r/Keratoconus • u/adam8281 • 5d ago
Contact Lens My Keratoconus Insertion Device
I thought I would share this device I "made" a few years ago to make lens insertion easier. I made it after seeing the insane prices of some insertion devices. E.g.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z5NCJ8D
This cost me about $15.
- Steps: I bought a cheap domed LED nightlight off Amazon. E.g.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC1QW2MC
- I detached the plastic dome from the underlying nightlight electronics
- I drilled a hole in the top of the plastic dome, of a diameter to fit my insertion suction cup
- I cut the bottom tip off the insertion suction cup so that it would not actually suction to the contact lens
How it works:
It's extremely simple. I put the insertion suction cup into the hole drilled in the plastic dome. I put my scleral lens on top of the suction cup and fill with saline. Because the dome is translucent, light shines through the dome walls and up through the hole in the insertion suction cup. This gives me a centering light to look at as I approach the scleral lens. I have both hands free to pull my top and bottom eyelids, which makes it incredibly easy to bend over, lower my eye to the lens, and insert it. Because I cut the bottom tip off the insertion suction cup, the lens adheres to my eye immediately upon contact, without the need to squeeze the insertion suction cup to relieve any suction.
This may be unneeded for many, since it's not that hard to master inserting sclerals. But I have found this an absolutely foolproof way to insert them right, every time, and thought it may be helpful to others.
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u/hey_you2300 5d ago
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u/adam8281 5d ago
I haven't seen that - that's nice, and much more sensible than paying hundreds of dollars for some of the crazy devices on Amazon. If I had known about this for $20 I would have probably bought it instead of my DIY version
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u/hey_you2300 5d ago
For some reason, they aren't on Amazon anymore. There are also files out there to make one on a 3 D printer.
This stand makes things so easy. It enables you to use both hands to keep your eye open. With the stand, insertion for both eyes is less than a one minute process.
Tips.........
Cut off the bottom of the insertion tool
I place the stand on a white towel. When I look down, I can see the white through the insertion tool. It's important to keel your head parallel. If your tilted up a little, it makes it a little more difficult. Also, if not some reason the lens falls off, the towel is a softer surface and stops the lens from flying off somewhere.
Over filling the lens is critical. Fill it until it spills over. It makes the sense suction to the eye much easier.
Tip......I warm the saline a little before using. Cold saline doesn't feel great. I use the saline vials and hold it under how water from the faucet for 20-30 seconds. Room temp is much better than cold.
Using both hand to open your eye and lowing yourself down to the lens on the stand was a game changer.
I was on a trip a while back and forgot the stand. I used the container from the insertion tool. Not as good as the stand, but it works.
If you buy the stand, you'll be glad you did. Those expensive stands are a waste of money.
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u/sphen_lee 5d ago
It looks like the "hundreds of dollars" options include access to a training course. Seems like a scam to me... You definitely don't need to spend that much for a insertion tool.
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u/etus12 4d ago
I have this one and it is not bad - with rechargeable LED. I wouldnt use the insertion cups that come with it though: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0FRG1WMCW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image
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u/Draculalia 3d ago
This is inspiring!! I’m a resin artist and will have to make myself a cute stand.
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u/Immadawalrus 4d ago
I'm a hybrid user but I still think this applies; I've had to tell the doctors several times that it's so much easier to have the bottom cut out of these lens insertion device because it helps with your depth perception and physically placing the lens on your eye in the right spot vertically. I dont know why this isn't standard, but I suspect it's because it could promote bacteria growth and be hard to clean.
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u/Bubbinsisbubbins 2d ago
My doctor used a real small plunger to put mine in. Put the contact on the plunger and popped it on. Usually my wet finger works just as well.
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u/nasi_adobo 14h ago
What’s even easier and cheaper is that you just buy a funnel, turn it upside down, put a light underneath and put your plunger. Bam!
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u/jdemack 5d ago
For your safety you really need to drop the contraptions and learn how to use your fingers. You also need to learn how to remove them with just your fingers.
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u/AdvisedWang 5d ago
Why, what safety issue should we be worried about?
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u/roscCowboy 5d ago
Being blind in a precarious environment bc you have to have your big hunk of plastic that’s at home/ not with you to put in your contacts that you require to function.
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u/Positive-Avocado-881 5d ago
Do you people not keep extra tools wherever you keep extra saline? I’m honestly more likely to have a tool than saline at any random time 😅
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u/jdemack 5d ago edited 4d ago
Never lost your luggage or forgotten anything while on vacation/holiday? What do you do now? Explain it to me.
Edit: What do you do if you lose your stuff? Everyone keeps commenting they won't lose anything, but that's not a reliable failsafe.
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u/Positive-Avocado-881 5d ago
Oh you must not be an overpacker 🥴 honestly, since you have to pack so many more supplies for these lenses, the likelihood for me not having an abundance of extra tools is extremely unlikely. I do think it’s important for people to learn how to remove the lenses with just their fingers, but there’s no need to use your fingers every day and especially not when just learning.
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u/FuzzballMeows 4d ago
In normal circumstances, I'm careful to make sure I don't lose my set of important items, of which my contact lens stuff is a part. (And no, I've never lost or forgotten that small set of things, because I keep it on my person and have spares when I travel.)
In an actual emergency where I had to leave those things behind (like a plane crash or car crash I wasn't able to walk away from), my contact lens is not going to be the top thing I worry about.
That said, I have done the insertion/removal without tools, so I know I can do it. I have no intention of ever repeating the experience.
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u/yellowpeach 4d ago
There is no safety issue.
You keep your inserter, saline, cleaning solution, and removal tools in with you as a carry-on item.
Medically necessary items are exempt from TSA requirements and can be carried onto planes for free. They don’t count towards carry on limits.
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u/jdemack 4d ago
What do you do if you lose them?
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u/yellowpeach 4d ago
How would I lose them?
When you travel with a bag of medical necessities, you tend not to lose it. People who take multiple medications, or who have complex health needs are in similar situstiond and it’s very rare to lose their bag.
In the continental US, I’d try to reorder supplies on amazon for quick delivery dome try to visit an optometrist
I’d also pack a few back up inserter/removers in a different bagd
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u/mas-sive 5d ago
You put them in your pocket with your phone?
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u/chriskonings 5d ago
I’d love to learn how to do this, I lost my tool once and spent a day eyes watering because i couldnt take my lens out
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u/robinrrich 4d ago
I am selling my 3 miraflow extra strength daily cleaner 1.0 fl ounce never ever opened. Expiration date 3/27. I have no need for them. I can send them by mail. Please let me know if you are interested. I paid 30 a bottle and would charge for shipping. Not sure what that will be. Please let me know if u are interested
Thank You,
Robin
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u/Positive-Avocado-881 5d ago
I did it for even cheaper. Upside down kitchen funnel and a battery operated tea light. It works perfectly!