Vision Therapy in Elgin

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(847) 888-1555

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.

embracing couple


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.


Scleral Lenses in Elgin

Our optometry practice in Elgin

Photograph of Michael  Kennedy
Hours
  • 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 - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross

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.

Patient Reviews
4.6
298 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- May. 05, 2024
I was looking for a new pair of glasses at Elgin Family Eye Care. Lexi is a wonderful help! She list... ened to my preferences for frames and helped me to discover several possibilities. (It would have taken me hours to work through the many styles, shapes and frame colors.). She answered my questions and made this experience very pleasant! If you need help picking out new frames, I recommend Lexi!!
- Apr. 28, 2024
They were great
- Apr. 10, 2024
Very friendly staff. Huge selection of glasses to choose from
- Mar. 23, 2024
This is a great eye care place from to start to finish.
- Mar. 23, 2024
Awesome staff--friendly and helpful. Dr. Kennedy is awesome and explained all procedures and results... well. Great selection of eye glasses. They processed everything through with my insurance so it was extremely easy for me.
- Mar. 13, 2024
Great doctors and office staff. Professional and friendly. The providers are very thorough and take ... the time to answer questions, show images and explain any problems or concerns and refer out to other specialist when appropriate!!
- Feb. 29, 2024
Proper care and support. Did not try and sell me things which were unnecessary. They fitted my cur... rent expensive frames with the new lenses with a great final product.
- Feb. 17, 2024
I called at 9:30 am., and there was an opening for an eye exam at 10:30 am. the same day! Both of th... e doctors that I have had appointments with over the past 6 years, have been knowledgeable and thorough. Dr. Brauer discovered I had Narrow Angle Glaucoma, and referred me to an Opthomologist, who performed a Laser Iridotomy.👁
- Jan. 27, 2024
Our whole family sees Dr Kennedy! He’s top Notch!!! All our children totally trust him! He’s so ... kind and gentle to them! Very knowledgeable and thorough for his exams! Had an eye emergency and got right in to see him for a quick fix! Our family cannot say enough about Dr Kennedy! Gil is also very good in optical! Very knowledgeable and helpful!
- Jan. 24, 2024
Bree was excellent in the ‘pre-doctor’ exams. Dr. Kennedy was thorough and I finally feel I have... a true explanation of what is going on with my eyes.
- Jan. 20, 2024
I highly recommend Elgin Family Eye Care to everyone.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Great eye doctor and great staff. Very quick service and friendly staff!
- Dec. 09, 2023
I have been a patient for many, many years. From the moment I walk in and throughout my visit, the ... individuals at the front desk are always professional and friendly. The person who checked me in was also very helpful in answering any questions I had. Dr. Kennedy has always been professional and kind. He is thorough, patient and takes the time to listen to and answer your questions. At this time, I have no intention of going anywhere else for eye care. I have also had great customer service from everyone at Elgin Family EyeCare. Kudos to the staff.
- Nov. 19, 2023
The doctors are very knowledgeable and take their time explaining everything to you. Their sales ass... ociates are also very knowledgeable and take their time assisting you through the eyeglasses and contact purchase.
- Nov. 17, 2023
The staff and Doctors at Elgin Family Eye truly care and it shows in their interactions with patient... s and with each other. They are amazing and you will not be disappointed that you decided to book an appointment with them!
- Nov. 16, 2023
The very best eye doctor ever. Dr. Kennedy is so professional, extremely knowledgeable thorough expl... ains everything answered all your questions. You can tell he’s very caring passionate about his career. Thank you!
- Nov. 10, 2023
I highly recommend Elgin Family Eyecare. Dr. Brauer is wonderful!
- Nov. 08, 2023
The staff are all great - very helpful and kind. They seem interested in preventative care as well, ... with the exam that takes an image of the back of the eye. Never had that done before at any other eye doctor, but it was informative and interesting. Dr Kennedy made me feel comfortable and answered all my questions, even did a quick follow up exam after putting in my new contacts to ensure I had the correct prescription. Great experience!
- Oct. 31, 2023
Always a great experience!
- Oct. 26, 2023
Very helpful, welcoming and professional.

View All 298 Reviews


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 Elgin Family EyeCare, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.


smiling woman

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.

(847) 888-1555