Using PROSE to Correct HOAs in a Patient with Keratoconus

/0 Comments/in , , /by
For Emily Davidson, life is a roller-coaster of adventure, and she takes the ups and downs, twists and turns in stride. Emily’s love for photography and nature took her from her childhood home in Queens, NY, across America. First, she flew West toward sunny New Mexico, and then to the dynamic San Francisco Bay Area coastline before settling into the Southern charm of Atlanta, GA. Still, Emily knew that something was getting in the way of experiencing the world fully: her eyesight. Emily had blurry vision and saw halos, starbursts, and smears — symptoms of her keratoconus, a progressive
Image of highway at night with lights ghosted and doubled

Patients with HOA often have extreme difficulty with night vision and may see ghosting or have double vision

corneal thinning disorder. “Between my work helping others and being able to focus on the beauty in gray skies, and the big sunsets and the beautiful scenery, you don’t necessarily realize how bad your vision may be,” she reflects. “It served as a very good distraction for how bad I was seeing.”

Making sacrifices because of vision

Always adaptable to her circumstances, Emily began making sacrifices. First, she stopped going out at night, as the glare from traffic lights made it hard to drive in the dark. As her job in the insurance industry required more computer work, Emily struggled to keep up because the screen was blurry, and her eyes were fatigued after long days. Before, she regularly ventured into the lush landscape surrounding her, but Emily’s poor vision forced her to curb her appetite for hiking; her blurry vision affected her depth perception, and she worried she would fall. “Because I’ve just managed, and I got by and I played on my strengths, I thought that was okay enough, that I wasn’t really blind,” she recalls. Eventually, Emily realized that her vision had put too many restrictions on her life. “I realized I wasn’t going to certainly be able to do what I wanted, at the level that I wanted, unless I figured it out,” she says.

Learning about scleral lenses

Her ophthalmologist referred her to a doctor who fits scleral lenses in Atlanta. Scleral lenses are large, individually customized contact lenses made from a rigid gas-permeable material. Scleral lenses rest on the white sclera of the eye to vault over the cornea, creating a chamber that is filled with preservative-free saline. Over six months, Emily tried multiple pairs of scleral lenses as the doctor adjusted the prescription and fit. Still, the final pair was far from perfect. Emily still saw starbursts, halos, and double-images, visual imperfections that arise from higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in the visual system. “I was still super uncomfortable, and my HOAs did not get corrected at all,” she says. “I was like, ‘This can’t be it. This can’t be the end.’” Emily was determined to find a better solution. “Part of what I was willing to do was trust that the technology is getting better and better,” she says.

PROSE treatment and correcting HOAs

Propelled by her confidence that she deserved to see the world clearly and by the recommendation of her ophthalmologist, Emily traveled to BostonSight’s Needham Clinic in the winter of 2023. Over several days of appointments with Dr. Chirag Patel, OD, FAAO, Emily’s PROSE lenses were customized to fit comfortably and correct her blurry vision and halos with BostonSight’s SmartSight HOA® correction technology. While scleral lenses can help many patients, PROSE by BostonSight is a treatment for more severe ocular surface diseases or challenging conditions. PROSE treatment offers more diameter options and full customization. For many patients like Emily, PROSE along with SmartSight HOA® correction is the only solution to correct visual symptoms like glare, double vision, starbursts, and halos. “I felt like I was given this next-level vision in 10 days that I couldn’t believe was even possible,” Emily says. “I’m still waking up every day saying is, ‘Is this real?’ because all of my HOAs are gone. I’m able to drive at night and I can look at spreadsheets, something I could not do before.” Thanks to her clear vision made possible by PROSE and SmartSight HOA, Emily is looking forward to venturing back into the hobbies and passions she was forced to put down. “The quality of my life and the ability to participate in life is like night and day.”

Sjögren’s Syndrome and Contact Lenses – Essential Considerations

/0 Comments/in /by
*This article is a guideline only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always contact your eye care doctor with questions and for recommended treatment options. Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the body’s moisture-producing glands, often presents challenges for those who wear contact lenses. The hallmark symptoms of dry eyes and mouth can make contact lens wear uncomfortable and, in some cases, exacerbate the condition. In this article, we’ll explore essential considerations for individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome who use or are considering using contact lenses, offering insights and tips to enhance comfort and eye health.

1. Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses 

Opting for the right type of contact lenses can make a significant difference for individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Daily disposable lenses are often recommended, as they minimize the risk of contamination and reduce the need for cleaning solutions that may cause irritation. Silicone hydrogel lenses, known for their enhanced breathability, can also be a suitable option.

2. Preservative-Free Lubricating Drops 

Incorporating preservative-free lubricating eye drops into your contact lens routine is crucial. Sjögren’s Syndrome diminishes natural tear production, leading to dry eyes. These drops can help maintain moisture and improve comfort while wearing contact lenses. Keep them on hand throughout the day for quick relief.

