Chemical and thermal burns are among the most damaging injuries an eye can suffer. Even after emergency treatment, patients are often left with chronic dryness, scarring, and impaired vision. For long-term rehabilitation, scleral lenses can play a meaningful role in restoring comfort and clarity.
The lasting effects of eye burns
Burns from chemicals, heat, or fire can damage the cornea, the tear-producing tissues, and the surrounding surface of the eye. In the aftermath, patients may experience severe dry eye, corneal scarring, an irregular surface, chronic inflammation, and reduced vision. The eye's own protective and healing systems may be compromised.
How scleral lenses help in recovery
Once the acute emergency has been managed, scleral lenses can support ongoing rehabilitation by:
- Bathing the cornea in continuous moisture, countering the severe dryness burns leave behind
- Protecting a fragile, scarred surface from friction and the environment
- Smoothing an irregular surface to improve vision
- Supporting a healthier ocular surface environment over time
Part of a larger care team
Burn recovery is complex and long-term. Scleral lenses are one component alongside the care of ophthalmologists and corneal specialists, and sometimes surgical interventions. Fitting these eyes takes patience and expertise, and for severely irregular surfaces, impression-based designs may be the best route.
Realistic hope
The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the burn. Scleral lenses can't reverse scarring, but for many patients they provide a level of daily comfort and functional vision that dramatically improves quality of life after a devastating injury.
The first step
If you're living with the aftereffects of an eye burn, a specialty lens evaluation — coordinated with your existing eye-care team — can determine how much scleral lenses might help.
Rehabilitating your vision after an eye burn? Request a specialty consultation at CFE Memphis.