Vision Therapy in Wallhaven

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(330) 867-1104

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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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 Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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42 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2023
Great office! Everyone has been nothing but kind and helpful! I’m always greeted when I arrive and... the office staff has been nothing but professional and kind. Dr. Durkin is truly one of the best in my opinion. He always takes time to listen to me and he doesn’t rush me. I would highly recommend Dr. Durkin and the office staff!
- Mar. 28, 2023
Great selection of eyeglasses with the family atmosphere. I love my new glasses. Shelly was helpful ... at selecting what would look good on me and I have received so many compliments. Shelly offered high definition licenses which were more than what I usually have purchased but I am amazed at how well I can see now. Thanks again we will be back!
- Sep. 24, 2019
Has helped my family for years...:)
- Jul. 31, 2019
I see Dr. Durkin, and he is very kind, knowledgeable and does a great job with prescribing glasses a... nd contacts and checking in on my vision and eye health. He takes time to talk to you about your eyes, which I think is really important. On a more superficial note, they have a huge selection of glasses too! It's a great office with great people.
- Jul. 23, 2019
I received my annual vision exam and filled a glasses prescription in frames that I purchased elsewh... ere at Snow and Durkin Optical. The eye exam was conducted by Dr. Snow, and he was thorough, friendly, and I felt confident in his prescription. The opticians were easy to work with, had great style suggestions, and adjusted the frames well for me. I recommend Snow and Durkin for your vision care business.
- Mar. 07, 2019
I've been coming to Dr Durkin for nearly 30 years and he has taken great care of me and my visual ne... eds. I am so glad I stumbled upon him all those years ago!
- Dec. 19, 2018
Dr. Snow always rocks! He's thorough and explains everything along the path of my eye examination, m... aking sure I understand all the options, and status/health of my eyesight! Hess is a rock star in her own realm in the optical dept. She walked me through all of the options of purchasing my frames and lenses, and also helped me understand the many ways that I could get additional protection for my eyes. She was thoughtful, courteous and understanding of my wants and needs. at the end of the day, I got Crizal protection on top of transitions while driving in my car...(Something I have wanted for years). I'm glad she was up to snuff on her products and helped me get the perfect pair of glasses! My only request would be if it was possible to carry Oliver peoples frames.....(hint hint)
- May. 21, 2018
I am a new patient with Dr.Durkin and the whole experience was appreciated. There was no wait time w... hich is always a +. The front desk ladies were nice and attentive. Dr.Durkin was a pleasure and made me feel comfortable. A+
- Aug. 29, 2017
I would like you guys to know, I have been struggling to find someone who takes my insurance, and th... e lovely front desk lady just called and made sure that she took my insurance and went above and beyond, more than anyone else! Thank you!
- Jul. 13, 2017
I recently moved back to the area and needed a new optometrist. I called and spoke with a very frien... dly person over the phone to set up my appointment. She mailed me new patient paperwork so I didn't have to sit in the office and fill it out on appointment day. When it came time for my visit, I was greeted in a professional manner. From the receptionist, to the assistant/tech, to the doctor, I had a very enjoyable experience. Dr. Durkin made me feel at home and I was extremely pleased with the entire visit. I strongly recommend Dr. Durkin, Dr. Snow, and the entire office. A+
- Mar. 10, 2017
I have been a patient of Dr. Snow's for over twenty years and he is a wonderful eye Dr. He is thorou... gh, patient and provides an in depth explanation of what is going on with my vision. Both my adult children who live out of town will make their appointment in conjunction with a visit back home. My husband is also a patient of Dr. Snow's. The staff is also very courteous and professional and they do learn to know the patients. Having an appointment is like making a visit home.
- Jan. 24, 2017
I have been with this practice for 58 years first with Dr. Keith then Dr. Starn and now Dr. Snow. Th... ey have always been the best.
- Oct. 23, 2016
We have been seeing Dr. Durkin for over 20 years, and our children are also his patients. We apprec... iate the office staff and doctors for their prompt and professional help with appointments, choosing glasses, clarity in letting us know the issues with vision, as well as being great with our kids. We would highly recommend this office.
- Aug. 11, 2016
Dr. Snow always goes above and beyond the services of a DO. Recommends the best specialists when th... e eye problems require treatment outside his area of expertise. Even alerted my husband to a physical problem that might have gone unnoticed, had he not expressed his concern.
- Jul. 05, 2016
During the over 10 years that I have been a patient, I have received excellent treatment. Both the d... octors and staff are very pleasant and professional. I wouldn't hesitate to refer them to my friends.
- Jun. 17, 2016
I have been a patient of Dr. Rod Snow since 1994. He and his staff have earned my loyalty with excel... lent and friendly service, beyond what I have come to expect from most practices. I trust my eyes with Rod, and I believe that says it all.
- Feb. 12, 2016
Love Dr Durkin. He has taken care of me and my family for years. Smart, professional, compassionate,... and the staff is great! They work hard to give you the best eye care for the best price as possible.
- Feb. 08, 2016
Dr. Snow is a great optometrist. He is honest about what you need and don't need to get done and pri... cing is fair.
- Jan. 13, 2016
Dr. Durkin & the office staff are very caring, professionals. I would highly recommend Dr. Durkin fo... r all of your optical needs.
- Jan. 12, 2016
I have been going to Dr. Durkin for several years. He has taken great care of me and my eyesight. He... is personable and I love seeing him and catching up. Not only is he a great optometrist but also a good friend. Dr. Durkin has seen me through some bad times and was there to help. Thank you Dr. Durkin so much! I hope anyone reading this realizes what a great guy you are!

View All 42 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Wallhaven

Our optometry practice in Wallhaven

Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Sat by appointment
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin

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 Family EyeCare - Snow & Durkin today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(330) 867-1104