Why Scleral Lenses Might Be the Solution to Your Dry Eye Woes

Scleral lenses are solid gas-permeable contacts that are extra-wide in diameter. Unlike traditional contact lenses, they cover your entire cornea. They rest on the sclera, leaving a gap between them and your corneal surface. 

The optometrist customizes them to fit your eyes. They are ideal for treating severe dry eye, keratoconus, and astigmatism, among other eye diseases.

Less Irritation

Traditional contact lenses are not a solution if you need vision correction and have dry eye syndrome. Standard contacts rest on the cornea, which can be irritating if you have the condition. They also absorb the moisture present on the exterior of your eye. 

Wearing these lenses can be unbearable for those with dry eyes. Scleral contacts rest on the white area of your eye or sclera, covering the cornea. They leave a gap between them and the corneal surface, minimizing irritation.

Protect the Cornea

Dry eye condition makes your cornea sensitive and vulnerable to injury. Irritation may occur from something as effortless as blinking. The simple mechanical friction of the action can injure your cornea. Scleral lenses help shield your eyes from this and other environmental factors.

These contacts also help your eyes regain their former healthy appearance. Without the special lenses, they look bloodshot, extremely red, and unhealthy.

Constant Hydration

Scleral lenses ensure a saline solution fills the gap between them and the corneal surface. The liquid provides relief by maintaining a constant supply of hydration for your dry eye condition. You can couple this with artificial tears according to your doctor’s recommendation. They may also require you to add an antibiotic to the lens solution to help heal the ocular surface.

Better Quality of Life

People with dry eye syndrome experience discomfort, pain, and eye exhaustion. Their confidence may also suffer due to severe eye redness, which changes their appearance. The lenses protect the eyes and provide vision correction. In addition, they enhance therapy by lubricating your eyes. 

All these factors help improve your quality of life when you are experiencing dry eye syndrome. Aside from improving your vision, they reduce your dependence on eyedrops and constant eye itchiness when you wear them.

Use of Eyedrops

Many people with dry eye syndrome use artificial tears or eyedrops to deal with the condition. You can continue using them even after getting scleral lenses. Optometrists may recommend continual usage of the two for additional comfort. 

The need for using them may gradually decrease once you begin wearing scleral lenses. Sometimes, you may only need to use artificial tears after removing them. The occasion to do this is often at night when retiring from the day to sleep. 

Dry Eye Conditions That Require Scleral Lenses

Scleral conditions are the best for several eye ailments, including some dry eye conditions. Some of these include:

• GPC or giant papillary conjunctivitis

• Keratoconus

• Presbyopia

• Astigmatism

• Post-refractive surgery effects

For more information on why scleral lenses might be the solution to your dry eyes, visit Lakeview Optometry at our Monticello, Indiana, office. Call (574) 622-8400 to schedule an appointment today.