Managing Dry Eye with Scleral Lenses: How They Provide Relief and Protection

In our fast-paced world, where digital screens and air-conditioned environments have become the norm, dry eye syndrome has emerged as a prevalent and often overlooked condition. Dry eye occurs when your eyes fail to produce sufficient tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. This chronic condition can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks like reading or using a computer a challenge.
 

Dry eye is more than just a minor annoyance; it's a complex condition that can have far-reaching consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, advancements in eye care technology have led to innovative solutions like scleral lenses, which offer a promising solution for managing dry eye and providing relief and protection for your precious eyes.
 

Identifying the Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye

To effectively manage dry eye, it's essential to understand its underlying causes and recognize its telltale signs. Dry eye can stem from various factors, including:
 

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry air, wind, or smoke can contribute to tear evaporation, leading to dry eye symptoms.
• Medical Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, can disrupt tear production and cause dry eye.
• Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production as a side effect.
• Age: As we grow older, our bodies naturally produce fewer tears, making dry eye more common in older adults.
• Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, can lead to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation, exacerbating dry eye symptoms.

The symptoms of dry eye can vary in severity and may include:

• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
• Feeling of grittiness or a foreign body in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional advice from an optometrist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
 

The Risks of Leaving Dry Eye Untreated

While dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, ignoring its symptoms can have serious consequences for your eye health and overall well-being. Untreated dry eye can lead to:
 

• Corneal Damage: The cornea, the clear front part of the eye, relies on a consistent tear film for protection and nourishment. Without adequate lubrication, the cornea can become vulnerable to abrasions, scarring, and even vision impairment.
• Increased Risk of Infections: Tears play a crucial role in flushing away debris and bacteria from the eye's surface. When tear production is compromised, the risk of eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, increases.
• Decreased Quality of Life: Chronic dry eye can significantly impact your daily activities, causing discomfort, eye strain, and decreased productivity, ultimately affecting your overall quality of life.
• Exacerbation of Existing Eye Conditions: Dry eye can worsen or complicate other eye conditions, such as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular allergies.

By seeking prompt treatment and managing dry eye effectively, you can prevent these potential complications and maintain optimal eye health and comfort.
 

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 the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a reservoir between the lens and the cornea, which can be filled with a sterile saline solution or artificial tears.
 

This unique design offers several benefits for individuals with dry eye:

• Moisture Retention: The liquid-filled reservoir beneath the scleral lens acts as a constant source of hydration, preventing the cornea from drying out and providing relief from dry eye symptoms.
• Corneal Protection: By vaulting over the cornea, scleral lenses create a protective barrier, shielding the sensitive corneal surface from environmental factors that can exacerbate dry eye.
• Improved Comfort: The smooth surface of scleral lenses and the cushioning effect of the liquid reservoir make them more comfortable to wear than traditional contact lenses, especially for those with dry eye.

Scleral lenses are custom-made for each individual, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance. They are available in various materials, including gas-permeable and hybrid designs, to accommodate different needs and preferences.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with VisualEyes Today

Dry eye is a complex condition that can significantly impact your daily life and long-term eye health. While traditional treatments like artificial tears and lifestyle modifications can provide temporary relief, scleral lenses offer a comprehensive solution that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of dry eye.
 

By creating a protective barrier and constant source of hydration, scleral lenses not only alleviate the discomfort associated with dry eye but also safeguard your eyes from potential complications. With their custom-fit design and versatility, scleral lenses can be an effective solution for individuals with varying degrees of dry eye, corneal irregularities, or ocular surface diseases.
 

If you're struggling with dry eye and seeking a comprehensive solution, schedule a consultation with an experienced eye care professionals to discuss the potential benefits of scleral lenses. Visit VisualEyes at our office in Fayette, Tuscaloosa, or Demopolis, Alabama. Call (205) 932- 5286, (205) 861-2020 or (334) 289- 0466 to book an appointment today.