NAVAO

Scleral Lens Disinfection Update from Scleral Lens Education Society

Mar 11, 2020 | Optometry HQ Announcements

In response to the effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, we remind all practitioners proper scleral lens disinfection and hygiene techniques.

Scleral Lens In-Office Disinfection Recommendations
The SLS current guidelines for scleral lens diagnostic set disinfection are developed based on standards set by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Current SLS recommendations for in-office SL disinfection (for practitioners):

  • Scleral lenses should be disinfected after each patient encounter.
  • Recommended disinfection is 3-hours soaking in 3% H2O2* approved for use with contact lenses, without the neutralization disc. Then rinse with multi-purpose GP cleaner and store dry.
  • Contact lens storage cases should be replaced every 3 months.

*Note: Heat disinfection is NOT recommended with rigid GP materials.
Patient at-home Disinfection Recommendations
Current SLS recommendations for daily disinfection of SL (for patients):

  • Hand-washing with rubbing for at least 25 seconds prior to scleral lens handling.
  • Lenses should be removed and disinfected nightly. Do NOT sleep in scleral lenses.
  • Case and lens application tools should be rinsed, towel dried and left in open space to dry after each use, and replaced monthly.

Click here for CDC’s healthy contact lens habits

Click here for current CDC info regarding COVID-19

Click here for AOA Policy for Disinfection of Multi-Patient Contact Lenses in the Clinical Setting