Meet Joan. Her story and video are published with permission.
Joan, a graphic designer, spent countless hours in front of a computer screen, a necessity for her profession but a strain on her eyes.
After undergoing Zyoptic LASIK surgery in her twenties to correct astigmatism, she enjoyed clear vision until the effects gradually wore off due to natural aging.
About a decade ago, she underwent a superficial keratectomy, also known as corneal scraping, to remove diseased cells from the surface of her corneas, which was caused by corneal scarring. Although keratectomy did not improve her astigmatism it allowed her to see more clearly, as if she had removed a pair of dirty glasses.
Finding scleral lenses
As her eyesight continued to deteriorate, she desired a Zyoptic LASIK touch-up but learned she was no longer a suitable candidate. While in search of alternatives to glasses, she found herself also grappling with severe dry eye, which has worsened in recent years.
“I would wake up at night in pain, with my eyelid stuck to my eye, making standard contact lenses an impossibility,” Joan says.
Her journey took a hopeful turn when Dr. Beth Kohn, an optometrist in Salem, New Hampshire, recommended scleral lenses. She felt Joan would see better and be more comfortable with them, thus she referred her to PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem). PROSE treatment uses prosthetic scleral lens devices customized to the individual’s eye to promote visual acuity, address dry eye, and improve comfort. It is a treatment used to manage the most complex corneal surface conditions and maintain a healthy eye environment.
Initially, the prospect of adopting a new type of lens was daunting, especially with her history of dry eyes and contact lens discomfort. However, the transition to PROSE marked a significant improvement in both her vision and eye health. The lenses not only alleviated the dryness but also enhanced her vision to a clarity she hadn’t experienced in years. She likened the sharpness to the leap from standard to high-definition television.
Results from PROSE treatment
“They provided a level of moisture and comfort that was immediately noticeable,” Joan says. “And I can see the wrinkles on everyone’s face now.”
Despite initial challenges with applying the devices, the support from the team at BostonSight made the learning curve manageable.
“We had a couple of days of training. Their thorough approach ensured I was well-prepared to handle and care for my lenses, making daily use increasingly effortless,” she says.
Today, Joan enjoys a range of activities with renewed confidence—from driving at night to engaging in ballroom dancing. The freedom and quality of life restored by PROSE have been nothing short of life-altering.
“PROSE was my only option to have twenty-twenty eyesight and not wear glasses. Now my vision is perfect.”