Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

Dry eye can have a significant impact on your vision and overall comfort. When your eyes are not properly lubricated, the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) can become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to blurred or distorted vision. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like reading, using a computer, or driving.
 

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and they can significantly impact your daily life. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye include:
 

• Redness and inflammation in the eyes
• Burning, stinging, or itching sensations
• Sensitivity to light, wind, or smoke
• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Feeling like there's something in your eye

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention from an optometrist who can help you determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
 

What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

One of the most effective treatments for dry eye is the use of scleral contact lenses. Scleral lenses are a type of rigid gas-permeable contact lens that are designed to rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. This unique design helps to create a fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye, which can provide significant relief for those with dry eye.

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses, typically covering the entire cornea and a portion of the sclera. This larger size helps to create a protective barrier that prevents the tear film from evaporating too quickly, keeping your eyes well-lubricated and comfortable.
 

How Do Scleral Contact Lenses Work for Dry Eye?

Scleral contact lenses work to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye in a few key ways:
 

• Tear Reservoir: The fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye acts as a reservoir for tears, providing a constant supply of moisture to the cornea.
• Corneal Protection: The large diameter of the lens helps to protect the sensitive cornea from environmental factors like wind, dust, and smoke that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• Improved Tear Quality: Scleral lenses can help to improve the quality of your tear film, reducing the risk of evaporation and providing better overall lubrication.
• Reduced Discomfort: By creating a smooth, consistent surface over the cornea, scleral lenses can help to alleviate the discomfort and irritation associated with dry eye.

The Benefits of Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eye

Using scleral contact lenses for dry eye can provide a range of benefits, including:
 

• Improved Vision: The fluid-filled space between the lens and the eye can help to correct refractive errors and provide clearer, more consistent vision.
• Enhanced Comfort: The protective barrier created by the scleral lens helps to keep your eyes well-lubricated and free from irritation.
• Reduced Symptoms: Scleral lenses can significantly reduce the symptoms of dry eye, such as redness, burning, and sensitivity to light.
• Increased Tolerance for Contact Lenses: For those who have struggled to wear traditional contact lenses due to dry eye, scleral lenses can provide a more comfortable and wearable alternative.
• Improved Quality of Life: By addressing the underlying causes of dry eye and providing relief from its symptoms, scleral lenses can help to improve your overall quality of life and enable you to enjoy your daily activities with greater ease and comfort.

Tips for Caring for and Wearing Scleral Contact Lenses

Wearing and caring for scleral contact lenses requires a bit of extra attention, but with the right approach, you can ensure that your lenses provide the maximum benefit for your dry eye. Scleral lenses are larger and more complex than traditional contacts, so it's important to learn the proper techniques for inserting and removing them. Your eye care professional can provide detailed instructions and guidance.

Scleral lenses require a specific cleaning and disinfection regimen to maintain their effectiveness and prevent the buildup of bacteria or debris. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional carefully.
 

Regular visits with your eye care provider are essential for monitoring the fit and performance of your scleral lenses, as well as ensuring that your dry eye condition is being properly managed.

Improving Comfort and Vision with Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eye

If you're struggling with the symptoms of dry eye, scleral contact lenses may be the solution you've been searching for. By providing a protective barrier and a constant supply of moisture, these specialized lenses can help to alleviate your discomfort, improve your vision, and enhance your overall quality of life.
 

To learn more about how scleral contact lenses can help you manage your dry eye, schedule a consultation with Ocean Park Optometry. We can assess your condition, recommend the best treatment options, and guide you through the process of getting fitted for and wearing scleral lenses. Visit our office in Santa Monica, California, call (310) 452-1039, or click Book An Appointment today.