For those experiencing dry eyes, wearing contact lenses comfortably can be challenging, but not impossible. The key is finding a comfortable contact lens option suited for dry eyes.
Our team has highlighted the best contact lenses for dry eyes:
- Alcon Dailies Total1
- Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe Technology
- Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day
- Bausch & Lomb Ultra
- Scleral Lenses
Understanding Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the quality of tears is poor, leading to insufficient lubrication and moisture on the eye’s surface. This condition is marked by a dry, gritty sensation in the eyes that triggers the urge to rub them in hopes of finding short-term relief.
Symptoms of dry eyes will often vary in severity, but typically include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Feeling as if something is in the eye
Dry eyes can be caused by various factors including:
- Improper contact lens wear and care
- Dry, windy, and arid environmental conditions
- Aging, as tear production naturally declines as we grow older
- Extended screen time
- Certain medical conditions and medications
Dry eyes may seem like a mild inconvenience affecting activities like reading, computer use, or driving, but leaving symptoms unmanaged can lead to serious complications.
Managing dry eyes is necessary for maintaining comfort and good vision. Part of this plan may include finding contact lenses suitable for dry eyes.
How Contacts Aggravate Dry Eyes
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that rest directly on the eye’s surface to correct vision. These corrective lenses are designed to be breathable and comfortable while providing a clear, natural field of vision as the lenses move with your eyes.
Despite these advantages, not all contact lenses are created equal. Wearing ill-suited contacts can aggravate dry eye symptoms in several ways.
Contact lenses can disrupt the balance of the tear film by absorbing tear moisture, further drying the eye’s surface. Lenses can stick to the corneal surface when the eye’s surface becomes severely dry.
Contacts create a barrier that restricts the natural spread of tears when you blink, resulting in uneven lubrication and reduced moisture retention. They can trap heat and moisture against the eye, increasing the evaporation of the tear film.
This evaporation becomes more pronounced when certain lens materials, particularly those not designed for dry eyes, are less breathable, further limiting oxygen delivery to the cornea.
Finally, when contacts are worn around environmental triggers like extended screen use, or in dry climates, this can cause the lens to absorb tears already in short supply, further exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
The good news is that experiencing dry eyes doesn’t mean you have to give up on the clarity and convenience offered by contacts. Improvements in lens technology have created contacts suitable for dry eyes.
Let’s explore some of these options!
Alcon Dailies Total1 Contact Lenses
One of the most popular contacts, Alcon Dailies Total1 addresses various vision correction needs (sphere, toric, and multifocal prescriptions) while prioritizing moisture and comfort.
These daily disposable lenses are great for those who prepare the convenience of a fresh pair of lenses, eliminating the need for a replacement schedule or contact lens storage.
The lens’s water gradient technology provides nearly 100% water content on its outermost surface. This confirms the lens remains exceptionally moist and smooth against the sensitive corneal surface, mimicking the eye’s natural tear film.
These features help minimize friction against the eye’s surface while providing long-term comfort, making them a great choice for those experiencing dry eyes.
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe Technology
These daily disposable lenses are formulated to combat the discomfort associated with dry eyes, especially for those spending prolonged periods in front of digital screens or dry environments.
The lens technology behind Acuvue Hydraluxe includes a tear-infused design that mimics the natural composition of tears to help maintain a smooth corneal surface. They incorporate a hydrated network of molecules that work to keep the lenses moist and provide a wet surface, to enhance overall comfort during long-term wear.
The blend of these features makes Acuvue Hydraluxe an excellent choice for those who seek clear vision and relief from dry eye discomfort.
Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day
These lenses are equipped with Tear Stable™ Technology, which locks in moisture throughout the day to help create a consistent tear film, reducing evaporation and maintaining moisture over extended wear periods.
These features improve overall comfort by supporting the tear film, providing a more natural wearing experience.
Bausch & Lomb Ultra
These lenses are specially designed with MoistureSeal technology, a feature that provides outstanding moisture retention, maintaining lens hydration for up to 16 hours.
This is particularly great for those with busy, on-the-go lifestyles, where prolonged comfort is vital.
This technology also complements the high oxygen permeability of the lens material, confirming that the eyes remain well-oxygenated, and reducing the likelihood of discomfort and irritation often associated with contact lens wear.
These features are a great option for people who require reliable and comfortable dryness relief.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are specialized lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface, resting on the sclera. This design creates a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea, continuously bathing the eye in saline solution, and offering ongoing hydration.
This unique feature offers significant relief for those experiencing severe dry eyes by creating a barrier against environmental factors that exacerbate dryness.
Their ability to supply continuous hydration makes scleral lenses an excellent option for anyone seeking a solution to persistent dry eye symptoms.
Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting
With so many lens options to choose from, working with your optometrist for a contact lens fitting can help find the lens most suitable for your vision and ocular needs.
Connect with our team at Vivid Eye Care to schedule an appointment for your contact lens fitting.
