feel like family. Thank you eye care center of Ocala!
- Aug. 21, 2025
I’m very happy that I found this facility! Alex and Dr. Castello were both very friendly and help... ful. The wait time was minimal and it was easy to get in to be seen. I highly recommend Eye Care Center of Ocala.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Excellent service.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Went last week and Christina was very helpful and super friendly thank you!
- Aug. 19, 2025
Very clean, the people are friendly. I don’t wear contacts or glasses but go for my yearly checkup... here. Yesterday Alex did my exam and was very friendly and efficient. I would recommend this office.
- Aug. 15, 2025
For twenty years I have battled an eye condition and worked in customer service. I have visited many... eye doctors and clinics. Without any hesitation I can say I wish there something greater than a five star rating. From the moment I walked in I was treated like I truly mattered, and not like my name was there to just fill an appointment slot. Each step was efficient, but I was not rushed. Alex took my information. She looked me in the eye's and LISTENED. She was professional and compassionate. It was clear she takes pride in her profession. In a very short time Dr. Castello came in and treated me like I was the most important person in the world. He didn't rush. He was interested and focused. All doctors have many years of training, but what Dr. Castello and the whole staff have is something that can't be trained. They have humanity. They treat others the same way they would want to be treated.
- Aug. 15, 2025
It was refreshing to come across a kind eye technician (Gailyn). Extremely helpful and knowledgeable... .
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had an outstanding experience with Eye Care Center of Ocala on 08-13-25. Had follow up visit after ... my surgery with Dr. Castello and Alex. Both were exceptional with my eye care. Their attention to detail, compassion and concern for my eyes made me feel grateful I had found them. The entire staff was wonderful from the moment I walked in right up to the time I left. If you are looking for exceptional eye care I highly recommend Eye Care Center and wished I had been going there all along. Penny assisted me with finding the perfect glasses from previous visit. Very patient and kind. Service is the best and has been every time I walked thru the door.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My Tech Gailyn was perfect very knowledgeable and she was incredibly helpful
- Aug. 14, 2025
The Eye Care Center of Ocala does an amazing job! Alex has always been amazing when doing my exam. D... r. Castello is very knowledgeable and takes time to answer any concerns I have about my eyesight.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great first experience, very clean office and attentive care from Christine. All my question... s answered and eye health fully assessed.
- Aug. 14, 2025
Great staff and Alex is awesome!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had an amazing experience with Christine, ophthalmology technician, during my visit. From the mome... nt I walked in, she made me feel completely at ease, explaining every step of the process with patience and care. It was clear she genuinely wanted to ensure I understood everything about my eye health, and their warm demeanor made the whole experience so much more comfortable. It’s rare to come across someone so professional yet so kind, and I really appreciated the personal touch they brought to my appointment. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had a great experience. Christine was great at helping me and very nice. These guys are one of a kin... d. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2025
i was helped by gailyn. superb service. would definitely go again.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My experience here was amazing! The whole staff was excellent, specifically the tech Gailyn. She was... so accommodating and patient with me, was very thorough and explained everything clearly. High recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I flew in all the way from New York, and Gailyn was one of the first encounters. The team is amazing... . When I tell you great service is an understatement. This place does wonders, just stop what you’re doing and go to Eye Care Center of Ocala. They don’t disappoint!
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit the establishment was clean and the process fast very efficient! The Tech I had Gail... yn was very accommodating and answered all my questions 10/10 would recommend
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit, Gailyn was a terrific tech. Her kindness throughout the visit made me feel comforta... ble with my decision making of my eye wear. I will definitely be returning in the future.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great experience at this office. The service was professional and efficient, and I especiall... y want to thank the tech, Gailyn. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. She explained everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience. It’s rare to find someone who combines skill with such a warm attitude, and Gailyn truly made my visit a positive one. Highly recommend this office and their staff!

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Scleral Lenses in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Photograph of Lauren  Chermak
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross