The Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome can be more than just an occasional irritation. For many people, it’s a chronic condition that affects daily comfort, productivity, and quality of life. Burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity can make simple tasks like reading, working on a computer, or driving uncomfortable.

If traditional treatments such as artificial tears or standard contact lenses haven’t provided relief, scleral lenses may offer a life-changing solution.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining healthy vision - they lubricate the eyes, wash away debris, and keep the surface of the eye smooth and clear.

Common causes of dry eye include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome
• Extended screen time
• Aging and hormonal changes
• Environmental factors like wind and dry air
• Previous eye surgery

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, standard soft contact lenses can sometimes worsen symptoms by absorbing moisture from the eye. That’s where scleral lenses come in.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. Unlike traditional contacts, they vault over the cornea and create a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the surface of the eye.

This unique design offers several key advantages for dry eye sufferers.

Continuous Hydration

One of the most significant benefits of scleral lenses is the constant moisture they provide. Before insertion, the lens is filled with sterile saline solution. Once in place, this liquid reservoir remains between the lens and the cornea throughout the day.

This protective cushion:

• Keeps the eye hydrated
• Reduces friction from blinking
• Soothes irritated tissue
• Promotes healing of the ocular surface

For patients with severe dryness, this moisture retention can dramatically reduce discomfort.

Improved Comfort Compared to Traditional Contacts

Standard soft lenses sit directly on the cornea and can feel uncomfortable for individuals with dry eye. Scleral lenses, however, rest on the sclera, which is less sensitive than the cornea.

Because they don’t rub against the already-irritated surface of the eye, many patients find scleral lenses significantly more comfortable - even after hours of wear.

Enhanced Visual Clarity

Dry eye often causes fluctuating or blurry vision due to an unstable tear film. The fluid reservoir created by scleral lenses forms a smooth optical surface over the cornea, improving visual stability and sharpness.

In addition to treating dry eye, scleral lenses can also correct:

• Irregular corneas
• Keratoconus
• Corneal scarring
• Post-surgical vision irregularities

For patients dealing with both dry eye and visual distortion, scleral lenses can address both issues at once.

Protection from Environmental Irritants

Scleral lenses act as a physical barrier, shielding the cornea from dust, wind, allergens, and other environmental triggers. This protection can be especially beneficial for patients who experience worsened symptoms outdoors or in air-conditioned environments.

By minimizing exposure to irritants, scleral lenses help maintain a more stable and comfortable ocular surface throughout the day.

Long-Term Ocular Surface Support

For individuals with chronic or severe dry eye, ongoing irritation can damage the corneal surface. The consistent hydration and protection provided by scleral lenses can support long-term eye health by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting healing
• Preventing further surface breakdown

When combined with a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan, scleral lenses can play an essential role in managing complex cases.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

Scleral lenses are custom-designed to fit each patient’s unique eye shape. At Burbank Family Optometry, a detailed evaluation - including corneal mapping and dry eye assessment - helps determine whether scleral lenses are the right solution for your needs.

They are often recommended for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe dry eye
• Have not found relief with drops or medications
• Cannot tolerate traditional contact lenses
• Have corneal irregularities

Because they are specialty lenses, proper fitting and follow-up care are critical for success.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Living with dry eye doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort or compromised vision. Scleral lenses offer a modern, highly effective solution by providing continuous hydration, improved comfort, enhanced visual clarity, and protection for the ocular surface.

At Burbank Family Optometry, we are committed to providing advanced, personalized solutions for dry eye relief. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.