Can Scleral Contact Lenses Help with Dry Eyes?

Can Scleral Contact Lenses Help with Dry Eyes?

Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to a lack of adequate lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eyes. This can result in a range of unpleasant symptoms, including irritation, redness, burning, stinging, and even blurred vision.

The impact of dry eye on vision and eye health can be significant. Without proper tear production and distribution, the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, can become damaged or inflamed, leading to further vision problems. Dry eye can also make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as reading, using a computer, or driving, and can even interfere with sleep and overall quality of life.

Exploring Specialty Contact Lenses

While traditional contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye, specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, have been developed to address the unique needs of individuals with this condition. These advanced lens designs offer a range of benefits for those struggling with dry eyes, providing a solution that can help alleviate discomfort and improve visual acuity.

What Are Scleral Lenses and How Do They Work?

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens that are designed to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye, providing a protective and hydrating environment for the cornea.

This unique design offers several key advantages for individuals with dry eye. By creating a barrier between the cornea and the surrounding environment, scleral lenses help to prevent tear evaporation and maintain a consistent level of moisture on the eye's surface. Additionally, the fluid-filled space beneath the lens can help to smooth out any irregularities or distortions on the cornea, improving visual clarity and reducing the discomfort associated with dry eye.

How Scleral Lenses Address the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Scleral lenses are particularly effective in addressing the symptoms of dry eye because they provide a consistent and controlled environment for the cornea. By maintaining a constant level of hydration and preventing the rapid evaporation of tears, scleral lenses can help to alleviate the irritation, redness, and discomfort that are commonly experienced by individuals with dry eye.

Additionally, the fluid-filled space beneath the lens can help to reduce the impact of any corneal irregularities or distortions, which can further contribute to the symptoms of dry eye. This can lead to improved visual acuity and a reduction in the blurred or fluctuating vision that is often associated with this condition.

The Fitting Process for Scleral Lenses

Obtaining scleral lenses for the treatment of dry eye typically involves a specialized fitting process that is conducted by an optometrist. This process typically involves the following steps:

•       Comprehensive Eye Examination: The first step in the fitting process is a thorough examination of your eyes, which may include measurements of the cornea, tear production, and overall eye health.

•       Lens Selection: Based on the results of the examination, your optometrist will select an appropriate scleral lens design and size that is tailored to your individual needs.

•       Lens Fitting and Evaluation: Once the lens has been selected, your eye doctor will carefully fit it to your eye and evaluate its performance, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and visual acuity.

•       Follow-up Appointments: After the initial fitting, you will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the performance of the scleral lenses and make any further adjustments as needed.

The fitting process for scleral lenses can take several visits to ensure that the lenses are providing the best possible fit and performance for your individual needs. It's important to work closely with your optometrist throughout this process to ensure that you are receiving the most effective treatment for your dry eye condition.

Optimizing Your Eye Health and Comfort with Scleral Lenses

Scleral contact lenses have emerged as a highly effective solution for individuals struggling with the symptoms of dry eye. By providing a protective and hydrating environment for the cornea, scleral lenses can help to alleviate discomfort, improve visual acuity, and enhance overall quality of life.

If you are experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Advanced Eyecare Consultants to determine if scleral lenses are the right treatment for your needs. Contact our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois, by calling (847) 994-4500 or (847) 438-7700 to book an appointment today.