Filling Solutions 101: Preservative‑Free Saline and Add‑Ins

Filling Solutions 101: Preservative-Free Saline and Add-Ins

For scleral lens wearers, the morning routine is a bit like preparing a tiny, personal spa for each eye. A pristine bowl of liquid comfort, a smooth landing of a perfectly polished lens, and voilà—clear, stable vision for the day. But behind this small masterpiece lies one of the most important choices in scleral lens care: What should you fill your lenses with?

At OC Optometry Group, we know that the right filling solution can make the difference between cloudless, buttery-smooth comfort and mid-day dryness that intrudes like an uninvited guest. So today, let’s take a deep dive into the elegant world of preservative-free saline and the intriguing realm of add-ins.

The Basics: Why Filling Solutions Matter

Scleral lenses rest on a gentle reservoir of fluid that acts as both cushion and hydration chamber. This liquid pocket protects the cornea, stabilizes tear film, and helps create that signature scleral clarity. But not just any liquid will do. Using the wrong solution may cause irritation, redness, dryness, or fogging that can turn an otherwise glorious visual experience into a challenge.

This is where the hero of our story enters: preservative-free saline.

Preservative-Free Saline: The Gold Standard

Imagine a solution so pure it practically hums with sterility. Preservative-free saline is just that—clean, gentle, and free of additives that could irritate delicate corneal tissue. Since scleral lenses trap fluid on the eye for hours, preservatives must be avoided at all costs. Even the mildest ones can become bothersome when sealed beneath a lens.

Preservative-free saline is:

• Safe for all-day wear

• Ideal for sensitive or dry eyes

• Compatible with all scleral lens materials

• Non-negotiable for anyone seeking optimal comfort

Whether it comes in single-use vials or sterile multi-dose bottles, this saline forms the foundation of healthy scleral lens wear.

Add-Ins: When a Little Extra Goes a Long Way

For some patients, saline alone doesn’t quite complete the picture. That’s when add-ins step into the spotlight—subtle enhancements that elevate the wearing experience.

Common add-ins include:

• Non-preserved artificial tears

A few drops mixed into your filling saline can provide extra lubrication for dry or sensitive corneas.

• Viscous tears or gel-like lubricants

These thicken the fluid reservoir, offering longer hydration and helping reduce mid-day fogging.

• Specialty drops recommended by your optometrist

Especially useful for those with ocular surface disease, post-LASIK dryness, or chronic sensitivities.

Think of add-ins as the garnish to your visual masterpiece—not always necessary, but sometimes delightfully transformative.

How to Know What’s Right for You

Each pair of eyes tells a different story, and your filling routine should be customized to yours. If you experience blur, fogging, dryness, or discomfort, your optometrist may recommend adjusting your solution recipe. Sometimes all it takes is a single drop of the right add-in to make your scleral lenses feel luxurious again.

A Clear, Comfortable Future Awaits

Your filling solution is more than a step in your routine—it’s the foundation of your entire scleral lens experience. At OC Optometry Group, we’re here to help you choose wisely, mix artfully, and wear comfortably. After all, your eyes deserve nothing less than hydration elegance.

Author

Alejandro Gallego Having joined us in 2025, Alejandro has quickly shown his adaptability and commitment. Knowing the importance of our practice as he has had several years of experience in other healthcare areas. Efforts to excellence are evident from day one. We’re excited to support him as he continues to grow within our organization.