Dryness is one of the most common eye complaints. Symptoms vary from mildly annoying intermittent dryness and burning to constant agonizing pain, disabling light sensitivity and blurred vision. Mild to moderate cases of dry eyes can usually be controlled by the frequent use of artificial tears, punctal plugs that slow the drainage of tears from the eyes and, on occasion, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops. However, it is the patient with severe symptoms that have not responded to these treatments or moisture chambers who can benefit from the Boston Scleral Lens device (BSL) and for whom this device is being prescribed.

Severe Dry Eyes is one of the conditions known as severe ocular surface disease. Such patients are severely disabled by the unremitting pain and photosensitivity and may develop erosions on the surface of their corneas that impair vision and can lead to scarring. In rare cases, corneal ulcers can develop and even threaten the integrity of the eye. Rarely, it has been necessary to suture the lids together (tarsorrhaphy). Frequent use of artificial tears, punctal plugs and Restasis are of little (or inadequate) help. The so-called soft bandage lens is often ineffective because it requires an adequate supply of tears to maintain its hydration.

Conditions associated with severe dry eyes include Sjogren's syndrome, chronic graft vs host disease (following bone marrow transplants), radiation treatment of the eye area, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anesthetic corneas and autoimmune disorders. In some cases the cause is unknown (idiopathic).

 

How does the Boston Scleral Lens Prosthetic Device help?

Our device maintains a reservoir of oxygenated artificial tears over the eye that constantly bathes the cornea and provides a nurturing (therapeutic) environment that can virtually eliminate the pain and photosensitivity, help the cornea heal and improve vision. In most cases, the relief is dramatic and experienced almost immediately.

Are you a candidate for the BSL?

Because the process ofcustom-fitting this device is costly and time-consuming, only patients who are severely disabled by this disease and have not responded to other treatments can be considered. We do not accept patients without a referral from their eyecare doctor and require a detail report describing the condition of your eyes including documentation that all other available treatments have been unsuccessful.

 

The mission of the 501(c)(3) Boston Foundation for Sight is to give the highest quality of care to all and turn no one away because of inability to pay.
For more information visit our website www.bostonsight.org or call
(781)-726-7333

 

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