Why Scleral Lenses Are a Game Changer for People with Severe Dry Eyes

Living with severe dry eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable. The persistent irritation, redness, and blurry vision can significantly impact daily life. While traditional treatments like artificial tears, prescription eye drops, and warm compresses may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the underlying issue effectively. For individuals struggling with chronic dry eye, scleral lenses offer a revolutionary solution that not only enhances comfort but also improves vision.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are specialized contact lenses that are larger than traditional soft or rigid gas-permeable lenses. Unlike standard contacts that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). This unique design creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing continuous hydration and protection for individuals with severe dry eye syndrome.

Provides Continuous Hydration

The fluid reservoir in scleral lenses keeps the cornea hydrated throughout the day, reducing dryness and irritation. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by absorbing moisture from the eye’s surface, scleral lenses create a moisture-rich environment that promotes healing and comfort. This consistent hydration also helps prevent redness, burning, and the gritty sensation that many dry eye sufferers experience.

Protects the Cornea

Dry eye sufferers often experience corneal damage due to inadequate tear production, leading to micro-abrasions, inflammation, and an increased risk of infections. Scleral lenses act as a protective shield, covering the entire cornea and safeguarding it from external irritants such as wind, dust, pollen, and air conditioning. This barrier effect helps prevent further damage and allows the corneal surface to heal and regenerate more effectively.

Enhances Visual Clarity

In addition to providing moisture, scleral lenses improve vision quality by creating a uniform optical surface over the cornea. Many people with dry eye disease also experience fluctuating or blurry vision due to an irregular tear film or corneal irregularities. Scleral lenses help compensate  these issues by providing a stable and smooth refractive surface, reducing glare, halos, and distortions. This makes them especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with poor night vision or difficulty focusing on fine details.

Offers Long-Lasting Comfort

Because scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive corneal surface, they are significantly more comfortable than traditional contact lenses for people with severe dry eyes. Instead of resting directly on the cornea, they sit on the less sensitive sclera, which has fewer nerve endings. This design minimizes irritation and reduces the sensation of a foreign object in the eye. Many patients find that they can wear scleral lenses for extended periods without discomfort, making them an excellent option for individuals who spend long hours at work, use screens frequently, or engage in outdoor activities.

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

If you have chronic dry eye that hasn’t responded well to traditional treatments, scleral lenses could be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Refined Eyecare Optometry, Dr. Lakhani specializes in fitting scleral lenses and customizing them for your unique eye needs.

To learn more about how scleral lenses can transform your vision and dry eye comfort, schedule a consultation with Refined Eyecare Optometry. Visit our office in Torrance, California, or call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.