Why Scleral Lenses Are a Game-Changer for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye syndrome can make reading, working on a computer, or enjoying the outdoors uncomfortable and even painful. While over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears can offer temporary relief, they often aren’t enough for those with moderate to severe dry eye. Fortunately, advanced treatment options like scleral lenses are transforming the way patients manage this condition.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging

• Blurred vision

• Redness and irritation

• A gritty or “sand-in-the-eye” feeling

For some people, environmental changes and basic artificial tears are enough to manage symptoms. However, for those with chronic or severe dry eye caused by conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction, Sjögren’s syndrome, or post-LASIK complications, standard treatments may fall short.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of your eye). Unlike traditional soft contact lenses, scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive surface of the cornea. Instead, they create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye, providing constant hydration and protection. These lenses are custom-made to fit your eyes, offering both vision correction and therapeutic relief for ocular surface conditions.

How Scleral Lenses Provide Comfort for Dry Eye Sufferers

Scleral lenses can be life-changing for those with dry eye because they provide a unique combination of protection, hydration, and vision improvement. One of their key benefits is the moisture barrier they create. The fluid-filled space beneath the lens keeps the cornea consistently hydrated, helping to reduce irritation and dryness throughout the day.

These lenses also protect the eye surface by vaulting over the cornea and shielding it from environmental irritants such as wind, dust, and allergens. This barrier effect not only enhances comfort but also prevents further irritation for sensitive eyes.

In addition to relieving dryness, scleral lenses improve vision and comfort. They correct refractive errors and often provide clearer vision for patients with corneal irregularities or scarring, which can make wearing traditional contact lenses difficult.

Finally, scleral lenses offer all-day relief. Many patients find that once they insert their lenses in the morning, they can enjoy consistent comfort and hydration throughout the day, making daily activities much more manageable.

Experience Lasting Dry Eye Relief

If you’ve been struggling with dry eye and haven’t found success with standard treatments, scleral lenses may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. At Eyes on You, we specialize in fitting scleral lenses to provide both exceptional vision and long-lasting comfort.

Don’t let dry eye disrupt your life. Schedule a consultation with Eyes on You to see if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Portland, Oregon, or call (971) 252-7500 to schedule a consultation today.