Vision Therapy in Ocala

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

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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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man rubbing eye

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 Eye Care Center of Ocala, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.

Patient Reviews
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1056 Reviews
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- Mar. 10, 2026
The staff is friendly and there was virtually no waiting.
- Mar. 08, 2026
They have very good customer service knowledgeable and very thorough.
- Mar. 07, 2026
I had tried another eye care center in the area and was quite disappointed with their lack of servic... e. I came across the Eye Care Center of Ocala on-line and after reading the reviews I decided to give them a try. Setting up the appointment on-line was easy, and I was able to be seen the same day! I arrived about 10 minutes early and was greeted kindly at the reception desk. I was asked a few simple questions and then I was able to fill out the questionnaire on an electronic tablet device, which was convenient. I was called back on time into the exam area and greeted by the technician/assistant who was professional and efficient. The eye exam lasted about 45 minutes and at the end, Dr. Castello came in and introduced himself in a pleasant and professional manner; he then discussed and reviewed the exam with the technician/assistant. Dr. Castello performed a few more eye test and asked some follow up questions to my satisfaction. The exam was completed and I thanked both the Dr. and the technician/assistant. I then proceeded to the eye wear section and greeted in a short period of time and reviewed their eye wear selection. The assistant was professional and helped me find a frame that was of good quality and at a fair price. I made the payment for the visit and the eye wear at her desk and prior to leaving, she said my glasses should be in around 2-weeks, and I would be notified via a text. Less than 2-weeks later, I received a text that my new glasses arrived. I again was greeted in a professional manner, and I picked the glasses up in the eye wear area and can see clearly now. I would recommend the Eye Care Center of Ocala for eye care to anyone looking for an eye care specialist. The facility is clean and the staff is friendly, courteous, and a pleasure to deal with.
- Mar. 04, 2026
Dr. Strucko is an excellent doctor! We have been going to her for our eye care need for many years.... We would not think of going anywhere else. If you want a caring, thoughtful and excellent doctor, go see Dr. Strucko.
- Feb. 25, 2026
Eye care center of Ocala is amazing they have great people to help you from start to finish! They go... above and beyond! The girl who took care of me first was very sweet kind and patient! Very knowledgeable! The dr was great to! Last but not least, Mitch! He was so helpful! Again he went above and beyond to help me! He was very knowledgeable and kind! He checked all the boxes! Didn’t miss a beat!
- Feb. 15, 2026
This was my 3rd year in a row here. Exceptional treatment.
- Feb. 14, 2026
Very friendly and welcoming staff from the front desk, assitsnt, and the doctor. They have always t... aken good care of me not only during my regular eye exams but also when I had an eye emergency.
- Feb. 13, 2026
Friendly and professional service
- Feb. 11, 2026
Great
- Feb. 02, 2026
In and out effeciently, thorough and friendly. Will come back
- Jan. 31, 2026
I had an excellent experience with my eye doctor. From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcomi... ng and professional. The doctor took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the visit. The exam was very thorough, and I never felt rushed. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality eye care. Tambien hablan español!
- Jan. 30, 2026
I have been going to eyecare center since I moved here 3 years ago. I always have a great experienc... e. Dr. Costello and his asst are wonderful. Very knowledgeable , very kind ,answer all my questions. Office is very clean. They have the latest technology. I am very happy .
- Jan. 27, 2026
I must say, I’ve wore glasses for most of my life, but the treatment I received at the Eye Center ... of Ocala was beyond exceptional. Lane and Gailyn we’re absolutely fantastic! I was so impressed with the customer service and the treatment. I’m usually a tough critic, but those two ladies made an exceptional impression on me. I highly recommend if you need glasses or contacts, ask for those ladies. They should be commended.
- Jan. 09, 2026
Full eye care center. Friendly, helpful staff. Process is streamlined and generally time efficient.
- Dec. 30, 2025
The staff were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and pleasant. Highly recommend for your optometry n... eeds.
- Dec. 17, 2025
My first visit to EyeCare Center of Ocala was truly exceptional. Having visited numerous providers i... n the past, this is the first practice I would recommend without reservation. Ashley was incredibly kind and professional, addressing all my questions with a refreshing, personable approach. Dr. Geering was equally impressive; she is a compassionate listener who ensured every concern was thoroughly addressed. This was, without a doubt, the best eye exam experience I’ve ever had, and I look forward to referring my friends and family.
- Dec. 05, 2025
Extremely competent service, from the receptionist to the doctor, all very kind and friendly people,... I recommend them to everyone.
- Nov. 18, 2025
What a great place! I went for my annual eye exam with the intention of being fitted for contacts, a... s Ive never had them before. During my exam, I expressed my concerns, like not being able to touch my eye, hesitant to eye drops etc. They essentially said that I would be fine and that if we couldnt make it work, it wasnt a big deal. So we did the normal eye exam, whats better 1 or 2?... 1 or 2? 2 or 3?... 2 or 3? Pretty routine. The Dr, I believe her name was Rebecca was absolutely fantastic. She was fun and we laughed together as she completed the eye exam with my highly light sensitive eyes. After that I had to go through "insertion and removal training". I thought I was already an expert in that, but apparently they were speaking specifically to contacts. Who knew? I sat with Cristine and she went over the training with me. She was super patient and encouraging. She helped correct what I was doing and gave me pointers. At the end of it, I had successfully inserted and removed my CONTACTS 2x each. I was there at the office for a total of about 3.5hrs when it was all said and done but i accomplished what i needed to. Fast forward 4 days to my contact fitting follow up exam. So normally this is done within 7 days-ish but mine were bothering me and something needed to give. So when I arrived to my appointment I checked in and was called back about 10min afterwards by Ashley. And let me tell you, Miss Ashley is an absolute gem. She was so kind, fun and knowledgeable. It was clear that she knew what she was doing from the start. I explained all my issues and she said okay let's address each of them one by one. And she did, and provided reasons for each and solutions/potential solutions. She gave me options and explained each and every one in detail in a way I could understand it. She went over it multiple times making sure I knew what she was explaining. She brought me new contact lens options and helped me fine tune my CONTACT insertion technique. She was a huge help. After leaving there today I feel much better having talked with Ashley and her expertise. Would I go back? Would I recommend this place to others? Absolutely yes! If you have a contact lens fitting, you MUST request Ashley. I cant see how anyone could be better at their job than her. Well done!
- Nov. 07, 2025
I visited on Nov. 6, 2025, to purchase new glasses and was immediately greeted and checked in. Withi... n five minutes, I was helped by Heidi M., who was friendly, kind, and professional. In just 30 minutes, Heidi M. explained my options, helped me select frames, and completed all necessary measurements for my new glasses. This was the best experience I have ever had at an optical center during the 30 years I've been wearing glasses.
- Oct. 24, 2025
Not my personal experience, but my boyfriend said it was the best experience he has EVER had with a ... doctor.

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Scleral Lenses in Ocala

(352) 512-0560

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Rebecca Geering
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 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 - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Eye Care Center of Ocala

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 Eye Care Center of Ocala today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(352) 512-0560

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