Celluvisc for Scleral and RGP Lens Wearers: What Real Users Are Saying
For people living with keratoconus, chronic dry eye, or the daily realities of scleral and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, comfort is never guaranteed. Between midday fogging, dryness, and irritation, even the most carefully fitted lenses can leave eyes feeling sore by lunchtime.
That’s where Celluvisc comes in. Marketed as a preservative-free, viscous lubricant eye drop, it has become a go-to solution for lens wearers seeking longer wear times, fewer fogging issues, and relief from dryness. While some see it as a "game changer", others find it too thick, too costly, or hard to find.
This article draws on dozens of real-world accounts from forums like Reddit’s r/Keratoconus and r/Dryeyes, where people swap candid stories about how Celluvisc works for them - the benefits, frustrations, and workarounds they’ve discovered along the way.
If you’re wondering whether Celluvisc could improve your lens comfort, here’s what users have to say.
Longer Wear Times and Clearer Vision
One of the most consistent themes across community posts is how much longer people can wear their scleral or RGP lenses when they add Celluvisc into their routine. Many describe going from just a few hours before fogging sets in, to 12–16+ hours of clear, comfortable vision.
"Wore my contacts for 13 hours… barely felt any irritation at all. Can’t believe I used contacts for four years without it." -u/Glass_Cap2272
"These drops have been a game changer. I can go about 16 hours with my lenses using Celluvisc." -u/viserion73
"I can wear my sclerals for over 12 hours with no fog and very little redness and soreness. It has literally changed my life." -u/lexiisnapz
For many, this isn’t just about convenience. Longer wear time means being able to work full shifts, drive comfortably, or socialise without worrying about redness or haze forcing them to take lenses out prematurely.
Comfort That Lasts
Beyond extending wear time, users often point to improved comfort and less irritation as major benefits. By adding viscosity, Celluvisc seems to cushion the cornea and keep eyes hydrated throughout the day.
"All I do is fill my lens halfway with Lacripure, then add one drop of Celluvisc, add the rest with Lacripure… no fogging all day." -u/NANDosome
"I used to struggle with soreness after 4–5 hours of wear. With Celluvisc mixed in, I can get through night shifts without fog or pain." -u/dryeyestruggle
"Less eye itch and dryness, slightly clearer vision, and less discomfort once I remove the lenses." -u/SlcDryEye
Some describe it as the difference between being constantly aware of their lenses and "forgetting they’re even there."
How People Use Celluvisc
While everyone’s eyes are different, common usage patterns have emerged:
- As a scleral lens filler: Adding 1–3 drops of Celluvisc to the bowl of the lens, then topping up with saline.
- As a standalone drop: Used before bed for hydration, or throughout the day for comfort.
- With routines and hacks: Pairing with hot compresses, mixing with Purilens or Scleralfil, or using different ratios depending on activity level.
"2–3 drops in, then fill the rest with Purilens." -u/Needlephobic88
"I’ve gotten into the routine of using a full vial in both eyes right before sleeping. It’s soothing and helps hydrate after wearing sclerals all day." -u/sleepycontacts
"I’ve been using a hot eye mask for 10–15 mins before inserting sclerals. It seems to help with fogging." -u/BlurryMorning
The right balance matters. Too much Celluvisc, and some users say the solution becomes cloudy or sticky. Too little, and it may not prevent fogging at all.
The Downsides: Thickness, Fogging, and Red Rings
As popular as Celluvisc is, it isn’t universally loved. Its high viscosity - the very feature that makes it last - can also create problems.
Too Thick for Some
"It’s too thick for me. I end up with clouding if I use too much concentration." -u/ContactLensQuest
"If I add too many drops I can have clarity issues, or even fogging later in the day." -u/DoubleDrop
Some users report microbubbles forming when it’s mixed with saline, or a sticky sensation if overused. For them, lighter solutions like Purilens or Systane Ultra work better.
Red Ring or Pressure Marks
Another issue occasionally raised is a red ring around the eye after long wear.
"At the end of the day my eye has a red ring around it which can last over 12 hours." -u/eyeringed
Often, this is attributed to reduced oxygen flow under the scleral lens - something that can be made more noticeable with thicker solutions.
