If dry eye is something you deal with regularly, you’re probably all too familiar with the irritation, redness, and gritty sensation that seems to never go away. And if you wear contact lenses, they probably leave your eyes feeling even drier, adding to your frustration. You may even think you can no longer wear contact lenses due to the discomfort. In reality, people with dry eyes just need the right kind of contacts, such as scleral lenses.
What are scleral contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are a unique type of contact lens that prioritizes your comfort. Unlike traditional lenses, these are larger and rest on the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. Scleral lenses are a great option for people dealing with dry eyes because they keep your eyes consistently hydrated. Their design creates a fluid-filled cushion over the cornea, eliminating the need for constant eye drops and alleviating that annoying gritty feeling. By providing continuous moisture, they help relieve persistent dryness and discomfort. They also act as a shield against irritants like wind, dust, and pollen, reducing flare-ups and giving your eyes a chance to heal.
Another advantage of scleral lenses is their customized fit, which enhances comfort during extended wear. These lenses are tailored specifically to the individual’s eye shape, ensuring a snug fit that reduces irritation and maximizes relief. On top of that, scleral lenses can improve your vision by providing a stable surface for light to pass through, leading to clearer and more consistent vision. If blurry or fluctuating vision is an issue for you, these lenses can make a real difference.
Who is a good candidate for scleral lenses?
If traditional treatments like eye drops are no longer effective and regular contact lenses only add to your discomfort, scleral lenses might be worth considering. They are designed specifically for people who need more than what conventional remedies can offer.
Scleral lenses can help relieve severe dry eye symptoms caused by conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These lenses are also a great option for individuals who have undergone eye surgeries or suffered injuries that have left them with chronic dry eye symptoms. However, even if you don’t have a severe condition, scleral lenses can still be beneficial if you’re tired of constantly using eye drops and dealing with uncomfortable regular lenses.
The fitting process
Getting fitted for scleral lenses is easy and non-invasive. Our eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your eye health and ensure scleral lenses are right for you. They will then take precise measurements to create a custom fit and, if necessary, show you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
In conclusion, if you’ve been thinking that contact lenses aren’t an option for you because of dry eyes, don’t give up hope just yet! Scleral lenses could be the perfect solution for achieving the comfort and clear vision you’ve been looking for. Reach out to our dry eye specialists in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine today and ask us about scleral lenses and other specialty contact lenses we offer. Along with scleral lenses, we provide a variety of treatment options, including MiBo heating pads, MiBo Thermoflo, OptiLight IPL therapy, and more. Let us help you find lasting relief from dryness and discomfort!