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
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.
7 Reasons Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Work
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. Create a Protective Moisture Reservoir
One of the biggest advantages of scleral lenses for dry eyes is the way they vault over the cornea and form a pocket that holds a saline solution throughout the day. This fluid layer acts like a built-in hydration system, constantly bathing the surface of the eye. Instead of depending solely on artificial tears that wear off quickly, patients benefit from steady and lasting moisture that keeps their eyes comfortable from morning to night.
2. Reduce Eye Irritation and Discomfort
People with dry eye disease often deal with burning, itching, and a gritty sensation that makes even simple tasks frustrating. Scleral lenses for dry eyes reduce these symptoms by shielding the delicate corneal surface from direct air exposure, dust, or allergens. This protective layer helps the eyes feel calmer and less reactive, making it easier to get through long workdays or spend time outdoors without constant irritation.
3. Improve Vision Quality
Dry eyes can cause vision to fluctuate throughout the day as the tear film becomes unstable. Scleral lenses for dry eyes create a smooth, consistent optical surface, which corrects these irregularities and improves clarity. This benefit is especially valuable for patients whose vision is impacted by both dryness and corneal irregularities, since scleral lenses provide sharper, more dependable vision than glasses or standard contacts can deliver.
4. Offer Long-Lasting Comfort
Traditional soft contact lenses often worsen dry eye symptoms because they draw moisture from the eye. By contrast, scleral lenses for dry eyes rest on the sclera—the white part of the eye—rather than directly on the cornea, where the most sensitive nerves are located. This unique fit makes them surprisingly comfortable to wear for long hours, even for patients who have struggled with other lenses in the past. Many people report being able to work, drive, or read comfortably all day without feeling the constant dryness they once experienced.
5. Protect Against Environmental Factors
Wind, air conditioning, heaters, and smoke can all make dry eyes worse by pulling away the little moisture the eyes have. Scleral lenses for dry eyes act as a shield, creating a physical barrier between the environment and the cornea. This extra layer of protection is especially useful for patients who spend long hours in front of digital screens or live in dry, windy climates where traditional dry eye treatments often fall short.
6. Support Healing of the Ocular Surface
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease, the eyes can be in a constant state of stress and inflammation. The fluid cushion beneath scleral lenses for dry eyes promotes healing by protecting the cornea from friction and maintaining a consistently lubricated environment. Over time, this allows the corneal tissue to repair itself more effectively, improving both comfort and long-term eye health. This therapeutic effect is one reason scleral lenses are often recommended for complex or advanced dry eye cases.
7. Enhance Quality of Life
Perhaps the most important benefit of scleral lenses for dry eyes is how they improve everyday living. By providing clearer vision, dependable comfort, and reliable protection, these lenses give patients the freedom to return to activities they may have avoided, such as reading for long periods, driving at night, or enjoying outdoor hobbies. Instead of being limited by constant discomfort and blurry vision, patients can experience a noticeable boost in confidence and quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation for Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes
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.
