Severe dry eye disease can affect every part of your day. Burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and fluctuating clarity make it difficult to read, drive, work on a computer, or simply feel comfortable. If artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or in-office treatments have not provided lasting relief, scleral lenses for dry eye may be the advanced solution you need.
At Focal Pointe Eye Care in West Chester, Ohio, Dr. Michael Lyons specializes in fitting scleral lenses for patients with moderate to severe dry eye throughout the greater Cincinnati area. These specialty contact lenses are designed not only to improve vision—but to protect and hydrate the surface of the eye.
WHAT ARE SCLERAL LENSES?
Scleral lenses are custom-designed, large-diameter specialty contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. Unlike soft contact lenses, which sit on the corneal surface and can worsen dryness, scleral lenses vault completely over the cornea.
Before insertion, the lens is filled with preservative-free saline solution. Once placed on the eye, it creates a sealed fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea. This reservoir continuously bathes the eye in moisture throughout the day.
For patients with severe dry eye disease, this constant hydration can be life-changing.
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HOW DO SCLERAL LENSES HELP SEVERE DRY EYE?
Dry eye disease affects more than 16 million Americans and is one of the most common reasons patients seek eye care. When the tear film becomes unstable or insufficient, the surface of the eye becomes inflamed and irregular. This leads to discomfort and fluctuating vision.
Scleral lenses for dry eye provide three primary benefits:
1. Continuous Hydration
The fluid reservoir keeps the cornea protected and moisturized all day, reducing burning and irritation.
2. Physical Protection
The lens shields the delicate ocular surface from wind, air conditioning, heating systems, and blinking friction.
3. Improved Vision Stability
An irregular tear film distorts light entering the eye. Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface, reducing glare, improving clarity, and stabilizing fluctuating vision.
Many patients who struggled with unstable vision from dry eye report sharper, more consistent clarity after being fit with scleral lenses.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR SCLERAL LENSES DRY EYE?
Scleral lenses are often recommended for patients with:
- Severe evaporative dry eye
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Ocular surface disease
- Chronic redness and inflammation
- Light sensitivity
- Post-LASIK or post-surgical dry eye
Patients who previously stopped wearing contact lenses due to discomfort are often surprised to find scleral lenses significantly more comfortable than both soft lenses and glasses in advanced cases.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SCLERAL LENS CONSULTATION
Fitting scleral lenses is a specialized process that requires precision and expertise. At Focal Pointe Eye Care, your evaluation includes:
- Comprehensive dry eye assessment
- Advanced corneal imaging and topography
- Tear film analysis
- Diagnostic lens fitting
- Follow-up visits to fine-tune fit and comfort
Dr. Michael Lyons has advanced training in specialty contact lens fitting and works closely with each patient to design lenses tailored to the exact shape and condition of their eyes.
Multiple visits are often necessary to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and long-term eye health.
ARE SCLERAL LENSES A CURE FOR DRY EYE?
Scleral lenses do not cure dry eye disease. However, they are one of the most effective tools available for protecting the ocular surface and improving quality of life in patients with severe dry eye.
For many patients, scleral lenses become part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan that may also include:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Amniotic membrane contact lenses (AMCLs)
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Meibomian gland treatments
- Nutritional support such as omega-3 supplementation
Our goal is to reduce inflammation, protect the cornea, and preserve long-term vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye
Do scleral lenses hurt?
No. Although larger than traditional contacts, scleral lenses rest on the sclera, which is less sensitive than the cornea. Most patients report excellent comfort once the lens settles.
How long can scleral lenses be worn each day?
Many patients comfortably wear them 8–14 hours per day, depending on severity and individual ocular health.
Are scleral lenses covered by insurance?
We know insurance coverage for scleral lenses isn’t always straightforward—especially when medical and vision benefits are involved. It can be confusing. That’s why our team at Focal Pointe Eye Care is here to help. We take a closer look at your benefits, explore your options, and walk you through it step by step so you feel informed and supported.
Can scleral lenses improve blurry vision caused by dry eye?
Yes. By creating a smooth optical surface, scleral lenses often improve fluctuating or distorted vision caused by tear instability.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment in West Chester, Ohio
If you are searching for scleral lenses for dry eye in West Chester or the greater Cincinnati area, our team at Focal Pointe Eye Care is here to help.
Severe dry eye does not mean you have to live in constant discomfort. With advanced specialty contact lenses and comprehensive dry eye therapy, we can help restore clarity, comfort, and confidence in your vision.
Schedule a scleral lens consultation today to discover whether this advanced treatment is right for you.