Vision Therapy in Cherry Creek

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(303) 321-1606

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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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 Sumner Vision, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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- Oct. 09, 2024
Dr. Sumner and his team are amazing! I require medically necessary scleral contacts due to corneal d... amage and Severe dry eyes. He is the first Doctor to fit me into the correct size and shape without pain and swelling. I have been wearing them since 2013 and he is the best Doctor for prescribing scleral lenses. He will keep trying until he has the perfect fit for you. Most eye doctors are not trained or skilled enough to fit scleral lenses and will not provide them. He was recommended by my medical corneal specialist M.D. I drive an hour each way to see him and he is worth it.
- Jul. 10, 2024
I want to extend my gratitude to Jesse for his exceptional customer service today. Visiting from out... of town on business, I realized I ran out of contacts. While my order wouldn't arrive for another week, Jesse went above and beyond by providing trial lenses to use in the meantime. His assistance was invaluable because I literally cannot see without my contacts, and I greatly appreciate his help. ---
- Mar. 13, 2024
Dr. Smith is a great eye doctor, she answered all my questions and made me feel listened to. Happy I... found this practice that is so thorough with all their patients. I also went and saw the other eye doctor here before and felt really comfortable and like he did a thorough job as well.
- Dec. 31, 2023
I can see, and be seen with my new specs
- Nov. 10, 2023
I got my scleral lens and eyeglasses from Sumner Vision. The staffs are excellent, especially Carli,... she helped me to choose glasses and patiently adjusted them when needed.
- Oct. 24, 2023
I’ve had a really positive experience with Sumner Vision. There was a mishap that took place with ... my lenses, and they offered a helping hand to make things right. I certainly appreciate businesses that make the customer feel cared for.
- Oct. 06, 2023
I love Sumner Vision! Dr. Smith and all of the staff are very helpful and patient. I love the glasse... s selection and the top tier equipment. They are always on top of their game.
- Aug. 07, 2023
Dr. Emily Smith is very kind, intelligent and listens to all concerns. Would recommend her for your ... eye care needs!
- Jul. 26, 2023
Dr. Smith is great as she listens to you, takes the time needed in the clinic to dive into your issu... es, and works with your specific situation to create the best option for your vision and your life. It’s nice to have found a trustworthy specialist to see regularly!
- Jun. 02, 2023
Love the staff in the front. The owner was open to my feedback so that is the reason I am leaving a ... 5 star review. They have a nice selection of glasses from great brands. I’m in love with my Dior glasses.
- Feb. 28, 2023
Best place ever they have help me so much with my keratoconus and all my vision needs thanks to dr. ... Emily smith and her team for all the help you guys are amazing👌🙏🏼😍
- Nov. 03, 2021
Informative staff, explaining all facets of the examination. Very helpful team helping me pick out ... my next frame!
- Oct. 11, 2021
Such an easy experience. Loved my exam, felt thorough and clear. Listened to my concerns and took th... e time to address them. Understanding of insurance benefits and options. My doctor was so sweet, made me laugh.
- May. 24, 2021
I got a pair of glasses with blue light filtering lenses and a person named Allen was extremely know... ledgeable and supportive throughout my experience! The office is very spacious and parking is ample. If you are looking for someone who knows this store in and out, ask for him!
- May. 23, 2021
I have been going to Dr Sumner for last 4 years, this is a amazing Optical office with excellent ser... vices from Dr. Sumner and his staff and thank to Alen for his selections on frame glasses to fit for me and my budget. Thank you so much.
- May. 17, 2021
From the time I entered the office, Dr. Sumner and his staff provided professional and comprehensive... optometry services. Each part of the process (insurance/billing, examination, eyeglass fitting) was completed with exceptional skill and expertise. Alan even helped us with a rebate! So grateful to have found an office with such quality care!
- Apr. 03, 2021
The office had such a nice, welcoming vibe. Dr Sumner and the rest of the staff were efficient, prof... essional, and pleasant to work with.
- Apr. 02, 2021
Veronica (Billing and Insurance) is AWESOME! She is extremely helpful and went way beyond what is ... expected to help resolve some insurance issues.
- Feb. 13, 2021
Highly recommend Sumner Vision. Allen really knows his inventory and listened to what I wanted. I wa... s really happy with the glasses he helped me choose :). Barbara and Brittany are wonderful as well, always welcoming and know how to treat their patients properly! 5 stairs to this team :).
- Dec. 06, 2020
Visiting your optometrist can be a bit daunting for some people much like going to the dentist. Ther... e is a lot strange equipment and big words being used which we have no clue as to their meaning. And, then after your exam, you get the hard pressure sale to buy frames and lenses. Well, NOT at Sumner Vision. They are kind and patient and understanding of the process from the patient's point of view. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Do yourself and your eyes a favor by visiting Sumner Vision.

View All 91 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Cherry Creek

Our optometry practice in Cherry Creek

Photograph of Larry  Sumner
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Sumner Vision

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 Sumner Vision today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(303) 321-1606