Severe Dry Eye Relief: How Scleral Lenses Protect and Hydrate the Eye

Dry eye is more than an occasional irritation. For many people, it’s a persistent and often painful condition that interferes with daily life. Burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the constant feeling of something in your eye can make it difficult to read, work on a computer, or even enjoy time outdoors. When artificial tears and traditional treatments don’t provide enough relief, scleral lenses may offer a life-changing solution.

Understanding Severe Dry Eye

Severe dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining a healthy, smooth optical surface. They nourish the cornea, flush out debris, and help prevent infection. Without a stable tear film, the surface of the eye becomes inflamed and damaged.

Common causes of severe dry eye include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome
• Hormonal changes
• Long-term contact lens wear
• Environmental exposure (wind, dry air, prolonged screen time)
• Post-surgical complications

When dryness becomes chronic, it can lead to corneal damage, increased sensitivity, and ongoing discomfort that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter drops alone.

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses create a protective reservoir of fluid between the lens and the eye’s surface. This fluid-filled chamber continuously bathes the cornea in preservative-free saline solution throughout the day, offering both protection and hydration.

Continuous Hydration

Before inserting a scleral lens, it is filled with sterile saline. Once placed on the eye, the lens seals in this moisture, creating a constant layer of hydration over the cornea. This eliminates the friction and dryness that typically cause discomfort. For patients who rely on frequent eye drops, scleral lenses can dramatically reduce the need for constant reapplication.

Protection From the Environment

Scleral lenses act as a physical barrier against wind, dust, allergens, and dry air. This protection is especially beneficial for individuals who spend time outdoors or work in air-conditioned or heated environments that worsen dry eye symptoms.

Reduced Inflammation and Healing Support

By maintaining a stable, moist environment, scleral lenses give the cornea an opportunity to heal. Chronic dryness often leads to small surface injuries or inflammation. The fluid reservoir shields the cornea from eyelid friction, reducing irritation and promoting recovery.

Improved Vision

Severe dry eye often causes fluctuating or blurred vision because an unstable tear film disrupts light entering the eye. The smooth optical surface created by scleral lenses provides clearer, more stable vision throughout the day. For patients with additional corneal irregularities, scleral lenses can simultaneously correct vision while treating dryness.

What to Expect During the Fitting Process

Scleral lenses are highly customized. During your appointment at Davich Optical, detailed measurements of your eye’s surface are taken to ensure the lens vaults properly over the cornea and rests comfortably on the sclera.

You’ll receive guidance on:

• Proper insertion and removal techniques
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Safe wearing schedules

Although they are larger than traditional lenses, most patients adapt quickly and find them comfortable once properly fitted.

Find Out If Scleral Lenses Are Right for You

Severe dry eye can significantly affect your vision and daily comfort, especially when conventional treatments fall short. Scleral lenses offer a unique, medically advanced solution by continuously hydrating the eye, shielding it from environmental irritants, and promoting corneal healing. With proper fitting and care, they can provide lasting relief and clearer vision for those struggling with chronic dryness.

If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a comprehensive evaluation at Davich Optical to find out whether scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Los Angeles, California, or call (213) 306-5400 to book an appointment today.