PROSE Archives

Sjögren’s Syndrome and Contact Lenses – Essential Considerations

*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 [...]

2024-04-04T13:55:39-04:00January 30, 2024|PROSE|

5 Common Eye Problems Associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome

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 [...]

2024-04-04T12:11:19-04:00January 25, 2024|PROSE|

Isabelle, a PROSE Patient, Shares Experience with Neurotrophic Keratitis

Isabelle's story and video are shared with permission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhMNmLTt7j4&t=236s "It all started when my friend was doing my makeup. 'Are you aware you have this cloud-looking thing on your eye?' Having eye problems was not new to me. I have had Neurotrophic Keratitis - a disease that causes my corneas to erode - in my right eye since I was 5 and in my left eye since I was 16. I accepted the fact that my vision was never going to be perfect; I knew it was getting worse as I aged. I already needed to use eye drops all the time because of the constant dryness. Hearing my friend make that comment though, I realized maybe my condition was worse than I thought. Seeing a Corneal Specialist After visiting a corneal specialist, I heard for the first time that I was at great risk of going blind. All of a sudden, I was having my eyelids partially sewn shut to limit exposure to air, new sets of drops/ointments to try, lifestyle changes such as wearing ski goggles outside in the winter to protect my eyes, and going to the eye doctor so many times a month I had the eye exam letters completely memorized. While my left eye vision was significantly better than my right, I was still having trouble seeing things clearly. I needed a large font on my phone and a bigger TV - and squinting at things became the norm. Failed Treatments Failed treatment [...]

2025-01-30T14:18:47-05:00December 8, 2023|Patient Stories, Blog Posts, PROSE|

Patient Shares Positive PROSE Experience at Baylor Medical Center

Baylor University PROSE Patient, Robert Burns, runs the Sound Off Louisiana blog. And though he refrains from promoting products and services, he invoked a "point of personal privilege" to provide special recognition and praise to the doctors and medical staff at Baylor University School of Medicine's Ophthalmology Department for the incredible benefit they've provided to his eyesight. Burns visited the medical facility for over a week in early June of 2023 to be ft with PROSE scleral devices. In this video, he shares his journey using RGP lenses prior to PROSE, and provides a thorough step-by-step process for applying and removing his PROSE devices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IliT08SMQ24&t=104s&ab_channel=RobertBurns

2024-04-03T12:43:21-04:00July 27, 2023|Patient Stories, Blog Posts, PROSE|

PROSE Treatment Relieves 18 Years of Eye Misery Due to Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Thank you to Scott K. who submitted his family's story on our website. under the Share Your Story link at the bottom of our Patient Success Stories page. Patient stories are incredibly important in helping others better understand the need for and the process and benefit of PROSE treatment. "During the summer of 1997, our daughter, age 8, had an allergic reaction to bactrim, for which she was on day 9 of a 10-day regiment. We took her to a children's hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was diagnosed with Stevens Johnsons Syndrome. It was 10 days of hell for her, my wife, and me. The most severe effects of SJS were with her eyes. Light hypersensitivity, constant pain, and constant corneal ulcers all contributed to her anxiety (and ours). For 18 years, our daughter dealt with the above. At age 26, our daughter's eye doctor informed us about the PROSE treatment. We took her to Boston during Thanksgiving week of 2015. The staff were so supportive. The men, women, and children who we met who were being treated all had life-changing stories to tell about their journey to be at Boston. It was truly a miracle! The very first day, after being fitted with PROSE devices, my daughter was able to go outside, in the daylight, not having to wear two pairs of sunglasses! From that first day, her's and our lives changed for the better. She had endured 18 years of misery because of her eyes, and just [...]

2024-04-03T12:54:28-04:00March 20, 2023|Patient Stories, Blog Posts, PROSE|

PROSE Treatment Provides Relief from Higher Order Aberrations

“The enemy of perfection is good.” Nate Jessiman told me about this quote from Voltaire, which an eyecare practitioner had told him during a visit. “This quote is terrible,” Nate said. “It’s a crutch for not trying to do more. I want to continue to see advances. Good is not good enough.” Nate was diagnosed with keratoconus in his late teens. Now, 25 years later, he has his first pair of PROSE devices with SmartSight HOA® correction and can see well –not perfect – but well. Getting a keratoconus diagnosis More than 20 years ago, keratoconus wasn’t as well known. When he was first evaluated by an optometrist in his teens, the provider thought Nate was on drugs, because that seemed to be the most likely cause of ghosting, blurriness, and double vision, also known as higher-order aberrations (HOAs). Nate’s keratoconic corneas don’t have prominent bulging, but the condition is advanced enough to cause significant HOAs in his vision. The aberrations impacted his ability to recognize faces from a minor distance. “I knew there was something wrong with my eyes. So, I went to Ocala (Florida) about 2 hours from where I lived, and spoke with a specialist. That was when I finally got the keratoconus diagnosis.” Over the years, he saw multiple eye care practitioners. Scleral lenses really didn’t become commercially available until the last 15 years, so Nate and the eye care community were dealing with limited options. When he finally was fit with scleral lenses, the [...]

