How do Scleral Lenses Help With Dry Eye?  

Wearing traditional contact lenses when you have dry eye in Wellington, FL can be a little bit challenging. The lack of hydration that is symptomatic of dry eye typically makes it uncomfortable to wear regular contact lenses. Although eyeglasses are one good solution, there is another. Scleral lenses offer a way to correct vision problems for those with dry eye syndrome.

Scleral Lenses Increase Hydration

Because of the way that scleral lenses sit over, rather than on top of, the eyes, they don’t inhibit hydration of the eyes. In between the cornea and the scleral lens is a liquid reservoir that contains saline solution. This translates to near-constant hydration for the eyes, something that those with dry eye syndrome will benefit from.

Scleral Lenses Help Keep Cornea Safe From Damage

With dry eye syndrome, the eyes are under-hydrated, which can result in corneal damage from inflammation, friction or even abrasion. Scleral lenses act as a barrier between eyelids and the cornea, helping to keep the cornea free of irritation and damage.

Eye Irritation is Minimized With Scleral Lenses

Patients with dry eye syndrome often complain of irritation and discomfort. This is due to the eyes not being lubricated sufficiently. Regular contact lenses exacerbate this irritation and discomfort. But scleral lenses don’t come into contact with the cornea; the perimeter of the lens sits on the white part of the eye. Therefore, there is no direct contact with the cornea and eye irritation is minimized.

Scleral lenses are most often prescribed for those with corneal irregularities, damage or refractive errors. However, they are also ideal for many people who suffer from dry eye syndrome. Talk to your Wellington, FL eye doctor to find out if scleral lenses might be right for your needs.