Dry eyes can be frustrating at best and life-altering at worst. From the constant burning sensation they cause to the gritty feeling that never seems to go away, daily life with dry eyes can feel like an uphill battle. For many, activities like reading, working on a computer, or simply enjoying time outside can become challenging.
Fortunately, there is a potential solution. Scleral lenses help your eyes stay hydrated and comfortable by keeping moisture on the eye’s surface, letting you reclaim your day-to-day life.
What Are Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses aren’t your typical contact lenses. Unlike smaller lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera, the white part of your eye. This design creates a gap between the lens and the cornea, which then fills with a reservoir of saline solution. The result is that the surface of the eye remains hydrated throughout the day while still being shielded from external irritants.
This unique fit also means that scleral lenses don’t touch the already-sensitive cornea, making them a more comfortable option than traditional contacts for people dealing with conditions like dry eyes, keratoconus, or corneal scarring. If comfort has been an issue for you with other types of lenses, scleral lenses may feel entirely different—in the best way.
How They Compare to Other Lenses
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in eye care, scleral lenses have distinct advantages over other lens types for managing dry eyes:
- Soft lenses with their high-water content may feel comfortable initially, but they often wick moisture away from the eye, exacerbating dryness as the day goes on.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses provide clarity, but can be uncomfortable for extended wear and are not designed with fluid reservoirs, offering little help for dry eyes.
- Hybrid lenses, which combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring, can sometimes provide a middle ground. However, their limited ability to trap moisture makes them less effective for more severe dry eye symptoms.
Scleral lenses stand out as an excellent option for those with dry eyes. Their design provides not only hydration, but also impressive vision quality and long-term comfort.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This issue stems from an imbalance in the tear film, which consists of 3 vital components:
- Oil layer: Prevents evaporation
- Water layer: Keeps the eye hydrated
- Mucus layer: Promotes an even tear distribution
When any of these layers falter, the result is dry, irritated eyes. Environmental factors like wind or air conditioning, medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, certain medications, and even the natural aging process can all contribute to dry eyes. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to chronic discomfort that affects vision.
Common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- A gritty feeling, as if something is stuck in the eyes
- Persistent burning or stinging sensations
- Blurred vision that fluctuates
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Redness that doesn’t go away
Left untreated, dry eyes can lead to inflammation, increased risk of eye infections, and even permanent damage to vision.
For some people, simply using artificial tears or over-the-counter drops isn’t enough. This is where scleral lenses shine as a long-term solution.
Breaking Through Dry Eye with Scleral Lenses
Contact lenses can be frustrating to wear if you have dry eyes, but scleral lenses can change that. By keeping the cornea moist and protected, scleral lenses help reduce irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, letting you focus on the things that matter most.
Here’s why scleral lenses are often preferred by people managing moderate to severe dry eye:
- All-day hydration: Few other contact lens provide the continuous moisture that scleral lenses offer.
- Enhanced comfort: Because they don’t touch the cornea, scleral lenses feel more comfortable, even for those with severe dryness or irregular cornea shapes.
- Improved vision: The custom fit of scleral lenses,combined with their liquid reservoir ,create a smooth optical surface so you can enjoy sharp, clear vision while addressing optical irregularities.
Some people believe that contacts aren’t for them, or they’ve been told they have “hard-to-fit” eyes. But scleral lenses can surprise even long-time skeptics. While traditional lenses often exacerbate dry eyes or don’t fit well, scleral lenses frequently meet the needs of people living with dry eye. They’re custom-designed for your unique eye shape, providing a secure, comfortable fit.
Your optometrist will determine whether scleral lenses are the right match for you with a contact lens exam, but they’re especially well-suited for:
- Chronic dry eye conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments
- Advanced corneal conditions like keratoconus
- Post-surgical dryness or corneal damage
For many, scleral lenses are more than a treatment for dry eye symptoms. They represent a pathway back to ordinary sight, free of the disruptions caused by dry, irritated eyes.
Discover a Clearer Future
Living with dry eyes doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Scleral lenses offer a powerful, prescription-based solution to hydrate, protect, and transform your eye care routine. With their unique design, exceptional comfort, and targeted relief, they bring hope to those who’ve been searching for more than temporary fixes.
The best way to see if scleral lenses are right for you is by booking an eye exam with an optometrist. At 2020 Eyecare Ohio, we’re passionate about helping our patients find the treatments that make a difference in their lives. Our team will guide you through every step, from assessments to fittings, making sure you leave not just satisfied but excited for what’s ahead.
Take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision today. Book your appointment now and see how scleral lenses can change the way you experience the world.
