Many individuals who wear contact lenses experience discomfort due to dry eyes. This issue often leads to reduced wearing time or even discontinuation of contact lens use. Understanding the reasons for this dryness and the features of different lens types can help in finding suitable options for more comfortable vision. This article explores how contact lenses contribute to dry eye symptoms and highlights features and specific lens types that may offer relief.
How Contact Lenses Can Cause Dry Eyes
Contact lenses can interfere with the eye’s natural tear film. A contact lens disrupts the tear film’s stability, leading to increased tear evaporation. This disruption can thin the tear film and alter its lipid layer, resulting in less lubrication and increased friction between the lens and the eye’s surface.
Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea is another factor. A contact lens can partially block this oxygen supply; even modern lenses, designed for higher oxygen permeability, can still cause dryness. Contact lenses can also absorb moisture directly from the tear film, especially if the eye struggles to maintain moisture. This can exacerbate existing dry eye conditions or induce temporary dryness.
Key Features of Dry Eye Friendly Contact Lenses
The material composition of a contact lens significantly impacts its suitability for dry eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses offer superior oxygen permeability compared to traditional hydrogel lenses. This increased breathability helps maintain eye health. While traditional hydrogel lenses rely on water content to transmit oxygen, silicone hydrogel lenses allow more efficient oxygen transfer directly through the silicone component.
Water content, counterintuitively, can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Lenses with very high water content can draw moisture from the eye’s natural tear film, potentially leading to increased dryness. For individuals with dry eyes, lenses with lower or moderate water content may be more comfortable, as they are less dependent on absorbing tears to maintain their shape. Newer silicone hydrogel lenses, despite often having higher water content, are designed to dry out less quickly and can be more effective at reducing dry eye symptoms than older hydrogel contacts.
Design elements also play a role in comfort. Wetting agents can be incorporated into the lens material or released over time to enhance surface wettability. A highly wettable lens surface allows the tear film to spread more easily, reducing friction with the eyelids and contributing to comfortable wear. Some lenses feature a lower modulus, making them softer and more flexible, which can contribute to a more comfortable fit.
Specific Contact Lens Options for Dry Eyes
Daily disposable contact lenses are often recommended for individuals with dry eyes due to their hygiene benefits. Since a fresh lens is used each day and then discarded, there is less opportunity for deposits and debris to accumulate on the lens surface, which can aggravate dry eye symptoms. This reduces the need for cleaning solutions and minimizes the risk of irritation or infection associated with reusable lenses. Daily disposables are frequently made from silicone hydrogel materials, combining the benefits of daily replacement with high oxygen permeability.
Silicone hydrogel lenses are considered a good choice for dry eyes because of their high oxygen transmissibility. This allows more oxygen to reach the cornea, which can reduce dryness and promote overall eye health. These lenses are available in various replacement schedules, though daily disposables often offer more comfort for dry eye patients.
For severe cases of dry eye, specialized options such as scleral lenses can provide relief. These larger-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses vault over the entire cornea and limbus, resting on the sclera. The space between the lens and the cornea forms a fluid reservoir, which is filled with saline solution upon insertion. This continuous hydration acts as a liquid bandage, protecting the ocular surface from desiccation and friction, offering comfort and improved vision for those with chronic or severe dry eye.
Practical Tips for Wearing Contacts with Dry Eyes
Maintaining proper hydration is an effective strategy for managing dry eyes while wearing contact lenses. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps maintain body hydration, contributing to tear production and eye moisture. Aiming for at least eight glasses of water daily can support eye health.
Proper blinking techniques are also beneficial. Staring at digital devices tends to reduce blink rates, leading to increased tear evaporation and dryness. Consciously blinking fully and frequently, or following the 20-20-20 rule, can help distribute tears more evenly across the lens surface.
Using preservative-free rewetting drops can provide relief from dryness and irritation. These drops are formulated to lubricate the eye and rehydrate the lens; preservative-free options are less likely to cause irritation with frequent use. Adhere strictly to proper lens hygiene and replacement schedules: always wash hands before handling lenses, use only recommended solutions, and replace lenses as directed to prevent deposits and buildup. Avoiding extended wear and taking breaks from lenses, especially when experiencing dryness, can also improve comfort.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
It is important to consult an eye care professional if you experience persistent dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses. An eye examination can provide a diagnosis, as dry eye can stem from various underlying factors, including environmental triggers, gland dysfunction, or medical conditions. Self-treating dry eye can be detrimental, and an expert can assess the causes of your discomfort. They can offer personalized recommendations for contact lens types, fitting, and management strategies tailored to your eye health needs.