When you experience persistent discomfort in your eyes, accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation, you might be suffering from dry eye. Dry eye is a prevalent disorder, affecting millions of people globally. It occurs when your tear glands don't produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes, or when the tears evaporate too quickly.
 

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be triggered by an array of factors. Aging is a significant cause, with most people over the age of 65 experiencing symptoms. Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disorders can also lead to dry eye. Additionally, environmental conditions such as exposure to smoke, wind, or dry climates, and prolonged screen time can exacerbate the condition.
 

Symptoms of dry eye can be diverse and may include a gritty or sandy sensation in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, redness, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. It's also common to experience a paradoxical excessive tearing, as the dryness may overstimulate the production of the watery component of your tears.
 

An Effective Solution for Dry Eye

Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.
 

The unique design of scleral lenses, along with their size and shape, offers several advantages over traditional contact lenses. They are custom-made to fit your eye, and ensuring maximum comfort and a stable fit.
 

Scleral lenses create a tear reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing constant hydration and lubrication, beneficial for those with dry eye.
 

The Advantages of Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye Relief

The continuous hydration provided by the tear reservoir can significantly alleviate symptoms such as redness, burning, itching, and the feeling of something being in the eye. This can enhance your overall quality of life, allowing you to perform daily tasks without the constant distraction of eye discomfort.
 

Additionally, the improved visual acuity provided by scleral lenses can be a game-changer. The liquid layer between the lens and the eye creates a smooth optical surface that can correct vision problems caused by dry eye, such as blurriness or light sensitivity.
 

Where to Get Fitted for Scleral Lenses

If you're interested in trying scleral lenses for dry eye relief, you might be wondering where to start. The key is to find a qualified optometrist experienced in fitting scleral lenses like those at Inland Family Optometry. Our doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination, assess your dry eye severity, and measure your eyes to customize the lenses to your specific needs.
 

If you're tired of the constant discomfort from dry eye and traditional treatments aren't giving you the relief you need, consider scleral lenses. Schedule an eye exam with our professionals at Inland Family Optometry in our Rancho Cucamonga, office. Please call (909) 345-6100 to book an appointment today.