Scleral Lenses: A Promising Solution for Dry Eye Relief

By Dr. Ariel Cerenzie

Jun 21

Scleral Contact Lenses and Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and even impact daily activities. While there are various treatments available, one innovative option gaining attention is the use of scleral contact lenses. These specialized contact lenses provide significant relief to individuals suffering from dry eye by offering enhanced comfort and moisture retention. In this blog post, we will explore how scleral lenses can alleviate the symptoms of dry eye and improve overall eye health.

Scleral Contact Lenses and Dry Eye Relief

Scleral lenses are larger-than-average contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye₁. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses do not make direct contact with the cornea, allowing for a layer of fluid to be trapped between the lens and the eye’s surface₂. This fluid reservoir acts as a lubricating cushion, providing continuous hydration and protection to the eyes₃.

The unique design of scleral lenses offers several benefits for individuals with dry eye. Firstly, the reservoir of fluid helps to maintain a moist environment around the eye, reducing the discomfort caused by dryness₄. Secondly, the lenses act as a barrier against external irritants, such as dust or allergens, preventing them from reaching the eye’s surface₅. This barrier effect can also help retain moisture by minimizing tear evaporation_6.

Furthermore, the space between the lens and the cornea allows for the application of artificial tears or lubricating solutions. These solutions can be added directly to the lens before insertion, providing prolonged relief from dryness throughout the day₇. This feature makes scleral lenses a preferred choice for individuals with severe dry eye symptoms who require frequent lubrication₈.

Struggling with Dry Eye, Scleral Lenses Can be a Great Solution

 If you are struggling with dry eye syndrome and have not found adequate relief from conventional treatments, scleral lenses may be worth considering. Consult with an eye care professional who specializes in fitting scleral lenses to determine if they are suitable for your specific needs. The innovative design and therapeutic benefits of scleral lenses can provide significant relief, improving your overall comfort and quality of life. Say goodbye to dry eyes and embrace a new level of eye health with scleral lenses.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to my practice, feel free to check out our website at charlottecontactlens.com or email me at drc@charlottecontactlens.com!

• Ariel Cerenzie

Scleral Contact Lenses and the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute

At the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute, Dr. Ariel Cerenzie specializes in prescribing scleral contact lenses for a variety of conditions, including dry eye disease. The Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure relief from painful dry eye symptoms. Scleral contact lenses are a great dry eye treatment and solution for patient’s that have tried “everything else”.  Visit our page at charlottecontactlens.com/ to learn more!

References:

Footnotes

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Scleral Lenses. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-types-scleral-lenses ↩
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). What are Scleral Lenses and How Do They Work? Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-types-scleral-lenses ↩
3. Rosenthal, P., & Cotter, J. M. (2013). The Boston Scleral Lens in the Management of Severe Ocular Surface Disease. The Ocular Surface, 11(1), 53–63. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2012.09.003 ↩
4. Barnett, M., & Johns, L. (2013). Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 36(6), 289–292. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2013.07.009 ↩
5. Rosenthal, P., & Croteau, A. (2013). Fluid-ventilated, gas-permeable scleral contact lens is an effective option for managing severe ocular surface disease and many corneal disorders that would otherwise require penetrating keratoplast ↩