Discover why Scleral Lenses can provide relief from symptoms of dry eye, such as burning, stinging, gritty, and painful eyes.
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera or the white part of the eye, leaving space over the cornea. They can effectively alleviate symptoms of dry eyes through:
Scleral contact lenses are often recommended as a treatment option for dry eye syndrome after traditional treatments have been exhausted. They offer several benefits:
Several studies have found scleral lenses to increase comfort, reduce the need for eye drops, and improve visual acuity. They've also been found effective in relieving symptoms in severe or difficult-to-manage dry eye cases.
However, scleral contact lenses aren't a universal solution for dry eye symptoms. Consult with your eye doctor to determine if they are right for you. The lenses will be tailor-fitted for optimal comfort and vision.
Learn about how to insert and remove scleral lenses here.
Many people suffer from dry eye syndrome, which is when the tears don’t properly lubricate the eyes, commonly due to instability within the tear film. The tear film is comprised of three layers: oil, aqueous fluid, and mucin, and the right balance within it, along with the right amount of tear film overall, is important for things to operate properly. Commonly, the problem causing dry eye is related to the amount or the quality of tears produced.
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a wide range of things, and while dry eye might seem like just a mild irritation, the irritation and inflammation to the eyes can cause serious damage if not treated.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye and are considering scleral lenses for dry eye syndrome, call your eye doctor to schedule a contact lens exam.
A leading cause of dry eyes is poor tear quality which leads to quick evaporation. Issues that contribute to this include:
Tear production generally decreases with age, but can also be impacted by the factors listed above. Scleral contact lenses could be an effective option to mitigate discomfort from poor tear quality and production.
Don't let dry eye syndrome dictate your life. If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms or your current lenses are causing discomfort, contact your eye doctor for an eye exam. Remember, dry eye can be more serious than many realize. Our optometrists can provide a comprehensive dry eye examination and potentially offer treatment options tailored specifically for your condition, which can provide long-term relief.
If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "dry eye specialist near me."
Scleral contact lenses, large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera, offer relief from dry eye symptoms by providing improved moisturization and vision correction. They are often recommended for dry eye syndrome when traditional treatments prove insufficient, offering benefits such as consistent moisturization, protection from irritants, and enhanced comfort for long-term wear. These lenses are particularly useful for conditions such as keratoconus and severe dry eye cases, reducing the need for eye drops and improving visual acuity. Despite these advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone with dry eye symptoms, and professional consultation is advised.