Dry eye disease occurs when there aren’t sufficient tears to cover the surface of the eyes, causing discomfort and distress to the eyes. Scleral lenses or contacts are a solution for vision correction and can help patients with dry eyes. Here’s more information about how these lenses help individuals manage dry eye disease:
What Are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are made from soft gas-permeable material and are larger in diameter than traditional rigid gas-permeable lenses. They vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a space between the lens and the cornea. This allows the lenses to offer a stable tear film for dry eyes.
How Scleral Lenses Provide Relief
One of the ways scleral lenses manage dry eye disease is by creating a moisture chamber. When the lens is placed on the eye, an artificial tear is instilled into the space between the lens and the cornea. This moisture chamber assists in minimizing corneal dryness and inflammation. The lens can act as corrective eyewear and shield the cornea from dust and allergens that lead to dry eyes. Scleral lenses are designed to provide a consistent and stable tear. They also maintain their position during wear, keeping the moisture intact. This stability makes the lenses comfortable and effective for patients with severe dry eye disease.
Advantages of Scleral Lenses
Scleral contacts can be worn for long periods without irritating the eyes. This is helpful for individuals who must wear corrective lenses for work or other daily activities. The design of these lenses can be adjusted to correct refractive errors like astigmatism to give wearers better vision and clarity. This dual benefit of comfort and improved eyesight makes these lenses a good option for many individuals.
Patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may develop severe dry eye symptoms due to graft-versus-host disease. Scleral lenses can alleviate their discomfort by providing continuous lubrication and protection. Eye care specialists can modify the position, curvature, and diameter of the lens to match each individual’s eye shape and specific needs. This personalization makes the lenses more effective in the management of dry eye symptoms.
Care and Maintenance
Taking good care of your lenses protects their functionality and keeps your eyes healthy. Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria that could cause eye infections. When cleaning your lenses, use a disinfecting solution specifically designed for scleral lenses. Avoid using tap water or saliva, as they can introduce harmful microorganisms to the contacts. After taking out the lens, wash it with the solution and place a few drops of it on the lens. Swirl it around with your index for about half a minute. Rinse them again under the solution before placing the lenses in a case full of fresh solution.
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Get Your Scleral Contacts
Scleral lenses can minimize discomfort and prevent dry eye by making a moisture chamber and maintaining a steady tear film. This improves the acuity of vision and leads to better eye health. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional today to learn more about getting scleral contacts.
