If you have dry eye, you know the discomfort that can come with wearing contact lenses. That scratchy, gritty feeling can make it hard to focus on your day. But the team at MEye Health knows you do not have to choose between clear vision and comfortable eyes. The solution is often found in the right lens and a care routine tailored to your needs.
Finding the right contact lenses for dry eye and a supportive care routine can help you wear contacts comfortably. An eye care professional can explore modern options that work with your eyes’ natural moisture rather than against it, providing relief and clear vision.
How Dry Eye and Contacts Interact
Your eyes stay comfortable and healthy because of a thin, moist layer of tears. A contact lens rests directly on this tear film. If you do not produce enough tears or if they are not the right quality, a common condition known as dry eye, a contact lens can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to irritation and that familiar dry feeling. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that dry eyes can cause blurry vision.
Common Symptoms You Might Notice
You may feel the effects of this interaction throughout your day. Some common signs include:
- A scratchy or gritty sensation, like sand is in your eye
- Redness that seems to get worse as the day goes on
- Vision that gets blurry but clears up when you blink
- A feeling that your lenses are stuck to your eyes
- Increased glare when driving at night
Contact Lens Features for Dry Eye Relief
When you have dry eye, not just any contact lens will work for you. Today’s lenses come with special features designed to improve comfort for dry eye sufferers. The technology focuses on materials that help retain moisture and allow your eyes to breathe. Your eye doctor can help you navigate these options during a contact lens exam and fitting.
Lenses with High Water Content
Some soft contact lenses are made from materials that hold a lot of water. The design can provide good initial comfort by keeping the lens surface moist and feeling smooth on your eye.
Silicone Hydrogel Materials
These innovative lens materials are very breathable. They allow more oxygen to pass through the lens to your cornea, the front surface of your eye. Soft lens materials can improve comfort for many wearers, and increased oxygen flow helps keep your eyes healthy and reduces dryness symptoms.
Daily Disposable Lenses
A fresh pair of lenses every day means there is no opportunity for deposits like proteins and allergens to build up on the surface. For anyone with dry or sensitive eyes, starting with a clean, smooth lens each morning can significantly improve all-day comfort.
Beyond Standard Soft Lenses
Sometimes, a helpful solution for dry eye discomfort lies beyond a typical soft contact lens. Depending on your specific needs, your eye doctor may talk with you about other options that are designed for more significant dryness or for eyes that are otherwise hard to fit.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter lenses that rest on the white part of your eye, called the sclera. This design creates a small vault over your cornea. The space between the lens and your cornea is filled with a saline solution, creating a liquid cushion that keeps your eye hydrated throughout the day.
Proper Lens Care & Habits
Even with the right lenses, good habits are key to your comfort. Following the replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor can make a big difference. You can also use rewetting drops formulated for contact lens wearers to refresh your eyes when they start to feel dry. These are just a few ways to manage dry eye with contacts.
Can You Wear Contacts with Severe Dry Eye?
For those with more severe dry eye symptoms, wearing contact lenses can be challenging, but it is not always impossible. The answer depends entirely on your unique situation.
A comprehensive eye exam is the first step in determining the cause of your dryness and the right path forward. Treatment options could involve dedicated dry eye therapy to improve your tear film before you try contacts again. Your optometrist in Burlington can develop a personalized plan to help you achieve more comfortable lens wear.
When to Get Professional Help for Your Dry Eye
If you have tried different lenses and over-the-counter drops without finding relief, it may be time to consult a professional. An eye exam can uncover the root of your discomfort and identify a solution that is tailored to you. You deserve to see clearly and comfortably.
Signs It’s Time for an Appointment
Consider booking an appointment if you experience any of the following:
- Your eyes constantly feel irritated, red, or tired
- You have trouble wearing your contacts for more than a few hours
- Your vision feels blurry or changes throughout the day
- You have tried different types of lenses without success
A functional vision exam with an optometrist in Burlington assesses not just how clearly you see, but how comfortable your eyes feel. To explore specialized lenses and treatments for your dry eye, book an appointment with the MEye Health team.
