Suffering from dry eye can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable, even unbearable. Standard contact lenses prescribed are soft, meaning they tend to absorb moisture, which only exacerbates dry eye symptoms.
If you experience heightened dry eye symptoms due to contact lenses, the best alternative kinds of contact lenses you can try include silicone hydrogel lenses, daily disposables, or scleral lenses. Each lens provides a unique alternative to soft contact lenses that increases breathability and hydration.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or evaporate too quickly, leading to redness, irritation, and discomfort. While various factors can cause this condition, such as aging, screen use, or specific medication, contact lenses often exacerbate these symptoms.
Why Do Traditional Contacts Worsen Dry Eye?
Standard soft contact lenses tend to absorb the moisture in your eye, leaving them dry and irritated by the end of the day. Poor oxygen transmission in lower-quality lenses can also deprive the cornea of the hydration it needs to stay healthy, compounding the issue.
Fortunately, specialized lenses are available to alleviate these discomforts, and we’re here to explain them.
1. Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
Overview: Silicone hydrogel lenses are a game-changer for people with dry eyes. These lenses are made from advanced materials that allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea than traditional soft lenses.
How they Help Dry Eye:
- Silicone enhances breathability, reducing dryness caused by oxygen deprivation.
- Many brands include special wetting agents to improve hydration and comfort.
Popular Options:
- Acuvue Oasys: Equipped with HydraLuxe Technology to maintain moisture throughout the day.
- Biofinity Energys: Designed for extended wear with excellent breathability and water content.
Silicone hydrogel is worth considering if you’re looking for a lens that can balance moisture and breathability.
2. Daily Disposable Lenses
Overview: Daily disposable lenses are single-use lenses that you discard at the end of each day. They’re an excellent option for minimizing dry eye discomfort caused by protein buildup and allergens.
How They Help Dry Eye:
- Fresh lenses every day mean no need for lens cleaning solutions, which can sometimes irritate eyes.
- These lenses retain moisture better since they’re new every morning.
Popular Options:
- 1-Day Acuvue Moist: Infused with moisture-rich Lacreon technology for all-day hydration.
- Dailies Total1: Featuring a water gradient design with over 80% water at the lens surface.
Daily disposables are especially ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes or allergies.
3. Scleral Lenses
Overview: Scleral lenses are larger gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of your eye) rather than the cornea. They create a reservoir of saline solution, keeping your eyes constantly hydrated throughout the day.
How They Help Dry Eye:
- The liquid-filled space acts as a barrier, protecting the cornea from dryness.
- These lenses are custom-made for a precise fit, ensuring maximum comfort.
Who Should Consider Them?
Scleral lenses are often recommended for severe dry eye sufferers or individuals with corneal irregularities such as keratoconus or scarring.
4. Hybrid Lenses
Overview: Hybrid lenses combine the best of both worlds: a durable gas-permeable center surrounded by a soft skirt. This design enhances breathability while maintaining comfort.
How They Help Dry Eye:
- The rigid center provides crystal-clear vision and increased oxygen flow.
- The soft edges ensure a comfortable fit and reduce irritation.
Hybrid lenses may be an excellent option for individuals who want the clarity of a rigid gas-permeable lens but also need the comfort of a soft lens.
Tips for Managing Dry Eye with Contact Lenses
Beyond choosing the right lenses, there are several steps you can take to effectively manage your dry eye symptoms.
- Use rewetting drops: Preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your eyes lubricated throughout the day. Look for drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
- Follow proper lens care: If you don’t use daily disposables, ensure your lenses are cleaned and stored correctly. Use solutions recommended by your eye doctor and replace lenses as directed.
- Blink regularly: When working on a computer or staring at a screen, consciously blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.
- Maintain a humid environment: Dry air, especially from air conditioning or heating systems, can worsen dry eye symptoms. A humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air and prevent eye dryness.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes tear production and overall eye health.
Choosing the Right Contact Lens for You
At Eclectic Eyewear, we know that finding the best contact lenses for dry eyes requires trial and error. However, our comprehensive eye exams are the best starting point. We can assess your needs, recommend the most suitable lens type, and provide personalized care tips. Whether you opt for breathable silicone hydrogel lenses, daily disposables’ convenience, or scleral lenses’ superior hydration, relief is within reach. Contact us today to book your next appointment.
