Common Scleral Lens Issues in Summer (and Solutions)

Common Scleral Lens Issues in Summer (and Solutions)

Summer is a curious little season. It arrives with the confidence of a grand orchestra—sunlight spilling generously across sidewalks, beach towels unfurling like ceremonial banners, and invitations to swim, travel, and linger outdoors appearing as if by magic. It is a season of movement, spontaneity, and warmth.
 

Yet for scleral lens wearers, summer occasionally carries a few mischievous surprises hidden beneath its bright and cheerful costume.
 

Scleral lenses are extraordinary companions for individuals with conditions such as dry eye, keratoconus, irregular corneas, or those seeking exceptional visual comfort. Their design creates a fluid reservoir between the eye and the lens surface, offering both protection and crisp vision. But summer's unique environmental elements can sometimes disrupt that elegant balance.
 

Fortunately, nearly every seasonal challenge comes with an equally practical solution.
 

Issue #1: Dryness from Air Conditioning and Heat

Summer often presents us with a curious contradiction. Outdoors, temperatures soar. Indoors, air conditioning works tirelessly to create cool sanctuaries. While refreshing for people, conditioned air can be less delightful for eyes.
 

Extended exposure to air conditioning, ceiling fans, or hot dry weather may increase evaporation around the eyes and reduce lens comfort. Some scleral lens wearers notice symptoms such as:
 

• Mild irritation
• Lens awareness
• Dry or tired eyes
• Fluctuating vision later in the day

Solution:

Hydration becomes something of an art during summer.
 

Drink adequate water throughout the day and consider preservative-free lubricating drops if recommended by your eye care provider. Taking brief breaks from screens can also help restore natural blinking patterns. Sometimes the smallest habits perform the grandest tricks.
 

Issue #2: Debris and Allergens Finding Their Way In

Summer pollen has a personality all its own. Add beach sand, dust, wind, and outdoor activities, and the season suddenly becomes a rather enthusiastic host for airborne particles.
 

Even though scleral lenses provide a protective barrier, environmental irritants may still affect comfort. Some individuals experience itching, irritation, redness, or blurred vision after prolonged outdoor exposure.
 

Solution:

Sunglasses become more than a fashionable accessory—they become protective allies.
 

Wraparound sunglasses may help reduce exposure to wind and airborne debris. Additionally, maintaining a careful lens cleaning routine is essential. Proper daily cleaning and disinfecting can help keep lenses comfortable and clear.
 

Issue #3: Fogging During Hot Summer Days

Midday summer heat occasionally creates an unwelcome phenomenon known as midday fogging. Lens wearers may notice cloudy or hazy vision developing after several hours of wear.
 

This can occur due to tear film debris, oils, inflammatory particles, or environmental factors collecting beneath the lens.
 

Solution:

Sometimes the answer is refreshingly simple.
 

Removing the lens, cleaning it properly, and refilling it with fresh sterile saline before reinsertion may restore clarity. In some cases, persistent fogging may indicate that lens fit adjustments are needed.
 

Think of it as tailoring for your eyes: even beautifully designed garments occasionally benefit from a refined adjustment.
 

Issue #4: Swimming and Water Exposure

Summer and water seem inseparable companions. Pools shimmer invitingly, ocean waves call from a distance, and spontaneous water activities become part of the season's rhythm.
 

However, scleral lenses and water generally do not make ideal partners.
 

Swimming while wearing contact lenses may increase the risk of irritation, contamination, or infection because water can contain microorganisms and other contaminants.
 

Solution:

Whenever possible, avoid exposing scleral lenses to water.
 

If swimming is unavoidable, discuss protective strategies with your eye care provider. Prescription goggles may be an excellent option for many patients who want clear vision without compromising eye health.
 

Issue #5: Travel Interruptions and Forgotten Supplies

Summer adventures frequently include road trips, flights, and weekends spent somewhere delightfully unfamiliar. Unfortunately, travel has a habit of exposing forgotten routines.
 

Missing saline solution, lens cases, plungers, or cleaning products can quickly turn an enjoyable trip into an inconvenient one.
 

Solution:

Create a dedicated scleral lens travel kit before departure. Include:
 

• Extra saline solution
• Cleaning products
• Backup supplies
• Lens case
• Inserter and remover tools

Preparation may not sound glamorous, but it often creates the smoothest journeys.
 

At University Optometric Center, we believe summer should be remembered for sunsets, celebrations, and memorable adventures—not discomfort or interrupted vision. If your scleral lenses have become less comfortable, if fogging persists, or if you simply want to ensure your fit remains optimal, our team is here to help you enjoy every bright and beautiful moment the season offers.
 

Contact our office in Irvine or Newport Beach at (949)-854-7122 or (949) 476-2870 to book an appointment.