Scleral Lenses for Dry Eye: Finding Relief in the Florida Summer Heat

Florida summer heat can be hard on dry eyes. Between bright sun, humidity, pollen, air conditioning, and long days outdoors, many Lakewood Ranch patients notice more burning, watering, redness, and contact lens discomfort this time of year. If standard soft contacts feel dry or unstable, scleral lenses may offer a more comfortable solution.
 

At Artisan Eye in Lakewood Ranch, patients can receive personalized contact lens care designed around their eye health, prescription, and daily comfort needs.
 

Why Dry Eye Can Feel Worse In Summer

Dry eye happens when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. In Florida, summer conditions can make symptoms more noticeable. Heat and wind can irritate the eye surface, while air conditioning can reduce indoor humidity and dry the tear film.
 

Many people are surprised when dry eyes water. This can happen because the eyes produce reflex tears in response to irritation. These tears may run down the face, but they often do not provide the stable moisture needed for lasting comfort.
 

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are larger specialty contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Instead of sitting directly on the cornea, the lens creates a small fluid-filled space over the eye surface.
 

This reservoir of fluid can help protect the cornea, reduce friction, and support more stable vision. For patients with dry eye, irregular corneas, keratoconus, corneal scarring, or contact lens intolerance, scleral lenses can be a valuable option.
 

How Scleral Lenses Help Dry Eye

Standard soft contact lenses can lose moisture throughout the day, especially in air conditioning or outdoor heat. Scleral lenses work differently. Because they hold fluid over the cornea, they can create a more protected environment for sensitive eyes.
 

For Lakewood Ranch patients who struggle with burning, grittiness, or fluctuating vision, scleral lenses may help improve daily comfort. They may also make it easier to wear contacts for longer periods when soft lenses are no longer tolerable.
 

Signs You May Be A Candidate

Scleral lenses are not right for every patient, but they may be worth discussing if dry eye is affecting your quality of life. You may benefit from a specialty contact lens evaluation if you notice:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty eyes
• Dryness that worsens in air conditioning
• Blurry vision that changes throughout the day
• Redness after wearing contact lenses
• Trouble wearing soft contacts for a full day
• Frequent need for rewetting drops
• Light sensitivity or eye fatigue
• A history of keratoconus, corneal irregularity, or contact lens intolerance

These symptoms can come from several causes, so a comprehensive exam is the best way to understand what is happening.
 

What To Expect During A Fitting

A scleral lens fitting is more detailed than a standard contact lens exam. Your optometrist will evaluate your corneal shape, tear film, prescription, eye surface, and overall eye health. Trial lenses may be used to check comfort, movement, vision, and how well the lens vaults over the cornea.
 

Because scleral lenses are customized, follow-up visits are often needed to refine the fit. Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort, clarity, and long-term success.
 

Summer Habits Still Matter

Even with scleral lenses, healthy eye habits are important. Avoid swimming or showering in contact lenses, follow all cleaning instructions, and never use tap water with lenses. Sunglasses can also help reduce wind, UV exposure, and glare during outdoor activities in Florida.
 

If dry eye inflammation, eyelid issues, or tear film problems are contributing to your symptoms, your optometrist may recommend additional dry eye treatment along with scleral lenses.
 

Finding The Right Relief

Dry eye should not keep you from enjoying summer activities or clear vision. If drops and soft contacts are not giving you enough relief, scleral lenses may provide the protection and stability your eyes need.
 

To schedule a dry eye or scleral lens consultation, contact Artisan Eye in Lakewood Ranch, FL at 6600 University Parkway, Suite 306, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240, or call (941) 242-2020.