My Eyecare Routine
Eye Care Routine
Welcome to another Everything Keratoconus segment!
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzHYHkN1wOw
The heading says it all. In this post I’ll discuss:
1. How I care for my Scleral Lenses,
2. What products I use for storing, cleaning and insertion,
3. Where I get my tools, and much more.
At first, I thought about posting a video illustrating and talking about this topic, but jeez – looouise! My voice sounds awful on camera. Yikes.
However, if you all really want a step-by-step video version I may reconsider my decision and post the video. For now you’ll have the written version.
So without further ado, let’s dive into it.
Being dependent on my Scleral lenses/contact lenses in general for sight can put a strain on the eyes because the eyes aren’t getting that much oxygen as it should. This is why having a proper eye care routine should be established to reduce the risk of causing further harm to the eyes. Although our eyes are weaker than others, there are some ways we can help strengthen them so that they can push through the days.
This means the following:
Taking Vitamins and supplements which focus on strengthening the health of the eyes,
cleaning your contacts carefully, and ensuring that your contact lens case is cleaned daily. say NO to germs,
For those with extremely dry eyes like myself, whenever your hard lenses feel like the saline has dried up, find a clean clean area, pull out your ‘ECLK’ (Emergency Contact Lens Kit)*, and refill those bad boys.
Most importantly give your eyes a break from the contact lenses now and again. Although, I am very dependent on my lenses, there are days my eyes need a day or two or three without the lenses just to breathe.
* ECLK is a kit you’ll take with you everywhere! You never know when your hard contact lenses may ‘act de damn fool.’ Within the kit you’ll have a few saline vials, DMV Inserter and remover, lens case, a travel-size mirror and/or lubricant eye gel etc. Don’t have a ECLK… first of all i’m appalled, secondly; go and get one! lol..
Contact Lens Cleaning, Storage and insertion
Since I purchase most of my products online; I’ll leave links below of all the products! I told you guys from the beginning that “I gotchu!”
Products I use:
0.9% Sodium Chloride by Braun **
Travel case/mirror ( personal preference)
Sounds like a lot?! Yeah, I know because it’s a lot. I’ve said before and i’ll say it again “Keratoconus is so beeping expensive” - bruhh.
Don’t worry I’ll break it all down.
Removal:
After full wear of my Scleral lenses, it’s time to free my eyeballs and remove any built-up debris on the lenses. When doing this I like to sit at a clean table or use a bathroom with a wide countertop.
I stopped taking my contacts out over the sink; Let’s just say I’ve learnt from past experiences - complete nightmare.
It’s a good idea to also position it in a place where there’s good lighting, to help with the removal of the lenses. Also ensure that those filthy hands are thoroughly washed with a mild soap or an antibacterial hand wash, then dry with a lint-free towel.
Now it’s removal time! I normally start with my right eye (the worse eye) :
I take the DMV Removal tool (#9) add one drop of the saline (#4), then take the free hand I gently spread my eyelids apart and place the DMV remover on the bottom corner of the lens gently pulling. Don’t “yank it”… just be gentle. There are times when the DMV tool may get stuck onto the hard lens, try not to panic out. If this happens blink a few times slowly and it’ll fall out. Take a breath, add a few more drops of saline to the tool, and try again.
After the lens is out of my eye, I place it in the palm of my hand, then add a few drops of Bausch and Lomb Simplus Solution (#1) into the bowl of the lens and using my index finger I’ll gently rub/spread the solution around the lens, then I’ll flip the lens and wipe the outside.
Afterward, it’s time to rinse. “Rinse with what Shakeila, you may ask.
You'‘ll be rinsing with the Purilens Saline (#4). Picks up Microphone “Do Not - I repeat DO NOT rinse your lenses with tap water. I don’t care if you say
“ThE wAtEr iN mY CoUntRY iS tHe BeSt iN tHE UniVersE...” Don’t do it!
Now that we have that out of the way. After rinsing with (#4) properly, I then place it into your contact lens case and finally add the Bausch and Lomb Conditioning Solution. It’s then covered and I'm onto the next eye, repeating the same steps.
Note: Once or twice a week, instead of using the Bausch and Lomb Simplus (#1), I replace that item with the Bausch and Lomb Cleanser (#3) this is stronger to better help remove any major build-up of protein and debris. Then follow the other steps as normal.
Insertion Process:
It’s now time to see the beautiful world again and see all my imperfections once more - Yay! I head back to the little desk with my hands freshly washed, of course.
For the insertion process, I normally start with inserting the contacts into the left eye (better eye), this is strange but it works for me. I lightly rinse the Scleral lens with the Purilens (#4) then place it onto the DMV insertion tool (#10).
Then I add two drops of the Refresh Celluvisc (#7) into the bowl of the lens. Then fill the remainder of the bowl with the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Saline. After ensuring there are no bubbles into the bowl of the lens, I tilt my head forward looking into the mirror that’s placed flat on top of the desk. Using my free-hand I gently spread my eyelids apart, opening my eyes as wide as possible for easier insertion. I carefully move the DMV insertion tool (#10) closer to my eyeball and place the contact in. I remove the tool and blink a few times. Then using the mirror I inspect my eye for any bubbles that may have formed.
Once everything looks fine and vision is good, I proceed to the next eye by repeating the same steps.
Tip: Before insertion always ensure that your eyes aren’t red or irritated. If your eyes are irritated don’t put your contacts in. It’ll only do more harm than good.
Eye Care
On a daily, after breakfast and after dinner I take my Lutigold Lutein softgels. Occasionally, I may take Fish Oil Softgels as well. After the removal process, especially if I’ve had a long day I will use Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops OR TheraTears Eye Drops - actually, I love these lubricant eye drops, and a heat compress eye mask - cliiiimax LOL!
Sometimes I take a hot compress eye mash and place it over my eyes. It really helps and in the morning I use a cold compress (some days if I really need it.
Some additional things I do
I sleep with satin pillowcases and/or wear my silk eye mask. I suffer from terrible allergies, so to prevent my eyes from puffing up like a puffer fish, I use the silk/satin material to prevent this from occurring.
Don’t forget my fellow KC’er our eyes should be cared for properly. Get your rest when you need it, if you’re trying any new products and skeptical about it, you can always seek advice from your Ophthalmologist / Optometrist.
Hopefully this was helpful, if you have any further questions, leave them in the comment section or you can shoot me an e-mail! We are all family here :)
Stay safe Luvs! x
