Read below to see our tips for getting rid of the fog!
Scleral lenses have revolutionised the treatment of certain eye conditions like keratoconus, dry eye, corneal transplants, and post-LASIK complications. These lenses are designed to rest on the white part of the eye (sclera) and vault over the cornea, creating a tear-filled space that helps protect and moisturise the surface of the eye.
However, the fitting process for scleral lenses can be more complex than that of traditional contact lenses, and they can come with their own set of complications, including fogging. Fogging occurs when the natural tears in our eyes replace the saline solution under the lens, leading to blurry vision throughout the day.
One of the most common causes of fogging is poor alignment of the lens with the eye, which allows “dirtier” tears to seep in and cloud vision. While some eye conditions may always have a little fogging, there are steps you can take to minimise it.
Here are five tips to help reduce the likelihood of fogging when using scleral lenses:
- Optometrists who specialise in fitting scleral lenses often have a vast range of diagnostic tools available to help ensure the lens is perfectly aligned with your eye. Allow your optometrist time during the fitting process to assess the alignment of the edges with your eye. These edges can be tightened or loosened by our design, and it is an extremely common change that is made to almost all of our patients’ designs. By optimising the alignment, the lens is better positioned to help prevent fogging. A customised freeform back surface design may improve fogging issues compared to a traditional standard design scleral lens.
- If you have underlying dry eye or allergies, it is crucial to treat these conditions before using scleral lenses. This can help ensure that your tear film is as clear as possible, reducing the chance of fogging. Your optometrist can provide treatment recommendations that can help manage these conditions.
- Before inserting your scleral lenses in the morning, rinse out your eyes with artificial tears or saline. This helps clear away any debris that may be trapped under the lens and cause fogging of the lenses. Make sure to use a preservative-free artificial tear, as preservatives can damage the lens and irritate your eyes.
- Adding a few drops of a preservative-free artificial tear, such as Celluvisc 1%, into the bowl of the scleral lens prior to filling it with saline solution can help prevent fogging. The higher viscosity of the artificial tear creates a barrier so that even when the tears come under the lens, they don’t go in front of the vision.
- If you experience fogging in the middle of the day, you can remove your lenses, rinse them with saline, refill with saline, and re-insert them. This can help clear away any debris that may have accumulated under the lens throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can help minimise fogging and enjoy the benefits of clear, comfortable vision with scleral lenses. If you experience persistent fogging or any other issues with your scleral lenses, make sure to consult with your optometrist as soon as possible.