What is the Best Scleral Lens Filling Solution?
If you use scleral lenses, understanding the role of filling solutions is crucial. Scleral lenses need a special filling solution in the bowl before insertion. Scleral lens filling solution acts as a cushion between your eye and the lens. It ensures a comfortable fit and maintains eye health. Whether you are new or experienced, knowing this helps your daily lens routine.
The Importance of Filling Solutions in Scleral Lens Wear
Filling solutions are not just a comfort enhancer but a necessity for scleral lens users. When you place a scleral lens on your eye, the solution in the lens bowl creates a thin layer of liquid that helps correct your vision by smoothing out irregularities on the surface of your eye. This makes scleral lenses a great option for those with keratoconus or severe dry eyes. The right filling solution can mean the difference between a day of clear, comfortable vision and one filled with irritation and discomfort.
Why Choose Preservative-Free Solutions
When it comes to scleral lens filling solution, using a preservative-free option is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. The unique design of scleral lenses covers a larger portion of the eye and creates a sealed area over the cornea. This design holds any substance in the lens bowl in close contact with the eye for extended periods. Preservatives found in some eye care products can be harmful in this context, potentially causing irritation, discomfort, or even damage to the eye’s surface.
Preservative-free solutions mimic natural tears and provide a safe and comfortable environment for your eyes without risking irritation. This makes them an essential choice for anyone using scleral lenses.
FDA-Approved Solutions: Safety and Effectiveness
When you pick a filling solution, you can choose from several reliable FDA-approved products. These solutions meet high safety and effectiveness standards because experts have tested and approved them specifically for use with scleral lenses.
- Lacripure (Menicon): Designed for rinsing and filling scleral lenses prior to insertion, Lacripure is a unit-dose, non-preserved, 0.9% NaCl (normal saline) solution. Each 5ml vial of sterile, non-preserved saline ensures safety and convenience, providing a safer alternative to tap water rinsing.
- ScleralFil (Bausch + Lomb): ScleralFil is a sterile, preservative-free, and buffered saline solution containing boric acid, sodium borate, and sodium chloride in purified water. It is specifically designed for inserting and rinsing scleral lenses without preservatives or mercury-containing ingredients like chlorhexidine and thimerosal. Each box contains 30 single-use, 10-mL vials.
- Nutrifill (Contamac): Nutrifill is a preservative-free lens insertion solution designed for scleral lens wearers, with a pH (7.4) and osmolality (300) that simulate natural tears. It contains five essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate) to mimic natural tear film, minimizing potential corneal stress and promoting a healthier ocular environment. Nutrifill is available in 35 single-use 10ml ampules for direct patient purchase or wholesale for practitioners.
Off-Label Options: Addipak and Purilens Plus
Preservative-free solutions mimic natural tears and provide a safe, comfortable environment for your eyes without risking irritation. Many eye care professionals also consider off-label options like Addipak 0.9% NaCl and Purilens Plus safe and effective, even though the FDA has not specifically approved them for scleral use.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Remember, the maintenance of your filling solution is as important as your choice. For saline vials, discard them after each use to maintain hygiene. For bottle solutions, follow the disposal timeline indicated on the bottle to ensure the solution remains safe to use.
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Your Vision, Our Commitment
At Compton Eye Associates, we’re committed to providing you with the best eye care solutions tailored to your needs. Understanding filling solutions is just the first step. We’re here to guide you through every aspect of scleral lens care, ensuring you achieve the best vision and comfort.
Interested in learning more about scleral lenses and the right filling solution for you? Call us at 800-936-0036 or schedule an appointment with Compton Eye Associates. Let us be your partners in clear and comfortable vision!