Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Syndrome

Discover why Scleral Lenses can provide relief from symptoms of dry eye, such as burning, stinging, gritty, and painful eyes. 

Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Syndrome in Hixson

Amplify Eyecare Chattanooga

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera or the white part of the eye, leaving space over the cornea. They can effectively alleviate symptoms of dry eyes through:

  • Improved Moisturization: They're filled with isotonic fluid before insertion, which helps in better moisturizing the eyes. This feature makes them much more comfortable for individuals with dry eyes to wear for extended periods and reduces dependence on eye drops to keep the eyes moist.
  • Vision Correction: These lenses provide a smooth optical surface, which can correct vision problems arising from corneal issues like keratoconus.

Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eye Disease

Scleral contact lenses are often recommended as a treatment option for dry eye syndrome after traditional treatments have been exhausted. They offer several benefits:

  • Consistent Moisturization: While not a cure, they provide relief by consistently moisturizing your eyes.
  • Protection: The lenses cover the entire corneal surface, shielding your eyes from irritants like smoke, wind, dust, and other debris.
  • Comfort: The design of these lenses makes them more comfortable for long-term wear, reducing the need for artificial tears.

Several studies have found scleral lenses to increase comfort, reduce the need for eye drops, and improve visual acuity. They've also been found effective in relieving symptoms in severe or difficult-to-manage dry eye cases.

However, scleral contact lenses aren't a universal solution for dry eye symptoms. Consult with our eye doctor in our Hixson eye care clinic to determine if they are right for you. The lenses will be tailor-fitted for optimal comfort and vision..

Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye, and Its Symptoms

Dry Eye, and Its Symptoms

Many people suffer from dry eye syndrome, which is when the tears don’t properly lubricate the eyes, commonly due to instability within the tear film. The tear film is comprised of three layers: oil, aqueous fluid, and mucin, and the right balance within it, along with the right amount of tear film overall, is important for things to operate properly. Commonly, the problem causing dry eye is related to the amount or the quality of tears produced.

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a wide range of things, and while dry eye might seem like just a mild irritation, the irritation and inflammation to the eyes can cause serious damage if not treated.

Symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Red eyes 
  • Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Difficulty driving at night

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye and are considering scleral lenses for dry eye syndrome, call us at (423) 710 3965 to schedule a contact lens exam.

Dry Eye, and Its Symptoms

Poor Tear Quality and Tear Production

A leading cause of dry eyes is poor tear quality which leads to quick evaporation. Issues that contribute to this include:

  • Meibum Issues: The oil component of the tear film, known as meibum, prevents rapid tear evaporation. Problems with meibum can result in dry eye.
  • External Factors: Eye allergies, dry air, infrequent blinking, posterior blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), and vitamin A deficiency can all cause poor tear quality. Learn more about meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) here.
  • Eyelid Issues: Inflammation due to irritation from contact lenses can cause eyelid problems that lead to dry eye.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants, can reduce tear production.

Tear production generally decreases with age, but can also be impacted by the factors listed above. Scleral contact lenses could be an effective option to mitigate discomfort from poor tear quality and production.

 

Don’t Let Your Dry Eye Control Your Life

Don't let dry eye syndrome dictate your life. If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms or your current lenses are causing discomfort, contact us at (423) 710 3965 for an eye exam at our eye care clinic. Remember, dry eye can be more serious than many realize. Our optometrists can provide a comprehensive dry eye examination and potentially offer treatment options tailored specifically for your condition, which can provide long-term relief.

Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye, and Its Symptoms

How Can I Find an Eye Doctor Near Me?

If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in Hixson, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "dry eye specialist near me."

Dr. McBryar cartoon

Contact Us

Call us to at (423) 710 3965 schedule an appointment with us at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga today. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.

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Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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