Safety and Overuse Worries
Given how liberally some people use it, newcomers often wonder if it’s possible to overdo it. Most responses are reassuring:
"The package says they can be used as often as desired, so I would guess that’s fine." -u/Ok_Mud
Because Celluvisc is preservative-free, repeated use isn’t considered harmful. Still, as one user noted, "too much gets sticky."
When You Can’t Find It
In recent years, many forum threads have erupted over Celluvisc shortages. Users describe scrambling to find boxes, paying inflated prices, or switching to alternatives out of necessity.
"Celluvisc seems to be discontinued, it’s unavailable anywhere. Any alternatives?" -u/RedLensWearer
"I already spent \$50 on a box due to price gouging." -u/ExpensiveDrop
"Just a heads up. Today I had to go to 4 stores to find any Celluvisc. One pharmacist told me the manufacturer estimates a new shipment in late October." -u/buck911
For a product so central to many people’s routines, even a temporary backorder can feel disruptive.
What People Use Instead
When Celluvisc isn’t available - or proves too expensive - several alternatives come up again and again:
- TheraTears Gel
"TheraTears Gel drops are the closest available." -u/OcularSwitch
- Systane Ultra PF vials
"Systane Ultra PF vials do the same job, and very comfortable." -u/SystaneUser
- Hylo Forte
"I use Hylo Forte as it comes in a larger bottle and is preservative free." -u/HyloHelper
- Oasis Tears, Genteal Tears Gel, or plain saline Often used as fillers or supplements, though they may not provide the same cushion.
Still, many who’ve tried the alternatives say they keep coming back to Celluvisc whenever it’s available.
Tips and Tricks from the Community
The collective wisdom of long-time users is full of small but impactful adjustments:
Use Only Preservative-Free Drops
"Celluvisc comes in individual vials because it has no preservatives. Preservatives trapped on the surface of your eyes can cause irritation." -u/EyeDocExplains
Mix, Don’t Replace
"2–3 drops of Celluvisc, rest I fill with Purilens or Nutrifill… I can go 12+ hours without fogging." -u/LensMixer
Prep the Eyes
"I’ve been using a hot eye mask for 10–15 mins before inserting sclerals. It seems to help with fogging." -u/BlurryMorning
Other users add tricks like warming the vial in their hand before use, or carefully controlling drop quantity to avoid microbubbles.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While most Celluvisc experiences are positive, there are times when it’s worth checking in with an eye care professional.
"My doctor said I could use as much as I wanted when I asked about preservative-free eyedrops." -u/Ok_Mud
"This ring is a common occurrence… but you shouldn’t worry unless it starts causing discomfort or vision issues." -u/eyeringed
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, how patients should approach Celluvisc use:
"Celluvisc is widely used and safe because it’s preservative free, which is important when drops are in prolonged contact with lenses. Most users can apply it multiple times a day without risk. However, if redness, irritation, or visual haze lasts longer than a few hours - or if you’re seeing a persistent red ring after lens removal - it’s time to consult a specialist. These can be signs of lens fit issues or oxygen deprivation, not just dryness."
"As with any eye care product, the key is balance. Too much viscosity can cause fogging or blur, too little may not solve dryness. If you’re struggling, your optometrist can help fine-tune both your lens and drop routine."
Conclusion: A "Game Changer" - But Not for Everyone
Across keratoconus and dry eye communities, Celluvisc has earned a reputation as a breakthrough product for scleral and RGP lens wearers. For many, it transforms daily lens use - extending wear time, reducing irritation, and providing clear, stable vision.
But it’s not perfect. Some find it too thick, too expensive, or hard to source. Others run into side effects like fogging or pressure marks if they overuse it. And when shortages strike, even devoted fans are forced to experiment with alternatives.
What’s clear is that Celluvisc is more than just another eye drop: it’s a lifeline for people whose quality of life depends on comfortable lens wear.
If you’re curious to try it, remember:
- Start with just a drop or two mixed with saline.
- Stick to preservative-free vials.
- Pay attention to how your eyes respond.
- And if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to talk to your eye care provider.
In the words of one long-time scleral lens wearer:
"Get Celluvisc - it could change your scleral life. Not an ad, just a happy consumer." -u/BongRiptachyphylaxis
