Vision Therapy in Elgin

Scleral Lenses: A Revolution in Dry Eye Management

(847) 888-1555

Experience Lasting Relief from Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome can be more than just a minor inconvenience. For many individuals, it's a daily struggle that affects their quality of life. If you've been living with the discomfort of dry, irritated eyes, it's time to explore a revolutionary solution — scleral lenses.

man rubbing eyes


contacts illustration

The Impact of Dry Eye

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

Common signs include persistent dryness, itching, redness, and blurred vision. If you experience increased sensitivity to light and a constant feeling of foreign objects in your eyes, you might suffer from dry eye syndrome.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections. It’s vital to seek professional guidance if you experience any of these symptoms.


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

Scleral Lenses vs. Traditional Dry Eye Treatments

The treatment landscape for dry eye syndrome (DES) has evolved significantly, going far beyond traditional methods like artificial tears and punctal plugs. While these conventional treatments provide temporary symptom relief, they do not address the underlying pathology or offer long-term solutions. The current standard in DES management involves a more holistic approach, emphasizing healing of the ocular surface and improved gland function.

This modern approach to DES includes prescription medications that enhance tear quality and quantity alongside mechanical lid treatments to stimulate meibomian gland function. These methods aim to alleviate symptoms and heal the ocular surface, providing long-term comfort and eye health.

Scleral lenses are a part of this advanced treatment spectrum. Unlike traditional methods, these lenses offer more than just symptomatic relief. Custom-designed to cover the entire corneal surface, they create a continuous tear reservoir, providing sustained hydration and protection. This approach addresses the immediate discomfort and the root causes of DES, making scleral lenses an effective option for comprehensive dry eye management.

These specialized contact lenses offer several advantages over traditional treatments:

  • Maximum Moisture

    Scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, creating a saline reservoir that constantly bathes the eye, providing unparalleled comfort. 

  • Stable and Secure

    Scleral lenses provide a secure and stable fit by being custom-fitted to your unique eye shape, avoiding irritation caused by movement.

  • Reduced Friction

    Dry eyes are more susceptible to irritation from the mechanical friction of blinking. Scleral lenses reduce this friction, giving you clear vision without distractions.

  • Long-Lasting Relief

    Whether working long hours or enjoying outdoor activities, these lenses provide extended wear and lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

Patient Reviews
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298 Reviews
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- 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


man in examination

Get Your Scleral Lenses from Elgin Family EyeCare

At Elgin Family EyeCare, we understand the impact of dry eye symptoms on your daily life. Our experienced eye care specialists are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and explore how scleral lenses can transform your life by providing unparalleled relief from dry eye syndrome. Together, we can enhance your quality of life and well-being.

(847) 888-1555