Scleral Lenses: The Perfect Solution for Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome can cause constant irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort, making everyday activities challenging. Many people rely on artificial tears or prescription drops, but these treatments provide only temporary relief. For those with moderate to severe dry eye, scleral lenses offer a more effective and long-lasting solution.

At Sobel Eyecare, we help patients find personalized solutions for dry eye relief, and scleral lenses have been life-changing for many. If standard contacts or eye drops haven’t worked for you, here’s why scleral lenses might be the answer.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea. Unlike traditional contacts, scleral lenses are larger, gas-permeable, and filled with a reservoir of saline solution, which helps keep the eyes continuously hydrated throughout the day.

These lenses vault over the cornea, creating a protective barrier that shields the eyes from dryness, irritation, and environmental factors.

Why Are Scleral Lenses Ideal for Dry Eye Syndrome?

Unlike traditional contact lenses, they create a sealed moisture-rich environment, protecting the eyes from irritation and keeping them hydrated throughout the day. Here’s why scleral lenses are an excellent choice for managing dry eye syndrome.

1. Provides Continuous Hydration

• The fluid-filled reservoir under the lens keeps the eye’s surface moisturized all day.
• Reduces the need for frequent eye drops or artificial tears.

2. Shields the Eyes from Irritants

• Protects against wind, dust, and allergens that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
• Reduces exposure to air conditioning and heating, common triggers for dry eye discomfort.

3. Improves Vision Clarity

• Stabilizes the tear film, preventing fluctuations in vision caused by dry spots on the cornea.
• Reduces glare and improves contrast sensitivity, leading to sharper, clearer vision.

4. Enhances Comfort Compared to Traditional Contact Lenses

• Unlike regular soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses do not rest directly on the cornea, eliminating friction and irritation.
• Ideal for patients who experience discomfort with standard contact lenses due to dryness.

5. Long-Term Relief for Chronic Dry Eye Conditions

• Beneficial for those with severe dry eye, Sjӧgren’s syndrome, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
• Also a great option for post-LASIK dry eye sufferers who struggle with tear production.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are recommended for individuals who experience:

• Chronic dry eye that does not improve with artificial tears or medications
• Severe dry eye due to medical conditions like Sjӧgren’s syndrome or autoimmune diseases
• Discomfort with regular contact lenses
• Blurred vision from dry spots on the cornea

If you’ve tried multiple treatments without success, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

What to Expect When Getting Scleral Lenses

At Sobel Eyecare, we provide a customized scleral lens fitting to ensure the best comfort and vision correction.

• Comprehensive Eye Exam – We assess your tear production, corneal health, and overall eye condition.
• Custom Lens Fitting – Each pair of scleral lenses is custom-designed for your unique eye shape.
• Trial and Adjustments – You’ll be given a trial set to ensure proper fit, hydration, and comfort.
• Training and Care Instructions – We’ll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses for long-term success.

Most patients adjust to scleral lenses within days to weeks, experiencing immediate improvements in comfort and vision quality.

Schedule a Consultation for Scleral Lenses at Sobel Eyecare in Lathrup Village, MI

If dry eye symptoms are affecting your comfort, vision, and quality of life, scleral lenses could provide the long-lasting relief you need.

At Sobel Eyecare, we are experts in custom scleral lens fittings to help patients manage dry eye more effectively. Schedule an appointment to find out if scleral lenses are right for you.