3. Hydration and Diet 

Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall eye health, especially for individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Proper hydration can influence tear production, impacting contact lens comfort. Additionally, consider with your doctor whether adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet would be appropriate. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, and they may contribute to better tear quality.

4. Regular Eye Exams 

Regular eye exams are critical for individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome who wear contact lenses. Your eye care professional can monitor any changes in your eye health, adjust your prescription if necessary, and provide guidance on the best practices for managing dry eyes associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome.

5. Punctal Plugs 

Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to retain natural tears on the eye’s surface. This can be especially beneficial for contact lens wearers with Sjögren’s Syndrome, as it enhances tear retention and reduces dryness.

6. Consider Alternatives 

In some cases, individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome may find that traditional contact lenses are not the most comfortable option. Discuss alternatives with your eye care doctor, such as scleral lenses, which may be more manageable for those with dry eyes. If you have severe dry eye, PROSE treatment may be the right option for you. While scleral lenses can help many people, PROSE treatment addresses the underlying eye condition and uses fully custom prosthetic scleral lenses that vault over the corneal surface, creating a reservoir between the cornea and the lens. The reservoir is filled with preservative-free saline to bathe and hydrate the eye all day, providing immediate relief and comfort, and promoting healing. PROSE also provides improved vision. Think of the lens as a “new” cornea, which creates the shape of a typical, healthy cornea. This allows light to enter the eye at the correct angle for excellent vision and reduced light sensitivity. Learn more about PROSE.

7. Follow Proper Lens Care Protocols 

Adhering to proper lens care protocols is crucial for individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Clean your lenses as directed, avoid sleeping in your contacts, and replace them according to the recommended schedule. This can prevent complications and maintain optimal eye health.   Managing Sjögren’s Syndrome and wearing contact lenses simultaneously requires a thoughtful and individualized approach. By selecting the right type of lenses, incorporating preservative-free lubricating drops, staying hydrated, and consulting with your eye care professional regularly, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing discomfort associated with dry eyes. Remember, open communication with your eye care doctor is key to finding the most suitable solution for your unique needs.        

5 Common Eye Problems Associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome

/0 Comments/in /by
This article is a guideline only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always contact your eye care doctor with questions and for recommended treatment options. Sjögren’s Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder, doesn’t just affect the moisture-producing glands in your body; it can also wreak havoc on your eyes. As the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, individuals with Sjögren’s often experience a range of eye problems. In this article, we’ll delve into five common eye issues associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome, shedding light on the impact this condition can have on ocular health. 1. Dry Eyes: The Telltale Sign  Dry eyes are a hallmark symptom of Sjögren’s Syndrome. The lacrimal glands, responsible for tear production, become a primary target of the immune system, leading to inadequate lubrication of the eyes. This chronic dryness can result in irritation, a gritty sensation, and increased sensitivity to light, significantly affecting the quality of life for those with Sjögren’s.

2. Conjunctivitis: Beyond the Redness 

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is another prevalent eye problem associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome. The inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye, can cause redness, itching, and discharge. Identifying and treating conjunctivitis promptly is crucial to prevent complications and alleviate discomfort.

3. Corneal Damage: A Serious Concern 

Sjögren’s Syndrome can also lead to corneal damage due to persistent dryness. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, relies on a healthy tear film for nourishment and protection. When dry eyes are left untreated, the cornea becomes more susceptible to abrasions, ulcers, and infections. Regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring and preventing potential corneal complications associated with Sjögren’s. For individuals with severe dry eye or corneal damage, PROSE treatment may be a good solution.

4. Blurry Vision 

The instability of the tear film in Sjögren’s Syndrome can result in blurry vision. Insufficient lubrication causes light to scatter irregularly, leading to distorted vision. Addressing the underlying dry eye issue is crucial for managing and improving visual acuity. Prescription eye drops and artificial tears are often recommended to alleviate symptoms and enhance clarity of vision.

5. Photophobia: Sensitivity to Light 

Many individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome experience photophobia, a heightened sensitivity to light. This symptom can exacerbate the discomfort associated with dry eyes and make exposure to natural or artificial light challenging. Wearing sunglasses, using anti-glare coatings on glasses, and managing dry eye symptoms can help mitigate photophobia for individuals with Sjögren’s.   Sjögren’s Syndrome is a complex autoimmune disorder that extends its impact beyond dryness in the eyes. By understanding the common eye problems associated with this condition, individuals can seek timely medical intervention, manage symptoms effectively, and improve their overall ocular health. Regular eye examinations, proper hydration, and adherence to prescribed treatments are essential steps in maintaining a good quality of life for those living with Sjögren’s Syndrome.