If you wear contact lenses, you might be familiar with that gritty, scratchy feeling that can creep in by the end of the day. At Village Optical, the team understands this discomfort can make you want to take your lenses out early. The problem may be related to dry eye, which can make your eyes feel more irritated.
The contacts that can help with dry eye are typically those with moisture-rich features, such as daily disposables or silicone hydrogel lenses. These options can help your eyes stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your day.
Understand Dry Eye and Contact Lens Discomfort
Dry eye can occur when your tears don’t provide enough lubrication for your eyes. For contact lens wearers, this can sometimes make symptoms more noticeable. You might experience:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Blurry vision
- A sensation that something is in your eye
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
Some types of contact lenses disrupt the tear film on the surface of your eye. This can increase feelings of dryness and make it harder to wear your lenses comfortably throughout the day.
Features to Look for in Contacts for Dry Eye
Newer contact lens technology includes features specifically created to improve comfort for people with dry eye. When you are looking for a solution, it helps to know what makes certain lenses a better fit for you. Following safe contact lens practices is also an important part of keeping your eyes comfortable.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Starting with a fresh, clean pair of lenses every morning can make a difference. Daily disposables reduce the amount of protein that can build up on the lenses. Without this buildup, contacts may feel more comfortable.
Lens Materials
Materials like silicone hydrogel can allow more oxygen to reach your eye compared to other lens materials. This breathability helps to reduce dryness-related symptoms.
Built-in Moisture Technology
Many modern lenses have hydrating technology built right into the lens. Some feature a “water gradient” design that creates a cushion of moisture on the surface, while others release moisturizing agents throughout the day to keep your eyes feeling fresh.
Common Contact Lens Options for Dryness
Several brands offer lenses with these comfortable features. The right choice for you depends on your specific prescription, eye shape, and lifestyle. It’s worthwhile to discuss some of the options with your eye doctor to see if they are a good fit for you.
Alcon Brands: Dailies Total1 and Precision1
These daily disposable lenses feature water gradient technology. This design helps them feel smooth and moist, providing comfort that can last throughout the day.
Acuvue Oasys Brands: 1-Day with HydraLuxe and Max 1-Day
This family of lenses uses technology that mimics your eye’s natural tear film. This helps keep the lens surface hydrated, which can be helpful during long hours of screen time.
Bausch + Lomb ULTRA
These monthly lenses are designed to maintain a high level of moisture, often up to 16 hours. This feature helps fight dryness from the moment you wake up until you take them out at the end of the day.
CooperVision Brands: Biofinity and MyDay
These lenses are made using CooperVision’s Aquaform® Technology, which helps attract and retain moisture while allowing high oxygen flow to the eye.
MyDay daily disposable lenses, in particular, are designed for comfort and flexibility throughout the day, making them a great option for people who experience dryness with longer wear times.
Lenses for More Severe Dry Eye
For those with more persistent dry eye symptoms, standard soft contact lenses may not provide enough relief. In these situations, scleral lenses can offer a unique solution.
An Overview of Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are large lenses that vault completely over your cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). Instead of sitting just on the cornea, they rest gently on the white part of your eye, known as the sclera.
How Scleral Lenses Provide Relief
This design creates a space between the lens and your cornea. Before you put the lens in, this space is filled with a sterile saline solution, creating a fluid layer that bathes your eye in moisture all day, offering relief from dryness.
Find Your Fit with a Contact Lens Exam
Because every pair of eyes is different, a great way to know which contact lens is right for you is through a professional fitting. A contact lens exam is more detailed than a standard eye exam. During this appointment, the team can take precise measurements of your eyes to find a lens that fits correctly and suits your vision needs.
Feel Comfortable in Your Contacts
If you struggle with dry eye while wearing contact lenses, our eye care team can help you explore your options. Let Village Optical help you find relief for your dry eye by giving us a call or visiting our location at 1079 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
