Vision Therapy in Manchester

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(636) 225-9300

Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome: An Autoimmune Condition

Sjogren's syndrome is an intricate autoimmune condition that launches an immune system attack on the body's own moisture-producing glands. While it can affect multiple organ systems, it commonly impacts the eyes and mouth.

The result? Persistent dryness in these crucial areas causes not only daily discomfort but also a host of potential complications, with the eyes being particularly vulnerable to its effects.

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man rubbing eye

Sjogren’s Impact on Daily Life

Living with Sjogren's syndrome is akin to waging a daily battle against one's own body. The dryness experienced in the eyes and mouth causes constant discomfort, affecting every facet of life.

Dry Eyes: The absence of tears leads to a gritty, burning sensation, making simple tasks like reading or blinking painful. Over time, it can damage the cornea — the eye's clear front surface.

Dry Mouth: Beyond affecting the enjoyment of food and drink, a dry mouth can hinder speech, alter taste, and trigger recurrent mouth infections. Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion and dental health, and its absence has far-reaching consequences.


How Scleral Lenses Counter Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's disease can significantly affect the eyes, leading to persistent dryness, discomfort, and potential complications. Traditional approaches to vision correction, such as glasses or standard contact lenses, often don’t provide relief and can exacerbate symptoms. This is where scleral lenses offer a groundbreaking solution.

The unique design of scleral lenses allows them to arch over the cornea, forming a space that is filled with saline solution. This maintains ocular moisture and acts as a protective shield.

Scleral lenses are tailored to fit individuals’ eyes, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. Think of it as wearing a perfectly tailored suit for your eyes, designed to match their unique contours.

Here are four compelling reasons why individuals with Sjogren's disease find relief and comfort with scleral lenses:

  • Increased Moisture

    Scleral lenses cover a greater portion of the eye's surface. This design ensures that the eye remains in a moisture-rich environment throughout the day, alleviating dryness and discomfort.

  • Optimal Comfort

    Scleral lenses provide superior comfort due to their unique design. They vault over the cornea, avoiding direct contact with sensitive areas of the eye.

  • Consistent Clarity

    Unlike traditional lenses, scleral lenses offer consistent vision clarity. Dry eyes can cause fluctuations in vision, but scleral lenses help maintain stable and clear eyesight.

  • Protection and Relief

    Scleral lenses act as a protective barrier, shielding the eyes from external irritants and reducing the need for excessive blinking or eye rubbing.


How Can I Get Scleral Lenses for My Sjogren's Syndrome?

Getting scleral lenses for Sjogren's syndrome is a journey toward comfort and an enhanced quality of life.

  • Step 1: Consultation with an Expert

    Begin your journey with a consultation with a scleral lens expert who will evaluate your symptoms, assess your specific needs, and determine if scleral lenses are the right option.

  • Step 2: Custom Fitting

    Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to fit your eyes perfectly. Advanced technology takes precise measurements and maps your eye's surface.

  • Step 3: Trial and Adjustment

    Fitting scleral lenses is an iterative process that involves trying on a trial pair for assessment, with adjustments made to achieve optimal comfort.

  • Step 4: Training and Education

    Wearing scleral lenses requires training in insertion and removal and proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

  • Step 5: Ongoing Care and Monitoring

    Scleral lenses require ongoing care and monitoring through regular appointments with your eye doctor to ensure they continue to fit well and meet your needs. At West County Eyecare, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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267 Reviews
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- Sep. 10, 2024
I've been coming here since I was in 6th grade. I've had no reason to switch my eye doctor because o... f how great the environment and staff are here. I will always recommend West County Eye care to anybody.
- Aug. 24, 2024
My teenage daughter had only positive things to say after her appointment. I also appreciated the fl... exibility of the staff and Dr. after we had a scheduling mistake on our end. They were still able to get her in the same day.
- Aug. 12, 2024
The staff is always friendly, polite and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 03, 2024
Great employees and great service! Highly recommend!
- Jun. 04, 2024
Dr Haring is a great doc. exams are thorough & accurate. staff is very nice & helpful. hours are g... ood for people who work during the day.
- May. 07, 2024
Everyone I dealt with was very professional and friendly. I really appreciate Dr. Hering taking all... the time I needed.
- May. 05, 2024
Great personalized care. Super attentive and warm. I'm grateful to have switched over!
- Apr. 26, 2024
great service -- friendly
- Mar. 26, 2024
Steve is awesome! Friendly and didn't make me feel rushed.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent customer service care that is unmatched by anyone in this field of practice!! Great job by... everyone there. Thank you,
- Feb. 21, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Harring and his staff. Timely, efficient, and professional. Dr Harring exudes... confidence in a very attentive manner. It’s always a very positive experience.
- Feb. 18, 2024
Dr. Stephen Haring is personable and professional, not to mention thorough. He took his time during... my appointment and addressed my concerns. His staff is very friendly and were helpful while I chose my new glasses. Definitely would recommend West County Eyecare.
- Feb. 12, 2024
West County Eyecare fit me in the day I called with my eye issues. Staff was efficient and courteou... s. Dr. Haring is the best. I recommend them highly.
- Feb. 05, 2024
The office was clean and spacious. The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Dr Emily was prof... essional, knowledgeable, and had great bedside manner. I left feeling great. I would recommend this office.
- Jan. 20, 2024
The doctors and staff are professional and helpful! They go above and beyond!
- Jan. 18, 2024
I appreciated their timeliness and skilled care I receive during the exam.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Always willing to help in resolving issues
- Nov. 15, 2023
I really appreciate how thorough the exams are and how well Dr Pike explained the results.
- Nov. 01, 2023
Knowledgeable and friendly
- Oct. 31, 2023
Great experience and examination by Dr. Haring and his staff!

View All 267 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Manchester

Our optometry practice in Manchester

Photograph of Stephen  Haring
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • MetLife

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from West County Eyecare

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide significant relief and comfort for individuals dealing with the challenges of Sjogren's disease. 

If you or a loved one has Sjogren's disease and is interested in exploring the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with West County Eyecare today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(636) 225-9300