A scleral lens is wider than the opening between relaxed lids, so a firm hold on both lids matters. Here's how to get one.
By the Scleral Lens Team · Updated October 2, 2026 · 1 published source cited
The short answer
Dry your hands completely, hold each lid right at the base of the lashes, and keep holding until the lens has settled. Use your non-dominant hand for both lids, or one finger from each hand if that's easier. If they still slip, an insertion stand frees up both hands.
Before you start
Time: A few seconds to reset your grip.
Clean, completely dry hands
A lint-free towel
Step by step
1
Dry your hands completely
Wet fingers slide. Dry them with a lint-free towel after washing, and again if saline gets on them.
2
Upper lid: at the lashes
Place a fingertip at the base of the upper lashes and draw the lid up against the brow bone.
3
Lower lid: at the lashes
Place a fingertip at the base of the lower lashes and draw the lid down against the cheekbone.
4
Hold both until the lens settles
Don't let go as the saline touches your eye. Release only after the lens is on and the inserter is back.
5
Try a two-hand hold if needed
Some people hold the upper lid with the non-dominant hand and the lower lid with a free finger of the hand holding the inserter. Find what's steady for you.
These are general steps. If your fitter taught you differently, follow your fitter: your lens and eyes are theirs to know. Print the mirror cards to keep by your sink.
Why the grip matters
A scleral lens is wide: it rests on the white of the eye, beyond the edge of the cornea. To get it in, both lids need to be held back far enough for the lens to pass, and held there until it settles.
Clean, dry hands
Wash with plain soap and dry completely before you handle your lenses.[1] Dry hands are cleaner, and they also grip much better.
Common mistakes
Holding the lids too far from the lashes, where they can roll back over your fingers.
Wet or lotiony fingers.
Letting go the moment the saline touches.
Common questions
Is an insertion stand worth it?
For some people, yes. A stand holds the lens so both hands can hold the lids. Ask your fitter whether it suits you.
My lids are tight and hard to hold open. Is that unusual?
Lid tension varies from person to person. If you're struggling after a couple of weeks of practice, mention it to your fitter: lens size and tools can both make a difference.
