Vision Therapy in Ocala

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(352) 512-0560

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

Patient Reviews
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- Jul. 31, 2024
First time visit having neglected my annual exam for lots of years. The office was clean and organiz... ed. Very professional staff and Christine was very patient with my ultra sensitivity to putting things in my eyes. OK, maybe a phobia. Scheduled appointment on-line and arrived a bit early for the new patient paperwork which was all electronic tablet. Nice. The only glitch I noticed was their website which would not allow uploading a scan of my insurance card. Dr C was easy to understand and exuded confidence. I trust this office to take care of my baby blues.
- Jul. 29, 2024
Very quick, efficient, and relatively affordable
- Jul. 09, 2024
I’m a new patient. Professional, clean and no wait time. Super friendly staff. Highly recommend.
- May. 18, 2024
I have been a patient for many years. Dr.Shaw has helped me retain what vision I have left. He is t... horoughly in depth and knowledgeable in his treatment and diagnosis of my condition. He and his staff in the back where eye exams take place are very kind and understanding Kudos to Samantha and Regina job well done and the young man who helped me in front office (Darius?)
- May. 16, 2024
After shopping around they're the only one who took time to explain to me what my insurance was abou... t I got my glasses👍
- May. 15, 2024
Top notch service and employee retention knowledge! Willing too go a little extra to keep customers ... happy!
- May. 14, 2024
There are some lovely people working here. All very courteous and professional. The place looked cle... an and orderly. They also have public Wi-Fi for guests.
- May. 03, 2024
Made an appointment for eye exam. First time there. The staff was helpful friendly and help Pick out... my frames. Awesome experience. I will come back
- Mar. 09, 2024
Very professional and friendly staff that makes you feel like can trust them with the health of your... eyes. Choosing a doctor to take care of your vision requires an extra layer of trust since you'll be putting the health of one the most important parts of your body in their hands. They explain every exam and are detail oriented with the procedures.
- Mar. 07, 2024
I am so thankful I found this office. I had to have cataract surgery and Dr Castello was so reassuri... ng and put me at great ease for my up coming surgery. The front staff is so friendly as well as their technicians. I would give them 10 stars if I could. I look forward after my second eye is done to get a new prescription for glasses.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Overall, it was very pleasant. For someone who has struggled with my eyesight almost since birth, g... oing to the eye Dr is always a very nerve-wracking experience. The treatment began as soon as I virtually booked my appointment. Jess was amazing at contacting me prior to my appointment to gather additional information. As well as suggesting I apply for vision insurance ( they do not get paid to promote this). I applied, and I saved upward of 400 dollars during my visit. From the welcome desk to the tech, to the Dr and the sales representatives on the floor, I felt like everyone had a collective passion and urge to help in any way possible. There was a bit of confusion navigating the permissions of my newly acquired vision insurance, but Courtney went above and beyond. She ensured that I left not only a happy customer but also in great spirits regarding the entire visit. I will absolutely be continuing my care here and will recommend that if you're in Ocala, this is the place to go!
- Feb. 13, 2024
I went there for an Eye exam yesterday. It was the most thorough and enjoyable eye exam I have ever ... had. The staff is friendly and caring. I really feel like they care.
- Nov. 13, 2023
I can’t say enough amazing things about this office! I had my appointment today and my toddler had... to come with me - they were so patient and understanding with us. All the staff are AMAZING! Dr. Michelle Cevallos is FANTASTIC!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Nice place good service
- Sep. 21, 2023
Best and most thorough eye exam I've ever had! Been wearing glasses or contacts for close to 40 yea... rs and never before have I experienced the level of professionalism and over the top patient care as I have at Eye Care Center of Ocala. From the moment I called and spoke with Sitara to schedule an exam, Bailey the wonderful receptionist to the pre-exam with Herb and the exam itself with Dr Cevallos to having Penny assist me with picking out frames, everything and I do mean everything, was above and beyond what I've experienced in the past. The office is gorgeous, state of the art, the selection of frames extensive and everyone working there very nice and patient oriented. Cannot express just how satisfied and impressed I am with every aspect of Eye Care Center of Ocala. Will definitely be recommending them to anyone who needs eye care!
- Sep. 19, 2023
A wonderful center full of caring smart people! I'm glad we found them! I SEE their efforts and am ... thankful!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Truly a remarkable experience! After moving, we were uncertain we would be able to find an eye care ... center that could possibly meet our expectations set from our previous office. We have been fully delighted. Every staff member we have had the privilege of meeting has been intentional and kind. The doctor is extremely attentive and thorough. I must say, they have gone above and beyond in each interaction! I sincerely recommend them highly!
- Jul. 17, 2023
Nice clean facility that runs in an organized fashion. Bailey was my initial contact and who helped ... me with my appointment and insurance, my tech was Jay, my doctor was Dr. Costello, Herb recorded notes during my visit and Kerri J. helped me with frame selection. All were super nice, friendly and professional. No pressure as it pertains to having certain tests or purchasing glasses and frame selections are reasonably priced.
- Apr. 12, 2023
Called for an appt as a new patient, got one the next day. Bright and beautiful office, great locati... on, excellent and efficient staff, and the doctor explained my test results and was great. No hard sell for glasses or contacts, which I really appreciated. Overall, an excellent experience and my new eye doctor in Ocala.
- Mar. 28, 2023
WOW all I can say is wow! I just moved to the area literally days ago, had an eye emergency, and the... y were the only place that would take me today last minute. Every moment from talking on the phone to stepping in the building was professional, nice, fast/efficient, and clean! Dr. McCabe was very nice and knowledgeable and the assistant before her was thorough and professional. I’m so excited that I found this place because I will definitely be back! Excited that I’ve found my new eye doctor for the years to come now living here! Thank you!

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Scleral Lenses in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

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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