Make sure you see the lenses before you take them home. Do they have any identifying characteristics that you need to understand? Examples:

• Left/right dots

• Left/right color differences

• Orientation dots

You should have access to the following information about your sclerals:

• Brand

• Diameter: You may need this information to determine whether a given contact lens case is safe for your lenses.

• Left vs right lens identifiers: typical is 1 dot for right, 2 dots for left; for some people, there is a dot on one lens only; and for others, one lens may have a slight blue tint.)

• Orientation dots: If your sclerals have orientation dots, you need to know if you should apply them with the dots at 12 o’clock or 6 o’clock.

• Coating: are your sclerals Tangible Hydra-PEG coated? This has implications for the cleaning solutions you can use.

A kit with all essential supplies is usually provided to new scleral lens users. It is important that you know what each item is, how long it’s likely to last and where you will need to purchase more, so that you can get more before you have used up the items in the kit.

• You should have a list of every item required to handle and care for your lenses, particularly application and removal devices and insertion, cleaning and disinfection solutions.

• Internet shopping for medical supplies is precarious due to the increase of unsafe distributors and counterfeit products. If your provider does not provide you with a supplier list, ask for recommendations. If your provider suggests Amazon, make sure you purchase exclusively from the manufacturer’s own Amazon store.

• There may be times when you cannot procure the recommended solution due to backorders or product discontinuations. If you are only given one option for a particular type of solution, ask for at least one safe alternative.

By now, you should have been thoroughly trained in lens application and removal.

However, when you take your lenses home for the first time, it’s not in the least unusual to panic and forget everything!

Having every step written down in black and white can make all the difference to your confidence and comfort.

As a matter of essential safety, you need clear written instructions indicating which solution is to be used for which step in your scleral lens use and care. Do not leave without written instructions, even if you have to simply ask questions and write down the answers yourself.

You will have questions. Things will come up.

You must have a specific point of contact - a name and phone number, and/or an email address, of a responsible person, whether your provider, a technician, or another staff member who has access to them.