How Scleral Lenses Help Dry Eye Patients

Dry eye disease is more than just an occasional irritation. For many people, it’s a chronic condition that affects daily comfort, vision quality, and overall quality of life. Burning, redness, fluctuating vision, and the constant feeling of grit in the eyes can make even simple tasks uncomfortable. While artificial tears and medications help some patients, others need a more advanced solution.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter specialty contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Unlike traditional soft contacts, scleral lenses do not sit directly on the sensitive corneal surface. Instead, they create a smooth optical surface and a protective space between the lens and the eye.

Before inserting the lens, it is filled with a sterile saline solution. This liquid reservoir remains in place throughout the day, continuously bathing the eye in moisture.

Why Dry Eye Patients Struggle With Traditional Treatments

Dry eye can be caused by inadequate tear production, poor tear quality, inflammation, or underlying conditions such as autoimmune disease or previous eye surgery. Many patients cycle through drops, gels, warm compresses, and medications with only partial relief. In moderate to severe cases, these approaches may not provide enough lasting comfort or visual stability. Scleral lenses address dry eye at its source by creating a stable, hydrated environment on the eye all day long.

Constant Hydration

The fluid reservoir under a scleral lens keeps the eye continuously moist. This can significantly reduce burning, stinging, and dryness, even in severe cases where drops provide only short-term relief.

Protection From the Environment

Scleral lenses act as a shield against wind, dust, pollen, and dry air. This protection is especially helpful for patients who work on computers, spend time outdoors, or live in dry or windy climates.

Reduced Eye Surface Irritation

Because scleral lenses vault over the cornea, they minimize friction against the most sensitive part of the eye. This can be especially beneficial for patients with corneal damage, irregularities, or scarring related to dry eye disease.

Clearer, More Stable Vision

Dry eye often causes fluctuating or blurry vision. The smooth optical surface of a scleral lens can dramatically improve visual clarity while keeping the eye comfortable.

Who Can Benefit From Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are often recommended for patients with moderate to severe dry eye, including those who:

• Have not found relief with traditional dry eye treatments

• Experience dry eye related to autoimmune conditions

• Have had refractive surgery and developed chronic dryness

• Suffer from corneal irregularities or damage

• Cannot tolerate standard contact lenses

A comprehensive eye exam and specialized fitting are essential to determine if scleral lenses are the right option.

Take the Next Step at Ridgeview Eye Care

For dry eye patients who struggle with constant discomfort and inconsistent vision, scleral lenses can offer lasting relief and improved quality of life. By providing continuous hydration, protecting the eye’s surface, and enhancing visual clarity, scleral lenses go beyond symptom management to address the underlying challenges of dry eye disease.

If you’re tired of living with dry, irritated eyes and want to explore if scleral lenses are right for you, schedule a consultation at Ridgeview Eye Care today. Contact our office in Olathe or Lenexa, Kansas, by calling (913) 261-8327 to book an appointment.