February 19, 2024

Dry eyes are a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as not being able to produce enough tears or producing poor-quality tears.
 

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, causing a stinging or burning sensation. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike, or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours. One of the most effective solutions for individuals with dry eyes is scleral lenses.
 

Understanding Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a specialized type of contact lenses that are significantly larger than standard lenses. They are designed to rest on the sclera, which is the white part of your eye, and create a tear-filled vault over the cornea. Because of their unique design, scleral lenses are often recommended for individuals who have irregularly shaped corneas or severe dry eyes.
 

Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses do not touch the cornea. Instead, they sit on the sclera and vault over the cornea. This creates a fluid-filled space between the lens and the cornea.

Scleral lenses are custom-made for everyone. This ensures that they fit perfectly and provide optimal comfort. They are made from a highly oxygen-permeable material, which allows your eyes to "breathe" and maintain their health.
 

How Scleral Lenses Address Dry Eye Comfort

Scleral lenses address dry eye comfort in several ways. First, they create a fluid-filled reservoir that provides constant hydration to the cornea. This can alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes, such as burning, stinging, and a feeling of something in your eye.
 

The design of scleral lenses also helps to protect the cornea from the environment. Because they vault over the cornea, they shield it from the air and any potential irritants. This can help to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes, particularly in environments that are typically challenging for individuals with this condition, such as areas with low humidity or high wind.
 

Finally, because scleral lenses are custom-made, they can provide a level of comfort that is not achievable with standard contact lenses. They are designed to fit perfectly on your eye, which can reduce the sensation of having something in your eye, a common symptom of dry eyes.

Conclusion

Scleral lenses are a great solution for individuals suffering from dry eyes. They address the causes and symptoms of dry eyes by providing constant hydration, protecting the cornea, and offering a custom fit for optimal comfort. The benefits of using scleral lenses for dry eyes extend beyond symptom relief—they can also improve your overall eye health and quality of life.
 

If you're struggling with the discomfort of dry eyes, schedule an eye exam with our optometrist to determine if scleral lenses are the right solution for you. Contact Modern iCare Optometry at our office in Palm Desert, California. Call 760-674-7272 to book an appointment today.