Dry eyes can make everyday tasks uncomfortable, such as reading, working on a computer, or driving. If you wear contact lenses, the discomfort can be even worse. But before you give up on wearing contacts altogether, it’s worth exploring a better option: scleral contact lenses.
At Southern Eye Centers, we offer scleral lenses for dry eye in Plaquemine, LA, to help patients who haven’t found relief with eye drops or traditional soft contacts. These advanced lenses are specifically designed to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable all day long.
What are scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional soft contact lenses and rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. This design creates a small reservoir of fluid that sits between the lens and your eye, delivering consistent moisture to the surface of the eye throughout the day. If you constantly struggle with a gritty sensation in the eyes or reach for artificial tears throughout the day, scleral lenses could be right for you.
Because they vault over the cornea, scleral lenses for dry eye also protect your eyes from environmental irritants like dust, wind, and pollen, common triggers that can worsen dry eye symptoms. Scleral lenses are custom-made for each wearer, so fitting scleral contact lenses requires greater expertise and more time than fitting standard contact lenses. At Southern Eye Centers in Plaquemine, we have extensive experience in customizing scleral lenses to match each individual’s eye shape, ensuring optimal comfort and visual performance.
Who can benefit from scleral lenses?
Scleral lenses are ideal for people dealing with moderate to severe dry eye that isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments. These lenses can also be beneficial for managing a range of other conditions:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Graft-versus-host disease
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Chronic dry eye following LASIK or other surgeries
- Eye injuries that affect tear production
Even if your symptoms aren’t tied to a specific diagnosis, scleral contact lenses could help you feel more comfortable and regain visual clarity without constantly reapplying eye drops.
What to expect during a scleral lens fitting
Getting fitted for scleral lenses in Plaquemine is simple and personalized. At your appointment, one of our experienced eye doctors will perform a detailed eye exam to determine if scleral lenses are a good fit for your condition. We’ll take custom measurements to ensure a precise fit and walk you through everything you need to know about inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses at home.
More than just scleral lenses
At Southern Eye Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye. In addition to scleral lenses for dry eye, we offer a variety of advanced in-office treatments in Plaquemine, including:
- MiBo Thermoflo: Gentle thermal therapy to unblock clogged oil glands
- LidPro: Deep lid cleaning for better tear production
- OptiLight IPL therapy: Light-based treatment to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality
Whether you need one treatment or a combination, we’ll develop a care plan tailored to your needs.
Find dry eye relief at Southern Eye Centers
Dry eye can take a serious toll on your quality of life, but the right treatment can make a considerable difference. If you’re ready to try something more effective than eye drops, scleral lenses in Plaquemine, LA, might be the answer. Contact Southern Eye Centers today to schedule an appointment.