For millions of people who experience dry eye syndrome, wearing contact lenses can be a daily struggle. That uncomfortable, gritty feeling can transform your day into an ongoing battle to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Fortunately, there are a few types of contact lenses that can be great for someone with dry eyes, including:
- Daily disposable contact lenses
- Silicone hydrogel contact lenses
- Scleral lenses
Like anything regarding our health and eyes, there are rarely one-size-fits-all answers—contact lens choices for someone dealing with dry eyes are no exception. It’s essential to consult with your eye doctor if you’re trying to figure out which lenses you should be wearing. They can consider your lifestyle and vision needs before offering experienced and tailored advice.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome & How Common Is It?
Dry eye syndrome, commonly called dry eye, is when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tear film evaporates too quickly. Common symptoms include:
- Discomfort
- Redness
- A stinging sensation
- Blurry vision
Unfortunately, traditional contact lenses can often exacerbate the issue, as lenses can interrupt the natural hydration of your eyes. However, times are changing, and lens technology has improved dramatically to address this common problem.
How Contact Lenses Impact Dry Eyes
Contact lenses sit directly on your eye’s cornea, reducing oxygen flow and potentially drawing moisture from the eye’s surface. This can lead to increased dryness and irritation, especially for those already experiencing dry eye symptoms.
But not all lenses are created equal. Factors like lens material, water content, and breathability play a significant role in determining how comfortable the lenses will feel throughout the day. With the right lenses and proper care, even people with dry eyes can comfortably wear contacts.
Choosing Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
When selecting contact lenses for dry eyes, consider these key factors:
Lens Material
Silicone hydrogel is considered the gold standard for dry eyes. This material is more breathable than traditional hydrogel lenses, allowing higher oxygen flow to your cornea. This added oxygen not only promotes healthier eyes but also helps mitigate dryness.
Water Content
It’s a common misconception that lenses with higher water content are better for dry eyes. While they may initially feel comfortable, high-water-content lenses can sometimes pull moisture away from the eyes as they dehydrate over time. Opting for lenses with moderate water content is often a better choice.
Moisture Retention Technology
Many modern lenses are equipped with moisture-retention technologies, such as wetting agents or hydration additives. Look for brands that mention moisture-locking features to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
Wearing Schedule
Daily disposable lenses are an excellent option for dry eyes since you start with a fresh, moist pair daily. These lenses eliminate the buildup of deposits and allergens that can irritate already dry eyes.
Breathability
Breathable lenses with high oxygen permeability help prevent irritation and dryness by allowing excellent oxygen flow to reach your eyes.
Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
Here are 3 types of contact lenses that can be particularly beneficial for a person with dry eyes.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposables are designed for single-day use, reducing your eyes’ exposure to irritants that can build up on the surface of longer-wear lenses. These lenses use modern materials that retain moisture throughout the day, making them ideal for those prone to dryness.
Benefits of daily disposable lenses include:
- Excellent moisture retention
- Reduced risk of protein or debris buildup
- Convenient and hygienic
Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Silicone hydrogel lenses have high oxygen permeability, which helps keep your eyes healthy and feeling fresh. Compared to traditional hydrogel lenses, they also retain more moisture, which can reduce irritation caused by dryness.
Benefits of silicone hydrogel lenses include:
- Higher oxygen flow to the cornea
- Designed for long hours of comfortable wear
- Available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly options
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and vault over the cornea, creating a liquid reservoir that offers continuous hydration. This design makes them the top choice for people with severe dry eye symptoms.
Benefits of scleral lenses include:
- Provide a protective, hydrating cushion for the cornea
- Great for people with chronic or severe dry eye syndrome
- Customizable to fit unique eye shapes
Tips for Preventing Dryness & Irritation
Once you’ve selected the right lenses, proper care and routines can further improve your comfort:
- Use rewetting drops: Keep preservative-free rewetting drops on hand to refresh your lenses and add hydration throughout the day.
- Take breaks from screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Adhere to recommended cleaning and wear: Always follow your eye doctor’s guidelines for cleaning and replacing your lenses.
- Keep your environment humidified: Use a humidifier during dry weather to maintain moisture levels, especially in air-conditioned or heated spaces.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water because your hydration levels can impact tear production and eye health.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors: Sunglasses protect your eyes from environmental irritants like wind or smoke, which can irritate dry eyes.
Elevate Your Comfort & Eye Health
Choosing the right contact lenses for dry eyes doesn’t have to be daunting. With improvements in lens technology and a growing awareness of dry eye syndrome, brands are creating solutions tailored to your needs.
Your eyes deserve the same care and attention as any other body part. If you’re unsure which contact lenses are right for you, contact our team at Collingwood Optometry & Cwood Eyecare today. One of our experienced eye doctors can examine your eyes, review your symptoms, and offer tailored advice on contact lens choice and other treatments.
You can also log in and browse our online inventory of contact lenses if you already know what you’re after.
