Do Scleral Contact Lenses Work for Dry Eye?

Many people experience symptoms of dry eye, making it difficult for them to focus. The soreness and irritation from the condition can even damage your eyes. Dry eye syndrome results in inflammation, making it difficult to wear contact lenses.

For this reason, optometrists recommend wearing scleral lenses if dry eyes become problematic. However, many people wonder if scleral lenses help if you have dry eye disease. Here are a few insights.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome is a common issue occurring when tears cannot sufficiently lubricate the eyes. It typically happens due to instabilities within the tear film.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Many people assume that having dry eyes is normal, but that is not true. Dry eye syndrome presents the following symptoms.
 

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Watery eyes
   

• A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Red eyes
   

• Eye fatigue
   

• Difficulty wearing contacts
   

• Difficulty driving at night
   

Dry eye symptoms occur when your tear film layer experiences complications. It can be due to increased tear evaporation or decreased tear production.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

A scleral lens is a contact lens that can help patients who do not respond to other treatments for corneal conditions. It differs from conventional contact lenses by their enlarged size. Scleral lenses rest on top of the sclera, the layer of tissue on the surface of the white part of the eye.

It contains a fluid that bars the lens from contacting the cornea. This lack of contact between the cornea and scleral lens averts discomfort. The front spherical part of the lens improves your vision.

Scleral lenses can help:
 

• Enhance eye comfort in conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or dry eye
   

• Provide better vision for patients with irregular corneal surfaces. These may include corneal scarring or keratoconus
   

• Protect your eyes’ front surfaces in conditions such as exposure or neurotrophic keratopathy
  
  
   

Do They Work for Dry Eye?

Scleral lenses are not a cure for dry eye syndrome. Their purpose is to offer relief from the symptoms by regularly moisturizing your eyes. Additionally, their design is more comfortable for long-term use because the lens covers the entire corneal surface.

By resting on the sclera, these lenses protect your eyes from irritants like dust and smoke. Additionally, you do not need as many artificial tears when wearing scleral lenses. For this reason, these lenses are effective in managing the symptoms of dry eye.

Scleral Lens Tips

There are a few considerations when getting fitted for scleral lenses:

Manage your expectations - You must be patient with the fitting process. Do not underestimate the number of visits and time required for proper fitting. You should be mentally prepared for the outcome. This way, you avoid frustrations and despair.
 

Avoid bubbles - Bubbles may form during the insertion of the lenses. It is unwise to assume the bubble will settle over time. For your scleral lens to work for dry eye, remove and reinsert the lens. The bubbles may affect your comfort and vision.

For more on scleral contact lenses for treating dry eye, visit Brandon Eyes at our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. You can call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 today to schedule an appointment.