Vision Therapy in St. Augustine

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(904) 824-0212

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

Patient Reviews
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178 Reviews
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- Nov. 21, 2024
Mark is the goat. Best optician ever.
- Nov. 14, 2024
Great eye care for the entire family.
- Nov. 07, 2024
It was good.
- Oct. 15, 2024
Shelby was incredibly helpful and patient. It took me a couple of times coming in (the doc was on hi... s way out - just a factor of timing) and there was a lag, but the staff is excellent. Thank you!
- Oct. 14, 2024
All employees were very professional.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Great experience on my first visit to Rowe Family EyeCare for an eye exam! Staff was quick and court... eous, equipment and tech is first rate, I was in and out in no time!
- Sep. 10, 2024
Great and friendly staff!! Super professional doctors, will be coming back again next time!
- Sep. 06, 2024
Best eye center in NE Florida. They have done wonders for my son in the eye therapy department.
- Aug. 26, 2024
I'm a new patient and they helped me through my eye exam and purchasing of glasses for a new, and un... fortunately worsened, prescription. But my headaches have gone and I can see clearer, so that's a big help. Thanks again.
- Jul. 01, 2024
Highly recommend.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Have always received quality service for many years
- Jun. 07, 2024
Jade was extremely helpful and professional and I would highly recommend you and your family for pro... mpt and professional care.
- May. 17, 2024
My appointment was kept on time, and Dr Horning was very knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough
- May. 08, 2024
Prompt,professional,and complete eye examination and evaluation.
- May. 03, 2024
Staff was welcoming & friendly. Dr Horning was personable & professional. I had a great experience a... t Rowe family Eye Care
- Apr. 11, 2024
Dr. Pearl and his staff are professional, dedicated, and kind.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Dr. Pearl is wonderful. The staff was friendly and efficient.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Always a good experience
- Apr. 03, 2024
I was visiting Florida and needed some contact lenses. The wonderful people at Rowe’s helped me ou... t and I am so appreciative!! Thank you so much!
- Mar. 13, 2024
Great knowledgeable and friendly staff, highly recommend Rowe Family EyeCare!!

View All 178 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Rowe 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 Rowe Family EyeCare today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(904) 824-0212