How Scleral Lenses Help Protect Dry Eyes All Summer Long

Summer should be a time for enjoying the outdoors, but heat, wind, air conditioning, and increased screen time can make dry eye symptoms harder to manage. For people who struggle with persistent irritation, standard eye drops or conventional contact lenses may not provide lasting comfort.

Scleral lenses offer a customized option that helps maintain moisture across the eye while providing stable, clear vision. At Contact Lens Institute of Delaware, we fit scleral lenses for patients seeking greater comfort throughout the summer and beyond.

Why Dry Eyes Can Feel Worse During Summer

Warm weather does not always mean increased moisture for your eyes. Wind, fans, car vents, and air conditioning can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. Long drives, air travel, outdoor activities, and extended time on digital devices may also contribute to dryness and irritation.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

•          Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

•          Redness and irritation

•          Blurry or fluctuating vision

•          Light sensitivity

•          Excessive watering

•          Difficulty wearing conventional contact lenses

When these symptoms continue despite using artificial tears, it may be time to explore a more specialized solution.

How Scleral Lenses Maintain Moisture

Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the corneal surface and rest on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera. Before insertion, the space beneath the lens is filled with sterile preservative-free saline. This creates a fluid reservoir that remains over the cornea while the lens is worn.

The reservoir helps keep the eye’s surface hydrated and shields the cornea from direct exposure to wind, dry air, and other environmental irritants. Because the lens does not rest directly on the sensitive cornea, many patients with dry eye disease find scleral lenses more comfortable than standard contacts.

Clear And Stable Summer Vision

Scleral lenses are made from gas-permeable materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye. Their larger size also helps them remain stable during daily activities, which can provide consistent vision without frequent shifting or dislodging.

This stability can be helpful during summer activities such as hiking, biking, sightseeing, or attending outdoor events. However, contact lenses should not be worn while swimming unless specifically directed by your eye doctor, since exposure to pool, lake, or ocean water can increase the risk of contamination and infection.

A Personalized Scleral Lens Fitting

Every eye has a unique shape, so scleral lenses must be carefully customized. A specialty contact lens evaluation allows us to examine the cornea, assess the eye’s surface, and determine the appropriate lens design.

Follow-up visits are also important. We check the fit, vision, comfort, and amount of clearance between the lens and cornea. Patients receive instructions for proper insertion, removal, cleaning, and saline use to support safe and comfortable lens wear.

Protect your eyes from seasonal dryness with customized scleral lenses at Contact Lens Institute of Delaware. Visit our office in Lewes, DE, or call (302) 569-3937 to schedule an appointment.