Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Relief: How They Help Manage Chronic Dry Eye

If you suffer from chronic dry eye, you’re likely familiar with the discomfort that can interfere with your daily activities. While traditional treatment options like eye drops or ointments may provide temporary relief, some patients need a more advanced solution. Scleral lenses offer a long-term solution for individuals with severe dry eye by providing continuous moisture and protection to the eye’s surface. In this article, we’ll explore how scleral lenses can provide effective dry eye relief and why they may be the right choice for you.

Understanding Dry Eye and Its Causes

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can lead to irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, and even blurred vision. Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including age, medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, medications, and environmental factors.

Standard treatments like artificial tears or prescription medications are often the first line of defense. However, patients with more severe cases of dry eye may require more advanced treatments, such as scleral lenses, to achieve lasting relief.

How Scleral Lenses Provide Dry Eye Relief

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. This unique design creates a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, keeping the eye surface constantly moisturized and protecting it from irritation caused by the environment.

This fluid-filled layer provides immediate relief for patients suffering from dry eye by maintaining moisture throughout the day. Additionally, the lens acts as a barrier, shielding the cornea from dust, allergens, and other irritants that could exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are an excellent option for individuals who have not found relief from traditional dry eye treatments. They are particularly beneficial for those with severe dry eye caused by conditions such as:

• • Ocular Surface Disease: Scleral lenses provide protection and hydration for patients with diseases that damage the surface of the eye.
• • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis often cause chronic dry eye, and scleral lenses can help manage the symptoms.
• • Contact Lens Intolerance: Some individuals with dry eye struggle to wear traditional contact lenses. Scleral lenses, by creating a cushion of moisture, can offer a more comfortable alternative.
• • Post-Surgical Dry Eye: Patients who experience dry eye after LASIK or other refractive surgeries may find relief with scleral lenses.

Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye

Choosing scleral lenses for dry eye relief offers numerous advantages over other treatment options:

• • Long-Lasting Hydration: The fluid reservoir created by scleral lenses ensures continuous moisture throughout the day, reducing the need for constant application of artificial tears.
• • Increased Comfort: By resting on the sclera, these lenses avoid irritating the sensitive cornea, providing superior comfort for individuals with dry eye.
• • Improved Vision: In addition to relieving dry eye, scleral lenses can correct refractive errors, improving overall visual clarity for patients.
• • Protection from Irritants: Scleral lenses act as a physical barrier, protecting your eyes from dust, allergens, and other environmental factors that may trigger dry eye symptoms.

How to Get Fitted for Scleral Lenses

Getting fitted for scleral lenses requires a visit to a trained optometrist experienced in specialty contact lens fittings. During your contact lens exam, your eye doctor will take detailed measurements of your eyes to ensure a precise fit. The lenses are then customized to your unique eye shape and needs.

Once fitted, your optometrist will provide guidance on how to insert, remove, and care for your scleral lenses to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

Is Scleral Lens Right for You?

If you’re struggling with chronic dry eye and traditional treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief, scleral lenses could be the solution you’ve been looking for. They offer continuous hydration, protection, and comfort, making them an ideal option for many patients.

Book Your Scleral Lens Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

At G&G Eye Doctors, our experienced optometrists specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients with dry eye and other complex eye conditions. If you’re ready to explore whether scleral lenses are right for you, schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you find lasting relief from dry eye.