If your eyes feel gritty, sore, or red when you wear contacts, you might be dealing with dry eye. At Valley Eye & Vision Clinic, we understand how frustrating those symptoms can be. There are a few reasons for dry eye, but 1 of the causes is when the glands that line your eyes don’t produce enough oil in your tears.
Dry eye disease can make wearing contact lenses very uncomfortable, but don’t give up. Daily disposables or contact lenses made with certain materials are often recommended for dry eye because they are designed for hydration and breathability. Scheduling a contact lens fitting to talk to an optometrist about what could work for you may improve your comfort.
Why Contacts Can Bother Dry Eye
Contact lenses rest directly on your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye), which can sometimes interfere with your eye’s natural moisture. Here are a few factors that can contribute to that dry, uncomfortable feeling:
- Reduced oxygen flow: Lenses can limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, which can lead to irritation.
- Lens material: Some types of lens materials can lose moisture throughout the day, pulling tears from your eye to stay hydrated.
- Poor fit: A lens that doesn’t fit your eye’s unique shape can cause discomfort and make dryness feel worse. This is why a professional contact lens fitting can be helpful.
Lens Features That Help with Dry Eye
Certain contact lenses are designed with dry eye in mind. Your optometrist can consider these features to help you choose the right lenses.
Daily Disposable Lenses
A fresh lens every day means fewer opportunities for irritant deposits to build up. This approach to contact lens hygiene can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Options like Alcon Dailies Total1 and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day are known for their moisture-retaining technologies that provide comfort all day.
Monthly Wear Options
If you prefer a reusable lens, some monthly options are also designed for dry eye. Brands like Bausch & Lomb Ultra and Biofinity use materials that stay moist for long periods, helping you avoid that end-of-day dryness.
Silicone Hydrogel Materials
Silicone hydrogel materials are very breathable. They allow more oxygen to pass through the lens to your eye, which helps keep your eyes healthy and can reduce feelings of dryness throughout the day.
Lenses for Astigmatism and Dryness
Having astigmatism does not mean you have to struggle with dryness. There are toric lenses, like Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, that provide stable vision correction along with features for hydration.
Tips for More Comfortable Lens Wear
Besides choosing the right lens, a few simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable all day long.
- Give your eyes a break: Try not to wear your contacts for longer than the recommended time. Give your eyes a rest by wearing glasses in the evening.
- Use rewetting drops: Keep approved contact lens drops handy. A few drops can refresh your eyes when they start to feel dry.
- Remember to blink: When you stare at a screen, you tend to blink less, which contributes to digital eye strain. Make a point to blink fully and often to help spread tears over your eyes, and remember to practice the 20-20-20 rule.
- Discuss your lens solution: Sometimes, the preservatives in a contact lens solution can cause irritation. Your optometrist might suggest a different type of solution.
Talk with Your Optometrist
We know that finding the right contacts for dry eye is not a 1-size-fits-all process. A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist is a great first step. The eye doctor may assess your tear film, examine your eyes, and take measurements to find a lens that fits you. You don’t have to choose between clear vision and comfortable eyes. At Valley Eye & Vision Clinic, the team is ready to help you explore your contact lens options. Schedule a visit with our team in Moses Lake or East Wenatchee, Washington, to get a personalized recommendation and enjoy wearing contacts again.