Vision Therapy in Pleasant Hills

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(412) 653-3000

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 Vision Care Associates, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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21 Reviews
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- Dec. 03, 2024
Excellent staff knowledge and Dr is friendly and helpful!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Dr. McCord is the triple OG.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Customer service was good. Dr. McCord took the time to perform a very detailed eye exam. Highly re... commend.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Excellent customer service, wonderful staff, and great Dr.
- Jan. 17, 2024
Best customer service, they take time to listen to your concerns and you don't feel rushed. I hig... hly recommend
- May. 05, 2023
Best customer service I’ve had in years! From the moment you step in the door, they’re kind and ... welcoming. They’ll help you with any registration needs and work with you and your insurance for payment. The doctor was the first optician I actually felt comfortable with. He was friendly, personable and confident. He explained exam results with ease. I felt well taken care of every step of the way! My contacts arrived at my home as promised and my glasses (using my own beloved frames) arrived at the office just days later. Not to mention, the entire facility was crisp and clean. 10/10!
- Jan. 19, 2022
Had a great experience today With my eye exam and glasses purchase. My wife, my kids, and myself all... go there and always have a good experience. Very helpful, prompt, and friendly. I also get way more information about my eye health than other places I’ve gone. They also have a really good selection of frames.
- Mar. 22, 2018
Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Aulicino and his staff. Everyone takes their time to explai... n to you your eye health and eye care options. I’ve been seeing Dr. Aulicino for over 15 years, and he is by far and away the best eye doctor I’ve ever had. His staff are always polite and helpful. Thank you to everyone at Vision Care Associates for your professionalism and courtesy whenever we visit.
- Apr. 05, 2017
Dr. Aulicino is a great doctor - thorough, personable, and really cares about educating patients abo... ut their eyes and eye health. The staff is extremely friendly and professional. Great place!

View All 21 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Pleasant Hills

Our optometry practice in Pleasant Hills

Photograph of Jason  McCord
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VBA
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
  • UPMC Health Plan

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Vision Care Associates

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 Vision Care Associates today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(412) 653-3000