Sjogren’s Syndrome
Scleral Contact Lenses: Continuous Hydration for Severe Dry Eye
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Scleral Contact Lenses, a Source of Constant Hydration for Severe Dryness
Enhancing Vision and Comfort in Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Where Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Compassionate Care
At the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, we understand how challenging dry eye disease related to Sjögren’s syndrome can be. That’s why we offer advanced dry eye treatments and innovative technologies designed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
One of the most effective options for patients with Sjögren’s syndrome is the use of customized scleral contact lenses. These specialized lenses:
- Provide clear, stable vision
- Create a protective, hydrating environment for the cornea
- Offer superior comfort and long-term eye health
Our practice goes beyond standard care with extended exam times, advanced diagnostic technology, and expert fitting techniques. Using precision instruments that capture up to 240,000 unique data points, we design scleral contact lenses that are tailored to each patient’s eyes.
Because scleral lenses vault entirely over the cornea without applying pressure, they maintain a constant fluid reservoir that keeps the cornea hydrated—promoting comfort, healing, and improved vision for patients with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Optimizing Vision for Individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Dry Eyes and Mouth – Persistent dryness in the eyes and mouth is one of the most common symptoms, often leading to discomfort, irritation, and potential vision complications.
- Autoimmune Disorder – Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, including the tear and salivary glands.
Although there is no permanent cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, several treatments can help manage symptoms, improve comfort, and protect long-term eye health.
- Lubricating Eye Drops – Provide quick relief by supplementing reduced tear production.
- Prescription Medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to control the autoimmune response and ease symptoms.
- Moisture-Chamber Glasses – Specialized eyewear that maintains a humid environment around the eyes to reduce dryness.
- Punctal Plugs – Tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to slow tear drainage and keep the eyes naturally moist.
- Scleral Lenses – Advanced custom lenses that create a protective, fluid-filled layer over the cornea, offering significant relief for severe dry eye linked to Sjögren’s syndrome.
Scleral lenses offer multiple benefits for individuals managing Sjögren’s syndrome-related dry eyes:
- Continuous Moisture – Vaulting over the cornea, scleral lenses hold a reservoir of saline solution that keeps the eyes hydrated for long-lasting relief.
- Reduced Friction – Their smooth surface minimizes irritation and discomfort caused by dryness.
- Protection – Acting as a shield, scleral lenses protect the cornea from environmental stress and lower the risk of complications.
- Visual Clarity – They provide stable vision correction by compensating for irregularities on the ocular surface.
Why Choose the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute for
Optimizing Vision with Sjogren's Syndrome?
The Team
The team at the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute are experts in correcting vision for patients where crisp vision has proven elusive. What some may call “difficult to fit” is our typical patient.
Advanced Technology
Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which greatly aid in the design of complex custom specialty contacts.
Unlimited Answers
We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.
We Focus on Unique Eyes
Our office is equipped to offer advanced specialty contact lenses to individuals who require tailored and custom-designed solutions.
Access to the Doctor
Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
Affordability
We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept CareCredit™, HSA, & FSA.
Summary
Our doctors are nationally recognized for their expertise in utilizing specialty contact lenses, and one use of specialty contact lenses is the management of vision in individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome. Our doctors have focused their career on the latest applications and options for fitting specialty contact lenses and they regularly present to other doctors at both local and national meetings.
There are options for managing vision in cases of Sjogren’s syndrome, including scleral contacts, RGP contacts, and cross-linking. During an initial comprehensive exam, the doctor will discuss all available options. One of the benefits of visiting the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute is the amount of one-on-one time with the doctor, which allows for plenty of time to ask questions and evaluate all options.