Scleral Lenses For Dry Eyes

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are lenses that sit on the sclera—or white part of the eye—rather than resting on the cornea. While they do cover the entire cornea, they have no direct contact. This means they are more comfortable for those suffering from conditions such as corneal irregularities or dry eyes. 

The lens retains moisture and helps to keep the eye surface lubricated. This makes scleral lenses for dry eye sufferers more comfortable than regular lenses. They also provide clearer vision as they cover a larger portion of the eye. Scleral lenses are made from materials that are gas permeable . So, even though they cover a large portion of the eye, oxygen still reaches the eye surface. 

Scleral lenses for dry eyes must always be fitted by a professional because they are customized to the individual wearer. Regular check ups are also needed to maintain eye health.

Benefits of Scleral Lens Treatment

Since scleral lenses don’t actually touch the cornea, they are extremely beneficial for people with conditions such as corneal ectasia and keratoconus, allowing them to be able to wear contact lenses. It also helps patients with dry eye issues. 

These lenses allow the cornea to be bathed in moisture due to the gap between the front and back of the lens, which relieves the symptoms of dry eye conditions. Scleral lenses provide extra protection against grit due to the larger surface area and also allow for less movement with blinking than with regular lenses. 

Those who suffer from corneal conditions that prevent regular contact lens use can benefit from scleral lenses and dry eye sufferers will also experience more comfortable vision.

Scleral Lenses vs. Our Other Dry Eye Treatments

There are many different dry eye conditions and several therapies designed to relieve the symptoms. So, do scleral lenses work for dry eye more effectively than other dry eye treatments? 

This depends on the condition. It also depends on whether a person suffering from dry eyes prefers to wear contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. There are therapies such as eye drops, punctal plugs and thermal or intense pulsed light treatments which treat various dry eye problems. 

Scleral lenses work well for those who require vision correction and also have a dry eye issue but who don’t want to wear eyeglasses. These special, larger lenses combat all these issues safely and effectively.