Managing Dry Eyes with Scleral Lenses

Chronic dry eye can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. For individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments like artificial tears or medications, scleral lenses may offer a long-lasting solution. In this guide, we’ll explain how scleral lenses work to manage dry eyes and why they may be the ideal choice for patients seeking relief.

What Causes Chronic Dry Eye?

Chronic dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. The condition may be caused by various factors, including aging, certain medical conditions (like diabetes or autoimmune diseases), medications, and environmental factors.

While over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the underlying cause of dry eye. That’s where scleral lenses can offer significant benefits by providing continuous hydration and protection for the eye.

How Scleral Lenses Help Manage Dry Eyes

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of directly on the cornea. This unique design creates a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing constant hydration to the eye's surface and relieving dry eye symptoms.

The reservoir acts as a barrier, keeping the cornea moist throughout the day while also protecting it from irritants such as dust, wind, and allergens. This makes scleral lenses an ideal option for individuals with moderate to severe dry eye who need continuous relief beyond what traditional treatments can offer.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye?

Scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic or severe dry eye, especially those who have not found success with other treatment options. They are often recommended for people with:

• Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune condition that affects moisture-producing glands, leading to severe dry eyes.
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): A complication following bone marrow transplants that can result in severe dry eye.
• Post-LASIK Dry Eye: Some patients experience dry eye as a side effect of LASIK surgery, and scleral lenses can provide relief.
• Contact Lens Intolerance: Individuals with dry eye who find traditional contact lenses uncomfortable may benefit from scleral lenses due to their unique design and hydration capabilities.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye

Choosing scleral lenses offers several advantages for managing dry eye:

• Continuous Hydration: The tear-filled reservoir provides constant moisture to the cornea, reducing the need for frequent application of artificial tears.
• Improved Comfort: Scleral lenses are designed to avoid direct contact with the sensitive cornea, offering enhanced comfort compared to traditional contact lenses.
• Protection from Irritants: The lenses act as a barrier, shielding the cornea from environmental factors like dust, wind, and allergens that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
• Visual Clarity: In addition to managing dry eye, scleral lenses can also correct vision problems, providing sharper and clearer vision for those with refractive errors.

Getting Fitted for Scleral Lenses

If you’re considering scleral lenses for dry eye relief, you’ll need to undergo a comprehensive contact lens exam. During this exam, your optometrist will measure your eyes and assess your overall eye health to ensure a precise and comfortable fit for the lenses.

Scleral lenses are custom-made to fit your eyes, and follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the fit and adjust as needed to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

If you’re struggling with chronic dry eye and other treatments have not provided sufficient relief, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for. These lenses provide continuous moisture and protection, making them an excellent option for many patients with dry eye syndrome.

Book Your Scleral Lens Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

At G&G Eye Doctors, our experienced optometrists specialize in fitting scleral lenses for dry eye and other eye conditions. If you’re ready to explore whether scleral lenses can help manage your dry eye, schedule a consultation today.