Dry eye syndrome is an uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including dryness, redness, and irritation. If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, it’s important to understand what causes it and how to treat it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common symptoms and causes of dry eye syndrome as well as the possibility of using scleral contact lenses to help treat your condition.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. This can lead to a range of symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and foreign body sensation (the feeling that something is in your eyes). If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to more serious conditions such as corneal ulcers or scarring.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome
There are several potential causes of dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common include environmental factors like wind or air conditioning, age-related changes, medications such as antihistamines, certain medical conditions, and hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy or menopause.
Diagnosing dry eye syndrome
If you suspect that you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome, it’s important to visit an optometrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your eye doctor will likely perform a few diagnostic tests, including evaluating the quality, amount, and distribution of tears. Based on their findings, they can then recommend the best course of action for your specific case.
Scleral contact lenses for dry eye syndrome
At Lawrenceville Family Eyecare, we offer scleral contact lenses as a treatment option for dry eye symptoms. Scleral lenses are specialty contact lenses that vault over the entire surface of the cornea and rest on the sclera (the “white” of the eye). They help alleviate dry eye symptoms by creating a protective barrier between your eyes and external irritants while still allowing oxygen to flow through them. Additionally, they help maintain moisture levels within the eyes by trapping tears beneath them, so they don’t evaporate too quickly.
These lenses offer superior vision correction compared to traditional soft contact lenses since they fit more securely on the eyeball. They are larger than standard contact lenses and custom-fit for superior comfort and function. In addition to helping with dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses are also a viable option for patients with corneal irregularities such as keratoconus.
Understanding what causes your dry eye and wearing scleral contact lenses if needed can help you get lasting relief from irritating symptoms! If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, our eye doctor in Lawrenceville can assess your eyes and determine if scleral lenses are the right option for you. Contact us today to schedule your eye exam and learn how we can help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.
