Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses a frustrating experience. The scratchiness, redness, and discomfort often leave many contact lens wearers considering giving them up altogether. But here’s the good news—you can wear contact lenses comfortably if you choose the right ones for your needs.
The best contact lenses for dry eye are:
- Silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses
- Daily disposable contact lenses
- Hybrid contact lenses
- Scleral contact lenses
The right contact lenses, designed specifically for dry eyes, can help you experience clear and comfortable vision while protecting your eye health.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor quality. Tears are vital for keeping your eyes lubricated and comfortable, but when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to frustrating symptoms like:
- Burning
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Gritty sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes without relief
For contact lens wearers, the discomfort caused by dry eyes becomes even more pronounced. Many lenses rely on moisture to maintain comfort, which can be a challenge for those already struggling with dryness. This is why choosing the right type of contact lens is essential.
Can Contacts Worsen Dry Eyes?
Certain contact lenses can worsen dry eye symptoms. For example, traditional hydrogel lenses have a high water content, which might seem ideal for moisture. However, these lenses can draw moisture from your eyes, leading to increased dryness. This effect can be particularly noticeable if you wear your lenses for extended periods.
Fortunately, newer lens technologies are designed with dry eye relief in mind, offering improved comfort without exacerbating symptoms.
Criteria for the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes
When selecting contact lenses for dry eyes, look for these key features:
- Moisture retention: Contacts that retain moisture can provide long-lasting comfort throughout the day.
- Breathability: Lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes help maintain healthy, hydrated corneas.
- Material: Silicone hydrogel and other advanced materials are less likely to dehydrate the eyes compared to traditional lenses.
- Daily disposable options: A different wear schedule can eliminate the buildup of irritants like proteins and bacteria, reducing the risk of irritation.
Now, let’s explore some of the best options available for contact lens wearers with dry eyes.
Recommended Contacts for Dry Eyes
1. Silicone Hydrogel Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are a popular choice for those with dry eyes, but they can absorb a lot of moisture from the eye. Unlike traditional hydrogel lenses, silicone hydrogel allows more oxygen to reach your eyes, enhancing comfort and eye health. Plus, they’re designed to stay moist and comfortable without drawing excessive moisture from the eyes.
Benefits of silicone hydrogel lenses:
- Excellent breathability
- Reduced risk of drying out
- Comfortable for all-day use
2. Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are ideal for dry eye sufferers. With a fresh pair of lenses each day, there’s no risk of buildup from irritants or contamination. This makes them one of the most hygienic and comfortable options for sensitive eyes.
Benefits of daily disposable lenses:
- No cleaning or storage required
- Reduces the risk of irritation from buildup
- Provides a consistently fresh experience
3. Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable (RGP) center with a soft outer ring. This design offers sharper, more precise vision while providing the comfort of soft lenses. They allow for better oxygen flow to the cornea, which helps alleviate dryness and irritation.
Benefits of hybrid contact lenses:
- Crisp, clear vision
- Enhanced breathability
- Ideal balance of comfort and function
4. Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and fit over the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of the cornea. They create a small reservoir of saline solution between the lens and the cornea, providing continuous hydration.
Benefits of scleral contact lenses:
- Maintains consistent moisture for the cornea
- Acts as a protective barrier against irritants
- Ideal for moderate to severe dry eye cases
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eyes
While choosing the right contact lenses is crucial, there are also simple care practices that can make a big difference in managing dry eye symptoms.
- Keep your lenses clean: Always follow the cleaning and storage instructions for your contact lenses. For those using daily disposables, make sure to discard them after each use to avoid irritants.
- Use artificial tears or eye drops: Non-preservative artificial tears specifically designed for contact lens wearers can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Take breaks from lens wear: Remove your contacts when you can to give your eyes a break and allow them to rest and rehydrate.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water plays a vital role in keeping your body, including your eyes, well-hydrated.
- Adjust your environment: Use a humidifier in dry spaces to help prevent dehydration, and avoid direct airflow from fans or air conditioning on your face.
See Clearly & Comfortably Even with Dry Eyes
We know how frustrating dry eyes can be, especially when they interfere with your daily life. But with the right contact lenses and good eye care habits, you can enjoy crisp, comfortable vision once again.
Central Optometry is here to help guide you through finding the perfect pair of contact lenses for your needs. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward comfortable contact lens wear. Your eyes will thank you!
