Have you noticed that your eyes feel gritty, burning or irritated? Although it’s not uncommon for your eyes to feel this way at the end of a long day, particularly if you have been working on a computer or electronic device, if these symptoms are impacting you on a frequent basis, there is a possibility that you could have a condition known as dry eye syndrome. There are several treatment options that people can implement in order to treat dry eye syndrome. However, one of the most effective options is using a revolutionary form of contact lenses known as scleral lenses. Scleral lenses for dry eyes can help to transform your life and provide you with a comfortable way to reduce the impact of this condition.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also referred to as dry eye disease, is much more than a person simply experiencing eye burning, grittiness or irritation. The cause of this condition revolves around inadequate tear production and/or, more commonly, excessive tear evaporation. When a person is not able to produce enough tears and/or has poor tear quality, they can dry eye syndrome. Some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with dry eye syndrome include:
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Stinging or burning sensation in your eyes
- Feeling as though you have something in your eye
How Do Your Eyes Feel? Take The Quiz By Clicking the Image Below
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses for dry eye are a large-diameter gas permeable contact lens that vault over the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) and rest over the sclera (the white part of the eye). Over the years, scleral lenses have been used for patients who have been diagnosed with irregular corneas. An interesting fact about scleral lenses is that they have more recently been used in the treatment plan for a person who has corneal scarring or Sjogren’s Syndrome or dry eye not related to Sjogren’s Syndrome. Although scleral lenses can treat different conditions, due to the fact that scleral lenses help to keep the eyes hydrated, scleral lenses have grown to become a popular option in treating dry eye syndrome.
3 Reasons Scleral Lenses are Used to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome
There are several reasons why your eye care provider may recommend that you use scleral lenses to treat your dry eye syndrome such as:
1. Scleral lenses for dry eye protect your cornea
The cornea is one of the most important parts of your eye. Since dry eye syndrome makes the eye more sensitive, your cornea can become irriated and more susceptible to infection. In severe cases of dry eye syndrome, the simple reflex of blinking could irritate your eye as a result of the friction between your eyelid and your cornea. Scleral lenses serve as a protective barrier between your eye and the outside environment to avoid any further irritation or damage to your cornea.
2. Scleral lenses create a tear reservoir
One of the leading reasons why scleral lenses have become a popular treatment option for dry eye syndrome is due to the fact that scleral lenses create what is referred to as a tear reservoir. This means that your eye experiences the benefit of a combination of continuous moisture and hydration which brings relief to your dry eyes.
3. Scleral lenses are comfortable
When you have dry eye syndrome, wearing traditional contact lenses can further irritate your eyes by exacerbating the evaporation of your tears. The reason for this is that typical contact lenses tend to absorb more moisture on the surface of the eye. However, since there are different types of scleral lenses and they are custom designed to gently land on the white part of your eye in addition to hydrating the ocular surface, the comfort is superior to other contact lens modalities.
Schedule Your Consultation for Dry Eye Scleral Lenses
Dry eye scleral lenses can improve your overall health and well-being of your eyes and therefore your quality of life. At the Miami Contact Lens Institute, our eye care professionals focus on providing you with a comprehensive treatment plan for your dry eye syndrome. We take the time to answer any questions you have to ensure that you feel comfortable with using scleral lenses for your dry eye treatment. If you have more questions about scleral lenses, get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about whether you're a candidate for scleral lenses.
Testimonial from Rachelle, Satisfied Scleral Lense Patient
I went for a scleral lens fitting. The place is small but neat and nice. Great aesthetic. Staff is friendly some more than others. They all try and work with you to make your experience as a whole very good. Will be returning despite the cost of the lens here. Doctor Kramer is knowledgeable, informative and to the point.
