Severe dry eye disease is more than just an inconvenience, it dramatically affects vision, causes discomfort, and disrupts daily activities. Our eye doctors understand how persistent dryness and irritation can lead to significant stress on the eye’s surface.

At their core, scleral lenses are large, curved contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest comfortably on the sclera, which is the white of the eye. This design provides a unique advantage: a reservoir of sterile saline gets trapped under the lens, acting like an extended tear film. This reservoir ensures the cornea remains continuously lubricated, reducing typical symptoms such as pain, burning, and the sensation of having a foreign object in the eye.

As our eye doctors emphasize, maintaining eye health and comfort goes beyond temporary fixes. Scleral lenses not only manage symptoms but also protect the ocular surface from environmental irritants like wind, dust, and eyelid friction, which can exacerbate corneal damage. This dual action of hydration and protection is what makes scleral lenses a vital treatment option for long-term relief.

During the initial fitting session, high-resolution anterior segment imaging and scleral profilometry come into play to fine-tune the lens design. These innovative imaging technologies allow our eye doctors to assess the curvature, size, and anatomical variations of the eye. This detailed approach ensures that the lens vaults the cornea appropriately, while also securing a tear reservoir to maintain hydration throughout the day.

Utilizing these modern methods, our eye doctors can:

• Determine the exact dimensions needed for a perfect fit.
• Customize the lens profile to mirror the unique shape of each patient’s eye.
• Monitor oxygen transmission to ensure that the eye’s surface remains healthy.
• Identify any initial areas of discomfort or potential issues that can be adjusted during follow-up visits.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the lens’ performance over time, ensuring that the vault remains adequate, oxygen permeation is maintained, and that there is minimal conjunctival compression. These regular assessments are key to not only preserving the initial success achieved by the lenses but also preventing any potential complications along the way.

This ongoing partnership between patients and our eye doctors helps ensure that the treatment remains effective over time, adapting to any subtle changes in the eyes’ condition. It is this commitment to long-term care and personalized adjustment that sets scleral lenses apart as a reliable solution for severe dry eyes.

Scleral lenses are approved for long-term wear, ensuring that they meet stringent safety guidelines meant for patients with severe ocular surface diseases.

Patients are carefully instructed on proper lens handling, ensuring a reduction in the risk of complications associated with improper use.

Dedicated cleaning routines eliminate the chances of harmful residues or irritants building up on the lenses, thus promoting a safe and healthy wearing experience.

Scheduled follow-up visits allow for preventive care, where any early signs of discomfort or lens issues can be addressed promptly.

This commitment to patient safety not only aids in achieving a better quality of life by alleviating dry eye symptoms but also supports the overall ocular health of individuals who rely on scleral lenses daily. For patients who have endured years of discomfort and reduced vision quality, the assurance of a safe, professionally managed treatment option can be immensely relieving.

Thanks to the continuous hydration provided by the fluid reservoir, patients experience notable relief from the common symptoms of dryness, such as burning, stinging, and the sensation of grit in the eye.

The lens creates a smooth, uninterrupted optical surface that counters the irregularities caused by dry spots or minor corneal damage. This leads to improved vision stability over different lighting conditions and activities.

For many severe dry eye sufferers, reliance on frequent application of artificial tears can be burdensome. Scleral lenses help reduce this dependency, streamlining everyday care and offering a more liberating treatment experience.

By guarding the eyes against environmental stressors and potential irritants, the lenses contribute to overall ocular health and a lower risk of additional complications.

The enhanced comfort and reduced daily maintenance open up a world of possibility for those who have long struggled with the impacts of severe dry eye. Not only can patients enjoy clearer and more stable vision, but they can also embrace daily activities once hindered by constant discomfort. The psychological boost from reliable vision and reduced eye irritation cannot be understated. For many, the persistent presence of discomfort has practical and emotional ramifications. The consistency provided by scleral lenses helps mitigate these frustrations, giving patients a renewed sense of well-being.

A complete examination helps determine the severity of the dry eye condition, paving the way for a customized treatment plan.

Technologies such as AS-OCT (anterior segment optical coherence tomography) and scleral profilometry map the unique shape of the eye, which directly informs the lens design.

Customized fitting sessions ensure that the lens vaults appropriately over the cornea while resting comfortably on the sclera, with the optimal fluid reservoir in place.

Regular check-ins allow our eye doctors to monitor lens performance, assess comfort levels, and make necessary adjustments. This proactive attention supports long-term satisfaction and helps address any concerns before they become significant issues.

This individualized emphasis ensures that patients receive a treatment tailored to their unique needs, ultimately enhancing the overall efficacy of the scleral lenses. When each lens is crafted with precision, patients are rewarded with improved comfort, better vision, and a renewed sense of ease in their daily life.

Whether faced with bright sunlight or a dim evening environment, the stabilized optical surface of the scleral lens supports consistent and clear vision.

With the continuous hydration provided by the fluid reservoir, many patients find that daily activities become less taxing, as they no longer have to frequently manage the discomfort associated with severe dryness.

Many individuals appreciate the relief from having to carry and use artificial tears throughout the day, finding the overall maintenance of their eye care routine much simpler.

Enjoying clearer vision and comfort often boosts self-assurance, enabling patients to engage fully in work, hobbies, and social interactions without the burden of constant eye discomfort.

The reduction in daily management efforts naturally translates to a better overall quality of life. With clearer vision and a more stable ocular environment, patients can focus more on the activities they love and less on the persistent irritation of severe dry eyes. Understanding that dry eye disease can have both physical and psychological impacts, the use of scleral lenses provides a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple dimensions of eye health. This clarity, both visually and emotionally, is what makes scleral lenses a cherished option for those burdened with chronic severe dry eye symptoms.