Your Summer Guide to Scleral Lens Success

Summer brings sunshine, pools, beaches, and outdoor adventures. But, it can also introduce new challenges for scleral lens wearers. Heat, water exposure, sunscreen, dry environments, and increased outdoor activities can all impact lens comfort and eye health. 

These simple tips can keep your eyes comfortable and your lenses performing their best all summer long! 

1. Keep Your Lenses Extra Clean During Summer Activities 

Summer often means more sweat, sunscreen, dust, pollen and outdoor exposure, all of which can end up on your lenses. Proper and consistent hand and lens hygiene is crucial during warmer months. 

Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses, especially after applying sunscreen or bug spray. Follow your practitioner’s recommended cleaning and disinfection routine. Don’t forget; avoid exposing lenses to tap water! 

For patients with lenses with the Tangible Hydra-PEG coating, choosing compatible care products is especially important. Harsh cleaners containing alcohol-based ingredients or abrasive surfactants may reduce the coating performance over time. Many practitioners recommend specialty lens compatible products like Tangible Clean. Tangible Clean is designed to support both coated and non-coated lenses while helping to maintain lens wettability and comfort. 

2. Protect Your Eyes from Sun, Wind, and UV Exposure

Scleral lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses. Even if your lenses include UV-blocking properties, your eyes need protection from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Quality sunglasses with full UV protection can help shield your eyes from UV exposure, wind, dust, and environmental irritants that may contribute to dryness and discomfort during summer activities. Protecting your eyes may also help reduce tear evaporation and improve overall lens comfort on those hot or windy days. 

3. Be Careful Around Pools, Lakes, and the Ocean

Swimming with scleral lenses is generally not recommended. Water from pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs can expose lenses to harmful microorganisms and increase the risk of serious eye infections. 

If you expect to be around water:

• Remove your lenses whenever possible
• Wear swim goggles (prescription goggles are available)
• Never rinse lenses or cases in tap water
• Replace MPS solution in your case and clean lenses thoroughly after an accidental water exposure. 

4. Travel Smart with Your Scleral Lens Supplies

Traveling with scleral lenses requires a little extra preparation, especially during busy summer trips. 

Always pack:

• Extra preservative-free saline
• Daily cleaning solutions like Tangible Clean
• Lens applicators and removers
• Backup lenses if available
• A clean case

Keep supplies in your carry-on bag instead of checked luggage if possible. 

Airplane cabins, hotel air conditioning, and hot climates can sometimes increase dry eye symptoms. Using preservative-free saline like Tangible Fill and staying hydrated may help maintain moisture while traveling.

5. Don’t Forget Your Case and Accessories

Lens care goes beyond the lenses themselves. Cases, applicators, and removers can collect bacteria, debris, and biofilm if not cleaned properly.

During summer travel and outdoor activities, accessories may be exposed to additional contaminants, making routine cleaning even more important. 

To help maintain your eye health and lens performance:

• Rinse your case with your MPS and air dry daily
• Replace your case and application/removal tools regularly
• Avoid “topping off” old solution
• Never use tap water with lenses or accessories

Healthy lens habits can make a major difference in comfort, clarity, and long term success. With a little planning and the right care routine, scleral lenses can help you enjoy all your favorite summer activities comfortably and confidently.