If you’re dealing with dry eye, you’ve probably noticed something inconvenient: contact lenses irritating your eyes. This is a common problem, but you don’t have to live with it. Instead of ditching the contacts, you can try a pair of dry eye contact lenses designed to keep your eyes, and vision, more comfortable.
You’ll need to visit your optometrist to discuss your options. However, specialty options like scleral lenses can keep your eyes protected and comfortable. This way, you can keep enjoying the clear vision you deserve.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Your tear film is more important than you might think. It hydrates and protects your eyes from foreign particles. Think of it like a shield—without it, your eyes are exposed.
But that doesn’t mean the tear film can always do its job. Sometimes, certain factors throw off the balance of your tears. This leaves the eye dried out and exposed, which quickly leads to stinging and burning sensations. This condition, called dry eye, is extremely common, especially in our Alberta climate.
It’s not just about short-term inconvenience, either. If your eyes are unprotected, you’re at a higher risk of infections and damage. The tear film can’t flush away harmful particles, and the risk of long-term damage increases.
Dry Eye: The Common Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of dry eye is a persistent stinging sensation. It may sometimes feel like there’s sand trapped under your eyelid and scratching your cornea.
This condition also causes:
- Redness in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing despite dryness
These symptoms can often come and go. Some people only experience temporary dryness, while others notice chronic burning sensations.
The Common Triggers of Dry Eye
Your eyes are extremely sensitive. All kinds of internal and external factors can throw off the balance of your tear film. Some common causes of dry eye include:
- Aging, especially for people over 50
- Prolonged screen time without blinking
- Exposure to dry or windy environments
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines or antidepressants
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders
If you deal with persistent symptoms, don’t ignore them. Instead, visit your optometrist to discuss potential solutions.
How Contact Lenses Can Worsen Dry Eye
Not all contact lenses are created with dry eye in mind. While they’re fantastic for providing clear vision, the lenses do sit on your cornea. This can irritate the eye’s surface and worsen any existing inflammation.
Meanwhile, depending on the material, they may block oxygen from reaching your cornea. This disrupts the tear film even more, leading to more dryness and burning. And if the lenses trap any dirt, dust, or debris, they can irritate the eye even further.
Specialty Contact Lenses for Dry Eye
Fortunately, modern technology advances constantly. Now, dry eyes don’t mean ditching the contact lenses. Instead, you can visit your optometrist to discuss specialty lenses.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses in particular stand out as a practical solution. They’re larger than normal lenses and don’t make contact with the cornea. Instead, they rest on the sclera (the whites of the eyes), arch over the cornea, and come down on the other side. This unique shape traps a small layer of liquid against the eye’s surface to prevent inflammation.
These lenses offer an excellent approach to dry eye. With a simple switch to scleral lenses, you can find relief from dryness and irritation and enjoy clear vision.
Acuvue Oasys with HydraLuxe
These daily lenses are made to work with your eyes’ natural moisture, helping prevent dryness and irritation. The tear-like design keeps your eyes comfortable all day, especially if you deal with dry eye.
Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day
Built with TearStable™ Technology, these lenses lock in hydration and let plenty of oxygen through. They’re smooth, breathable, and ideal for people needing lasting moisture and comfort throughout the day.
Alcon Dailies Total 1
These contacts use a water gradient design that keeps the surface ultra-hydrated, closely matching your eye’s natural moisture. The result is a smooth, barely-there feel that’s great for dry eyes and daily wear.
Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day
Made for dry eyes, these lenses feature MoistureSeal Technology to hold onto moisture for up to 16 hours. They’re highly breathable and help reduce dryness, keeping your eyes comfortable all day long.
Tips for Managing Dry Eye
If dry eyes are affecting your daily life, don’t worry. You can make some small everyday changes to find the relief you deserve. These habits all support your tear film and make healthier, more comfortable vision accessible.
To prevent dry eye, it can help to:
- Blink more often, especially when using digital screens.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and UV rays.
- Take regular breaks during prolonged screen time.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Small lifestyle changes like these can significantly improve your eye comfort over time. And remember—you can always visit your optometrist to discuss in-office dry eye treatments designed to help you find long-lasting relief.
Find the Relief You Deserve
Dry eye doesn’t have to interfere with your ability to wear contact lenses. Through specialty lenses, you can keep enjoying the clear and comfortable vision you deserve. And don’t worry, our team at Southwood Eyecare is here to help. During your visit, we’ll determine what’s causing your symptoms and give you personalized attention to help you find relief. Schedule an eye exam with our team today!
