Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in which a patient’s eyes cannot produce adequate lubrication. There are several reasons for this concern—for example, the eyes may not produce enough tears, or they may produce poor-quality tears. Tear instability can cause irritation, inflammation, and even damage to the surface of the eye. Beyond the potential long-term damage, dry eyes are uncomfortable in the short term. Individuals with dry eyes may experience burning or stinging and blurry vision. You may notice your dry eyes more in certain situations, such as while working at your computer for prolonged periods, in air-conditioned rooms, or on airplanes. There are treatments that can make you more comfortable, including lifestyle changes and moisturizing eye drops. You may also need to address an underlying condition, such as a specific medication or eyelid condition that contributes to your dry eyes.
What are scleral lenses for dry eyes?
Scleral contact lenses are one very effective treatment for dry eyes. Traditional contact lenses can be uncomfortable for patients with this condition: these lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, including redness, itchiness, and the feeling that you have something in your eye. However, there is one type of contact lens that is not only comfortable to wear but also improves symptoms and provides sharp, clear vision: scleral contact lenses. Scleral lenses are different from traditional contact lenses in several ways–most notably, they are larger, and they are custom-fit for superior comfort and function. Scleral lenses for dry eyes are gas permeable, which means that they let oxygen through, helping to keep your eyes healthy. If you have dry eyes, your cornea may be more sensitive than normal. Scleral lenses address this problem with their shape. They do not touch the cornea directly but vault over it, leaving space between the cornea and the lens for hydrating fluid to sit in and bathe the eye.
Related Resources: What Vision Problems Do Scleral Lenses Correct?
How do scleral lenses treat dry eye syndrome?
Traditional soft contact lenses absorb moisture from the eye, which can make dry eye symptoms worse. Scleral lenses provide moisture, keeping the eye more hydrated and comfortable. When you apply a scleral lens, you first fill it with saline solution. The vaulted lens holds this saline solution on the surface of your eye all day long. This consistent moisture creates optimal conditions for the comfort and healing of dry eyes. Scleral lenses also cover more of the surface of the eye, helping to shield it from external irritants.
Related Resources: 6 Reasons Why Scleral Lenses Can Solve Your Dry Eye Syndrome
Why are Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes the Best Option?
Scleral lenses have become one of the most effective solutions for people struggling with chronic dry eye, particularly when standard treatments like artificial tears or prescription drops fail to provide lasting relief. Their design, fit, and therapeutic benefits make them stand out as the “best option” for many patients.
Complete Eye Coverage and Moisture Retention
Unlike standard contact lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses vault entirely over it, creating a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the eye’s surface. This fluid layer keeps the cornea constantly bathed in moisture, protecting it from exposure and preventing dryness throughout the day. For patients with severe dry eye or conditions like keratoconjunctivitis sicca, this constant hydration can significantly reduce irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Custom Fit for Maximum Comfort
Scleral lenses for dry eyes are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique eye shape, ensuring a stable and comfortable fit. Because they rest on the less-sensitive white part of the eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea, they avoid many of the irritation triggers associated with traditional lenses. This stability not only improves comfort but also helps maintain consistent vision, even for those with irregular corneas or other surface issues caused by chronic dryness.
Protection Against Environmental Irritants
For many dry eye sufferers, environmental factors—such as wind, air conditioning, or dust—can worsen symptoms. Scleral lenses act as a physical shield, protecting the eye from these irritants while locking in moisture. This makes them especially beneficial for people whose lifestyles or work environments expose them to harsh conditions.
Enhanced Healing and Eye Health
By maintaining a stable moisture environment and reducing friction on the corneal surface, scleral lenses promote healing in damaged or compromised eyes. This makes them not only a comfort solution but also a therapeutic tool that supports long-term eye health. Many patients who have struggled for years with burning, gritty sensations, or light sensitivity find that scleral lenses restore both comfort and function.
Tips for using scleral lenses
If you are trying scleral lenses for dry eyes for the first time, there will be a learning curve. However, these lenses are highly comfortable and very easy to use and care for once you know a few essential tips:
- Rinse and fill them properly. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for maintaining your lenses, including rubbing them thoroughly after removal to eliminate surface microorganisms and debris. Then, rinse them with saline solution and store them properly.
- Remove your lenses at the right time. The best time to remove scleral lenses is about an hour before you go to bed. However, if you feel that you need to remove them sooner, you should do so. If you notice that your lenses become fogged up, it may be because some changes need to be made to the saline solution or fit of the lens. Sometimes fogging may be due to inadequate eyelid hygiene and this can be addressed and treated as well. Remove and re-apply your scleral lenses or visit your optometrist for an exam.
- Use excellent hygiene when inserting your lenses. Be sure to wash your hands before applying your lenses, and keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching your eye. Always apply your lenses over a clean, flat surface so that if you drop one, it won’t become damaged and will be easy to find.
- Keep up with your follow-up appointments. You should visit your eye doctor regularly and as recommended so that they can examine your eyes and make sure that your lenses are not causing any damage. That way, the lenses will continue to fit properly and correct your vision.
If you have any questions about treating dry eyes with scleral lenses, you can contact us here.
