Introduction

Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses for over 45 million people in the United States. However, for those with dry eyes, finding the right type of contact lens is crucial for maintaining comfort and eye health. While soft contact lenses are commonly recommended, some individuals may benefit more from specialized options like scleral lenses. This article explores how contacts can lead to dry eyes, what types of lenses are best for managing this condition, and strategies to alleviate symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eyes and Contacts

Dry eyes affect approximately 16 million people in the U.S., according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). This condition occurs when the tear film—the protective layer of tears on the surface of the eye—is compromised. The tear film has three layers: the outer lipid layer, the middle aqueous layer, and the inner mucin layer. Each layer plays a critical role in keeping the eyes lubricated, protected from irritants, and healthy.

Wearing contact lenses can disrupt this delicate balance. Research suggests that contacts may interfere with the tear film by:

Separating the Lipid and Aqueous Layers: Contacts can disrupt the distribution of the tear film layers, affecting stability and thickness.
Increasing Friction: Contacts can create additional friction against the eye, contributing to dryness.
Affecting Protein Regulation: Contacts may alter the proteins responsible for eye lubrication, leading to dryness.

Types of Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

When choosing contact lenses to manage dry eyes, consider the following options:

Soft Contact Lenses
- Hydrogel Lenses: Made from flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through, these lenses contain water and help keep the eye lubricated. Soft lenses are generally recommended for individuals with dry eyes due to their comfort and moisture-retaining properties.
- Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: These lenses offer higher oxygen permeability and are available in both daily disposable and extended wear options. They are less likely to cause discomfort from dryness compared to traditional hydrogel lenses.
Scleral Lenses
- Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and sit on the white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. They create a reservoir of tears between the lens and the cornea, which can provide significant relief from dry eyes. Scleral lenses are often recommended when other types of lenses are not effective.

Disposable vs. Reusable Contact Lenses

Choosing between disposable and reusable lenses can also impact comfort for those with dry eyes:

Disposable Lenses: Single-use or daily disposable lenses are less likely to accumulate protein deposits and other debris, which can reduce irritation and dryness. These lenses are generally preferred for individuals with dry eyes.
Reusable Lenses: While often made from materials with lower water content, reusable lenses may require diligent cleaning and maintenance to prevent dryness and discomfort. Silicone hydrogel reusable lenses offer a balance between comfort and durability.

Managing Dry Eyes with Contacts

To manage and alleviate dry eyes associated with contact lens wear, consider these strategies:

Natural Remedies: Use a humidifier, apply warm compresses, limit screen time, and stay hydrated to support overall eye health.
Protective Measures: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and environmental irritants.
Eye Drops: Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops (artificial tears) can provide additional moisture and relief.
Medical Interventions: In more severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend tear duct plugs or surgical options to retain moisture.

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

Finding the best contact lenses for dry eyes requires personalized advice from a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether soft lenses, scleral lenses, or another type of contact is most suitable for your specific needs. Additionally, they can offer guidance on proper lens care and maintenance to minimize dryness and discomfort.

Contacts for Dry Eyes: Finding the Right Fit for Comfort and Relief

Contacts for Dry Eyes Finding the Right Fit for Comfort and Relief

Hearing “contact lenses” and “dry eyes” together is a common scenario. It’s estimated that about 50% of contact lens wearers experience dry eye symptoms. Fortunately, switching to a different type of contact lens can often provide significant relief without requiring you to abandon lenses altogether. This guide will help you understand how contact lenses can affect dry eyes, explore the best types of lenses for dry eyes, and offer additional remedies to keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.

How Contact Lenses Affect Dry Eyes

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms in several ways:

Tear Evaporation: Some lenses disrupt the tear film, leading to quicker evaporation of tears. This reduces the natural lubrication your eyes need.
Oxygen Blockage: Contact lenses can limit the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes. Reduced oxygen can cause irritation and dryness, particularly during extended wear.
Deposits and Build-Up: Proteins and debris can accumulate on contact lenses, making them less effective at maintaining moisture and increasing dryness and irritation.
Moisture Absorption: Contacts can absorb moisture from your eyes to keep themselves hydrated. If your eyes produce fewer tears, both the lenses and your eyes can become dry.
Increased Friction: Contacts that interfere with your eye’s moisture levels can increase friction between the lens and the eye, leading to further irritation and dryness.

To address these issues, the right type of contact lens can make a significant difference. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for managing dry eyes:

The Best Types of Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

Daily Disposable Lenses
- Overview: Daily disposable lenses are used for one day and then discarded. They are less likely to accumulate protein build-up and debris, which can decrease irritation and dryness.
- Benefits: New lenses every day minimize cleaning requirements and reduce the risk of protein deposits.
Contacts with Lower Water Content
- Overview: Lenses with lower water content can be better for dry eyes. High water content lenses require more moisture to remain hydrated and may draw moisture from your eyes.
- Benefits: Lower water content lenses are less likely to dehydrate your eyes, making them a good choice for those with dry eye issues.
Silicone Hydrogels
- Overview: Silicone hydrogel lenses are a step up from standard hydrogel lenses. They allow more oxygen to pass through to the eye while maintaining a soft, comfortable fit.
- Benefits: Improved oxygen permeability helps reduce irritation and dryness, making these lenses suitable for extended wear.
Scleral Lenses
- Overview: Scleral lenses are larger than standard lenses and sit on the white part of the eye, creating a dome that holds a reservoir of tears over the cornea.
- Benefits: They allow significantly more oxygen to reach the eye and keep the cornea hydrated by creating a moisture reservoir, which is particularly beneficial for severe dry eye sufferers.

Other Dry Eye Remedies for Contact Lens Wearers

In addition to selecting the right type of contact lens, consider these supplementary remedies:

Try a Different Contact Lens Solution
- Overview: Your contact lens solution might be contributing to dryness. Solutions with preservatives can sometimes irritate the eyes.
- Recommendation: Consider using a solution without preservatives or switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based solution for better protein removal and reduced irritation.
Use Rewetting Eye Drops
- Overview: Rewetting eye drops, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, can provide extra moisture.
- Recommendation: Consult with your eye doctor to choose a drop that is compatible with your type of lenses and effective for your symptoms.

Preventing Dry Eyes from Contacts

Adopting good lens habits can help prevent dry eye issues:

Clean Your Contacts Properly
- Overview: Proper cleaning and handling of contact lenses are crucial for minimizing dryness and avoiding infections.
- Recommendation: Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning, handling, and storing your lenses.
Change Lenses as Directed
- Overview: Wearing contacts beyond their recommended replacement schedule can increase dryness and discomfort.
- Recommendation: Stick to the wear schedule prescribed by your eye doctor and replace your contact lens case regularly.
Give Your Eyes a Rest
- Overview: Reducing contact lens wear time can help alleviate dryness.
- Recommendation: Consider wearing glasses for part of the day or on days when your eyes feel particularly dry.

Worried About Dry Eyes and Contacts? Contact Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent dry eyes with contact lenses—or even without them—it’s important to seek professional advice. An eye exam can help diagnose the cause of your dry eyes and guide you to the best treatment options, whether that involves a different type of lens, new lens care products, or other strategies to improve your eye comfort.

In summary,

while dry eyes can be a common issue for contact lens wearers, exploring different types of lenses and adopting good lens care practices can provide relief and enhance comfort. Consult with your eye doctor to find the best solution for your specific needs.