Vision Therapy in Dunedin

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(727) 734-8843

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 AccuVision Optical, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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200 Reviews
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- Jul. 24, 2024
The office staff and Dr. Marrotte are very friendly, attentive and professional. They measured and o... rdered progressive, gas permeable contact lenses for me and they fit perfectly. I highly recommend AccuVision Optical and Dr. Marrotte.
- Jul. 24, 2024
You will find the highest levels of professionalism, a welcoming staff and atmosphere, and phenomena... l subject matter expertise here.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Everyone from the receptionist to the doctor was capable, well informed and most helpful. I am extre... mely satisfied with the service and my eye glasses fit perfecty.
- Jul. 12, 2024
Great people, very knowledgeable and always friendly and professional
- Jul. 05, 2024
Very kind staff, and a very thorough exam. They let me take my time picking out glasses and were so ... helpful.
- Jun. 22, 2024
Great experience. Fast, friendly, and accurate.
- Jun. 14, 2024
Friendly staff and a knowledgeable and caring doctor.
- Jun. 08, 2024
The staff is great and find appointments for both my husband and I at the same time! Both Doctors ... are great and the optical staff are so helpful in selecting frames!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Great place to get great service and treated Like they really care about treating you well.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Great service! I felt comfortable and confident in their care
- May. 27, 2024
Very professional and friendly place! Dr Tupps is a great eye doctor!
- May. 24, 2024
I highly recommend the staff of AccuVision Optical and Dr. Richard Marrotte to you. I'm a new patien... t (4 months) with what I'd been told is a very complicated rigid gas permeable contact lens prescription. Eye doctor after eye doctor had not been able to figure out how to update a 14-yr old contacts lens prescription for any number of reasons. So I was referred to AccuVision Optical. Impressions: First, the staff there- to a person- is amazing, friendly, professional and efficient- and that alone makes for a great experience. Then... meeting Dr. Marrotte who assured me "it may take a few tries, but we can do this!" and he has. He is patient, communicative, explains what he's doing, what he's going to try- and why- and the end result is I have new set of RGP contact lenses. I truly cannot recommend the staff and Dr. Marrotte highly enough. They are good people and exceptional in their craft.
- May. 22, 2024
If you love your eyes, do them a favor, and go here. I have an extremely high vision prescription (a... round -8) and out of all the eye doctors I have been to in my life around the US, Dr. Marrotte is the best. He truly cares and he spends the time explaining the health status of your eyes. He answers your questions, he is extremely nice and personable and knowledgable. He is the third eye doctor I have visited for sclera lenses and he was the only one to have me wait in the office and have my second, third, fourth fitted lense samples checked after I had them in for 15 minutes. The previous doctors just had me pick them up from the office without seeing anyone until a week later. In addition, his office staff is amazing. Natasha and Helen spent at least an hour trying to get me the most money out of my insurance. They truly were invested in getting me the best coverage out of my policy. Jessica and Kristine were also super friendly and made me feel at home. I highly, highly, recommend them!!! This office really knows the true meaning of exceptional customer service.
- May. 21, 2024
Excellent services for vision care.
- May. 17, 2024
Super nice folks from the moment you step up to the counter. Tech Michael was very kind and thoroug... h as well as Dr. Merotte (sp?). The ladies at the counter were so sweet and Christine helped me get all the info in the Ipad. Great experience.
- May. 06, 2024
I was very pleased with the thorough exam by Dr. Marrotte, my glasses were perfect and they had a bi... g selection of frames to choose from. I have already recommended their office to my family.
- May. 06, 2024
15 yrs being seen by Dr. Tupps and counting. My daughter loved Dr. Marrotte personality. He made it... a fun but professional visit for her. Always a pleasure seeing you guys every year.
- May. 05, 2024
Dr. Marrotte and staff are terrific! Staff is friendly, funny and smart. Dr. Marrotte Is super funny... and smart!
- Apr. 23, 2024
Dr Richard is very kind and knowledgeable
- Apr. 19, 2024
Wonderful office with amazing service. I highly recommend!

View All 200 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Dunedin

Our optometry practice in Dunedin

Photograph of Richard  Marrotte
Hours
  • Monday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from AccuVision Optical

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 AccuVision Optical today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(727) 734-8843