If your eyes often feel gritty, scratchy, or just plain uncomfortable, you might think wearing contact lenses is out of the question. It’s a common concern we hear from people dealing with the symptoms of dry eye. You might be surprised to learn that having dry eye doesn’t automatically mean you have to stick with glasses forever.
Many people successfully wear contacts despite having dry eyes, and it often comes down to finding the right type of lens for your specific needs. The best contacts for dry eyes are the ones selected and fitted for you by an eye care professional after a thorough eye health evaluation. With so many advancements in lens technology, we have more options than ever to help you find a comfortable fit.
Dry Eyes and Contact Lens Wear
Living with dry eye can be a daily frustration, and the thought of putting something in your eye might seem counterintuitive. While dryness can make wearing standard contacts a challenge, it’s a hurdle we can often overcome together. The first step is to understand the various factors that can make dry eyes worse so we can address them directly.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can be more than just a feeling of dryness. You might notice other signs that point to the condition, such as:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Redness or general irritation
- Eyes that water excessively; this is your body’s attempt to combat the dryness
- Vision that comes in and out of focus
- Sensitivity to light
An eye exam helps us get to the bottom of these symptoms. From there, we can explore contact lens options that can work for you. We treat your eyes with the same care we would our own family’s.
Features to Look for in Contact Lenses
Not all contact lenses are created equal, especially when it comes to managing dry eye. Certain features can make a world of difference in your daily comfort. When we recommend a lens, we consider these properties to find a great match for your eyes.
Lens Material and Your Comfort
Modern contact lenses are made from a variety of materials designed with eye health in mind. Silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, are a popular choice because they are very breathable. This material allows a high level of oxygen to reach your eyes, which can help your eyes feel more comfortable throughout the day.
The Importance of Water Content
It’s a common myth that a higher water content is always better for dry eyes. In some cases, a high-water-content lens can act like a sponge, pulling moisture away from your eye’s natural tear film. For many people, a lens with a lower water content can be a more suitable choice to help maintain moisture.
Oxygen Permeability for Eye Health
Your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, gets its oxygen directly from the air. A contact lens sits on top of it, so it’s essential that the lens allows enough oxygen to pass through. Lenses with high oxygen permeability can support better eye health and comfort, particularly for individuals who wear them for extended periods.
Types of Contacts Suited For Dry Eyes
The type of contact lens you wear and how often you replace it can significantly impact how your eyes feel. If you experience dryness, your eye doctor may suggest one of the following options from the contact lens brands we carry. These types are often chosen for their comfort and health benefits.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are a fantastic option for many people, particularly those with sensitive or dry eyes. You wear them for one day and then simply toss them out before bed. Starting with a fresh, clean lens every morning helps reduce the buildup of deposits that can cause irritation.
Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
Available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly replacement schedules, silicone hydrogel contacts are known for their exceptional oxygen flow. This innovative material helps your eyes breathe, which can lead to a more comfortable wearing experience. Because they don’t dry out as quickly as some older materials, they can be a great fit if you struggle with dryness.
The Role of a Professional Contact Lens Fit
Finding the right contact lenses isn’t a do-it-yourself project. A professional fitting with your optometrist is a necessary step to find a lens that fits your eyes properly and feels good. This appointment is about much more than just checking your prescription.
Assessing Your Eye Health
During a comprehensive eye exam, we take a close look at your overall eye health. We check for signs of dry eye disease and other conditions that might affect your ability to wear contacts comfortably.
This careful evaluation allows us to recommend a lens that supports the long-term health of your eyes.
Proper Measurements and Trial Lenses
Your optometrist will take precise measurements of your cornea’s curvature and your pupil size. This helps us check that the contact lens sits correctly on your eye. A poor fit can cause discomfort and even vision problems. We then provide you with trial lenses to wear, allowing you to test them in your real-life environment before making a final choice.
Tips for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
Once you’ve found the right lenses, developing good habits can help you wear them with ease. A few simple practices can make a significant impact on your daily comfort. These tips help keep your eyes happy and healthy.
Follow Your Replacement Schedule
It can be tempting to stretch your lenses for an extra day or week, but it’s important to follow the replacement schedule we provide. Over-wearing your contacts can lead to discomfort, increased dryness, and other eye health issues. A fresh lens is a happy lens.
Practice Good Hygiene
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you handle your contact lenses. This simple step helps prevent dirt and germs from transferring to your lenses and getting into your eyes. Maintaining clean habits is key to avoiding irritation and potential infections.
Use The 20-20-20 Rule
When you’re focused on a digital screen, you blink less frequently, which can cause your eyes to feel dry and tired. You can give your eyes a much-needed break by following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds.
Find Contact Lenses That Work for You
You don’t have to give up on the idea of wearing contact lenses just because you have dry eyes. Our team at Queensway Optometric Centre is here to provide warm, friendly care and help you explore your options. Schedule a contact lens fitting with us, and we’ll help you find a comfortable solution for your vision needs.