2024-01-31T09:57:05-05:00March 8, 2023|Patient Stories, Blog Posts, PROSE|

PROSE Provider Spotlight: Dr. Britney Kitamata-Wong | UCSF Medical Center

We sat down with Dr. Britney Kitamata-Wong, a PROSE Provider at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, to learn about her experience using PROSE treatment and scleral lenses, and how she chooses between these modalities when working with patients. Prefer video? You can watch Dr. Kitamata-Wong answer our questions here. What drove you to a career in fitting specialty lenses? I've always had an interest in specialty contact lenses ever since I was an optometry student. I used to work in contact lens research, prior to optometry school and that got me really interested in the art and science of contact lens fitting. When I see patients in my clinic, I see how they can dramatically improve their vision, their comfort, and it's such a rewarding experience as a provider to work with these patients. How did you first learn about scleral lenses? I completed a residency in cornea and contact lenses at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. And at that clinic, I learned a lot about scleral lenses, gas-permeable contact lenses, all sorts of specialty lenses. It was a great experience and I love having that variety in my clinical practice. What led you to become a PROSE provider? Before becoming a PROSE provider, there was a limitation to what I could achieve with traditional scleral lenses. There were times where I had to look at a fit, and there was something I didn't quite like about it, but I'd have [...]

2024-04-03T12:50:32-04:00February 23, 2023|Blog Posts, PROSE|

NOTICE: Recall of EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

We recommend you immediately stop using artificial tears under the brand EzriCare & Delsam Pharma. A summary statement is below. You may read the full statement from the FDA here. Company Announcement Date: February 02, 2023 FDA Publish Date: February 02, 2023 Product Type: Drugs Reason for Announcement: Potential microbial contamination Company Name: Global Pharma Healthcare Brand Name: EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Product Description: Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, to the consumer level, due to possible contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-Lactamase (GES) producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and a death with a bloodstream infection. Risk Statement: Use of contaminated artificial tears can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness.

2024-04-04T13:48:51-04:00February 7, 2023|In the Media, PROSE|

Patient with Basal Cell Carcinoma on Eyelids Finds Success with PROSE

Meet Wayne. He is a vocal proponent of his experience with BostonSight and PROSE treatment. This story and video are published with permission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woNdpvvrwzw&t=60s Transcript follows: “My name is Wayne Arruda and I’ve been coming to BostonSight since last March. I switched primary care, went to a new primary care and they sent me to the Rhode Island Eye Institute who the first doctor looked at me and said, ‘You need to see another doctor,’ who was their surgeon. And he knew right away that I had basal cell carcinoma just from looking at it. It was so bad, that both lids, both the upper and the lower lids were removed." Learning about PROSE So I went to Mass Eye and Ear and that’s where Dr. Freitag suggested the PROSE lens. So, the first time that Dr. Patel put the lens in, I had been through two years of every moment wishing I was dead. And he put that in, and it was almost like a miracle. It was miraculous. And now they know how bad the dryness is for the cornea, so I’m now on two lenses. A daytime PROSE lens, and a nighttime as well. Which greatly helped the stress of the eye and has stopped so much discharge coming from the mucous membrane in the upper lid." About BostonSight For the almost two years before I got the PROSE lens, every day it was like, if I can’t get this eyeball removed, I can’t go [...]

2025-01-30T14:20:29-05:00December 12, 2022|Blog Posts, PROSE|

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Patient Finds Relief with PROSE

Grace Avila was having back pain when her physician prescribed a muscle relaxer. Within a few weeks, blisters appeared across her body. Doctors thought she had a hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common viral infection in young children that sometimes occurs in adults. Over and over, she was told, “Just let it run its course.” But to Grace, whatever was happening to her body felt like it was eating her alive. She couldn’t eat, walk, or see. When her sister visited, she immediately called 911. Grace had blisters covering her mouth, eyes, throat, torso, and more. “I’d rather be dead than be here,” she told her sister. Living with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome A nurse by profession, her sister was convinced Grace had Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe condition that affects the skin, genitals, eyes, and mucous membranes, including the lining of the digestive tract. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is caused by an adverse reaction to medication or, sometimes, infection and can cause severe symptoms such as Grace’s that require months to heal, if they heal at all. Grace’s condition was so debilitating that she spent two weeks in the hospital with her eyes completely covered by bandages and her mouth sealed shut because of blisters. She was kept alive via IV fluids. After two weeks in care, she had surgery, where surgeons placed membranes on her eyes to prevent further scarring. Following her hospital stay and surgery, Grace’s left eye didn’t produce any tears, and it never will again. When she [...]

2025-01-30T14:27:27-05:00November 17, 2022|PROSE, Blog Posts|