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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Elgin Family EyeCare, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.
Scleral Lenses in Elgin
Meet our Eye Doctors
- Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Sunday Closed
- VSP
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Spectera
- MetLife
- Blue Cross
Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Elgin Family 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 Elgin Family EyeCare today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.
