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What Is a Scleral Lens Cleaner?

Scleral lens cleaner is a specialized solution designed to remove debris, proteins, and lipids from the surface of large diameter, rigid gas permeable lenses. Proper cleaning is essential because these lenses cover the entire cornea and must remain perfectly clear to provide the high definition vision patients expect.

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What Is a Scleral Lens Cleaner?

Scleral lens cleaner is a specialized solution designed to remove debris, proteins, and lipids from the surface of large diameter, rigid gas permeable lenses. Proper cleaning is essential because these lenses cover the entire cornea and must remain perfectly clear to provide the high definition vision patients expect.

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Why is a daily rub cleaner so important?

Scleral lenses are made of materials that can attract stubborn deposits. A daily cleaner is necessary to break down oily lipid films from the eyelids, remove protein deposits that cause foggy vision, and prevent the buildup of biofilm that can harbor harmful bacteria.

What is the safest way to clean a scleral lens?

Always start with clean, dry hands. Place the lens in your palm, add a few drops of cleaner, and use your pinky finger to gently rub the surface in a circular motion. This physical friction is the most effective way to ensure the lens surface stays clear and wettable.

Can I use tap water to rinse off the cleaner?

Absolutely not. Tap water is not sterile and contains parasites like Acanthamoeba. These organisms can get trapped behind the scleral lens and cause devastating corneal ulcers. Only use sterile saline to rinse your lenses after cleaning.

How do you protect specialized lens coatings?

Many scleral lenses have a Hydra-PEG coating to improve comfort. You must use PEG safe cleaners that do not contain abrasive particles or alcohol, as these will strip the coating away and lead to immediate lens discomfort and dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Lens Cleaners

Can I use soft lens solution?

No. Soft lens solutions are not strong enough to remove the types of deposits that form on rigid gas permeable materials. You need a cleaner specifically for RGP or scleral lenses.

How often should I clean my lenses?

Every single day. Leaving deposits on the lens overnight allows them to harden, making them much harder to remove and increasing the risk of eye irritation the next day.

Is a rub step necessary?

Yes. Most scleral experts agree that a manual rub is the gold standard for hygiene. It ensures that the lens is physically clean before it goes into the disinfection soak.

References

1. Scleral Lens Care Guide. Scleral Lens Education Society. https://sclerallens.org/for-patients-2/scleral-lens-care-guide/. Accessed February 9, 2026.

2. Scleral Lens Hygiene and Care. Journal of Contact Lens Research and Science. https://jclrs.org/index.php/JCLRS/article/view/20. Accessed February 9, 2026.

3. Handling and care of scleral contact lenses. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/handling-and-care-scleral-contact-lenses-ghpi0587/. Accessed February 9, 2026.

4. Therapeutic uses of scleral contact lenses for ocular surface disease. Patient Management and Clinical Practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6181806/. Accessed February 9, 2026.

5. Clinical Contact Lens Practice. Bennett ES, Weissman BA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015.