Your eyes feel scratchy and irritated by lunchtime. You blink constantly, but your contact lenses still feel like tiny pieces of sandpaper. You love the freedom contacts give you, but the discomfort makes you wonder if you need to give them up completely.
You can often wear contacts with dry eye when you choose the right type of lenses and get proper treatment for your dry eye condition. Modern contact lens technology and dry eye treatments can make comfortable lens wear possible. Our team at See & Co helps patients find solutions that work with their unique dry eye needs through comprehensive dry eye therapy options.
How Dry Eye Affects Contact Lens Wear
Your tears create a thin film that keeps your contacts floating smoothly on your eyes. When you have dry eye, this tear film becomes unstable or insufficient. Your contacts may start sticking to your eye surface instead of gliding effortlessly.
This creates friction every time you blink. You might notice your vision gets blurry throughout the day, or your lenses feel like they’re moving around more than they should. Protein deposits and debris build up faster on dry lenses, making the problem worse.
- Reduced tear production affects lens lubrication
- Increased friction between lens and eye surface
- Potential for irritation and discomfort throughout the day
- Risk of protein and debris buildup on lenses
Our team can help you understand dry eye symptoms and causes so you can recognize when your discomfort comes from the underlying condition rather than just poorly fitting lenses.
Contact Lens Options for Dry Eye Patients
The right contact lens material can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Today’s lens technology focuses on keeping your eyes hydrated and reducing irritation throughout the day.
Daily Disposable Contacts
You get a fresh, clean lens every morning with daily disposables. No deposits from yesterday can irritate your eyes today. You also avoid cleaning solutions that might contain preservatives or chemicals that sting your already sensitive eyes.
- Fresh, sterile lens every day reduces buildup
- No cleaning solutions that might irritate the eyes
- Lower risk of infection and complications
Silicone Hydrogel Materials
These newer lens materials let more oxygen reach your eyes while holding onto moisture better. Your eyes stay healthier throughout the day, and you experience less of that tired, dry feeling by evening.
- Higher oxygen permeability keeps eyes healthier
- Better moisture retention properties
- Reduced end-of-day dryness
Professional contact lens fitting and evaluations can help you get the most suitable lens type for your specific dry eye condition.
Professional Dry Eye Treatment Options
Treating your dry eye directly often solves your contact lens problems. Modern treatments target the root causes of dryness rather than just masking symptoms with drops.
OptiLight Therapy
This innovative treatment uses gentle light pulses to reduce inflammation around your eyelids. The therapy helps your natural oil glands work better, improving your tear quality. Many patients find they can wear contacts comfortably again after a series of OptiLight treatments.
- IPL technology targets the underlying causes of dry eye
- Reduces inflammation around the eyelids
- Improves natural tear production
- Can make contact lens wear more comfortable
Prescription Treatments
Your eye doctor might recommend prescription drops that help your eyes produce more tears naturally. Some treatments help reduce inflammation that interferes with healthy tear production.
- Prescription drops that increase tear production
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Punctal plugs to retain natural tears
OptiLight therapy offers an innovative approach to treating dry eye symptoms that interfere with contact lens comfort. Our team can help you understand meibomian gland function and explain why oil gland treatments like OptiLight work so effectively.
Tips for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
Simple changes to your daily routine can make contact lenses much more comfortable. Small adjustments in how you care for your lenses and manage your environment add up to big improvements.
Proper Lens Care and Hygiene
Use preservative-free rewetting drops designed specifically for contact lenses. Replace your lenses exactly when recommended, as worn-out lenses absorb fewer tears and feel rougher on your eyes.
- Use preservative-free rewetting drops
- Follow the recommended replacement schedule
- Keep your hands clean when handling lenses
- Store lenses in fresh solution daily
Environmental Adjustments
Dry air pulls moisture from your eyes faster than your tears can replace it. A humidifier in your bedroom or office helps maintain comfortable moisture levels around you.
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Take regular breaks from digital screens
- Protect eyes from wind and air conditioning
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
Following proper contact lens care guidelines reduces your risk of complications that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
See Comfortably Again
Our team at See & Co can help you find comfortable contact lens solutions that work with your dry eye needs. You don’t have to choose between comfort and the vision correction you prefer. Through a comprehensive dry eye evaluation, treatments like OptiLight therapy, and personalized contact lens fitting, you can find a solution that works for your lifestyle and keeps your eyes healthy and comfortable. Book your consultation today!
