Choosing the best contacts for dry eyes can help make wearing contact lenses more comfortable. Dry eyes are uncomfortable for anyone. But this eye problem can become even more annoying when you wear contacts.
Usually, for people who don't have dry eyes, you probably don't even notice the feel of your contacts. However, with dry eyes, your contacts can feel irritating, exacerbating the scratchy, parched feeling of this condition. Contacts can also contribute to dry eyes, causing or worsening symptoms.
Here's what you need to know about how contacts can causeor worsen dry eyes, the best contacts for dry eyes, and some things you can do to help keep your eyes hydrated and feeling good.
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First, a quick eye anatomy lesson: The front of the human eye is covered with a tear film that has a few different layers,Scott P. Drexler, OD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, toldHealth.
There's a thin layer of lipids, or fat, on top, a thick layer of water and proteins in the middle, and a layer of mucus on the bottom. Anything that disturbs those layers can result in dry eyes.
Disruptions can come from the environment, medications, computer screens, or even a ceiling fan or air conditioning unit. Natural aging, hormonal changes from menopause, and certain health conditions can also contribute to dry eyes,Esen Akpek, MD, a professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, toldHealth.
Contacts can also interrupt the eye's natural moisture and either cause or contribute to dry eye.
How To Find the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes
Having dry eyes doesn't mean you're destined to have a life of irritated eyes if you wear contacts. Certain features in your contacts can make them better (or worse) at keeping your eyes hydrated.
There are two big factors that healthcare providers consider when prescribing contacts, said Dr. Drexler.
Oxygen Transmission
Oxygen transmission is how much air gets through the lens. If a contact lens has low oxygen transmission, dryness can ensue. In the long term, oxygen transmission can impact the health of the cornea.
"When you put a lens on an eye, it covers the cornea. The cornea gets nutrition from tear film and the air around it, so we want the air to go through the lens to get to the cornea and keep it healthy," said Dr. Drexler.
Low Water Content
Contacts with low water content can help improve dry eyes. Those contacts require less water from your eye to stay hydrated, noted Dr. Drexler.
Silicone
Certain materials and technologies help increase moisture and keep your eyes moist. Some contacts are made of silicone hydrogel, added Dr. Wexler. Silicone is resistant to moisture loss. So, those contacts stay moist longer than others. Some contacts also have a special coating on the surface that retains moisture.
A few specific types of soft contacts use those materials and technologies. Some of those contacts includeAcuvue Oasys,Biofinity Energys, andAir Optix Aqua Hydraglyde.
Other Considerations
Keep in mind: Before you make any changes to your eye care routine, check with a healthcare provider. You will need a prescription for contacts before buying a pair.
Proper fit is important. Fit refers to how tight the contact lens is and how large an area it covers.
"[Fit] is important because if a lens is too large, there's more of a chance it will rub in the wrong places and cause inflammation and even swelling," explained Dr. Akpek.
Even though different contact brands are made from similar materials, the lens manufacturing design can differ. So, all contacts fit a bit differently, noted Dr. Drexler. Therefore, you should always get a proper contact fitting with a healthcare provider.
There are many causes of dry eyes, including looking at screens for extended periods, dry, windy weather, menopause, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, and lupus. Contact lenses can also contribute to dry eyes in a variety of ways.
Soaking Up Tears
Think of soft contacts like sponges."When you take a lens out of a case with solution, it's like a sponge that is fully hydrated," explained Dr. Drexler. "As you wear the lens, normal evaporation from the air around you and other things, like ceiling fans or air conditioning, take moisture out of the lens. Your eye has to replace it from the tear film."
When your eyes can't keep up with the tear production, which is the hallmark characteristic ofdry eye syndrome, dryness ensues. For example, people who wear contacts may start blinking a lot toward the end of the day. Their eyes are trying to get more moisture to the lens.
Causing Irritation
Contacts can also irritate alongside the lid margin, particularly where the edge of the lens touches the bottom lid, said Dr. Akpek. That constant rubbing can inflame the glands and lead to dry eyes.
Decreasing Corneal Sensation
Contacts also cause dry eyes by decreasing corneal sensation, said Dr. Akpek. When you constantly have something sitting on your cornea, it has to adjust.
"In order for a person to be able to tolerate them, corneal sensation goes down," explained Dr. Akpek. That may decrease tear secretion and regeneration of the corneal epithelial cells. Those are the surface cells that protect the cornea.
"Like the skin, corneal skin is shed on a regular basis. Every seven to 10 days the entire corneal epithelial layer renews itself," said Dr. Akpek. "If there's a decrease in corneal sensation, regeneration is delayed."
You may not necessarily feel dryness or discomfort because of the reduced sensation. So, you might not recognize something is wrong initially until it's really wrong.
How To Reduce Dry Eyes From Contacts
Using contacts that fit your eye health needs is important. Still, how you wear contacts and take care of them when they're not in your eyes can also impact your eye dryness. The following tips can help you care for your contacts if you deal with dry eye:
Wear Contacts Less Often
Giving your eyes some extra time without your contacts in can help alleviate dry eye. For example, if you typically wear your lenses for 12 hours per day, consider cutting back to 10, eight, or fewer hours daily. Alternatively, instead of wearing contacts every day, you could wear glasses a few days a week instead.
Check Your Solution
Some people find that their contact solution aggravates eyes and contributes to dryness, said Dr. Drexler. Chemicals from multipurpose solutions absorb into contacts when you store them. So, when you put the contacts in, the solution also enters your eyes, which can be irritating. Switch to a name-brand solution since they tend to have low pH and chemical levels, said Dr. Drexler.
Replace Contacts Regularly
Only use your contacts for the prescribed length of time.If you have dailies, throw them out every night. If you have biweeklies, set a reminder in your calendar every two weeks to toss the old pair. Then, start with a fresh one. If you wear your contacts longer than they're meant to be worn, they'll get dry, pointed out Dr. Drexler.
Consider Daily Lenses
If you have lenses that you wear for more than one day, consult with your healthcare provider about whether switching to dailies may be helpful. Research shows that using daily lenses reduces the risk and severity of dry eye.
Change the Storage Solution Daily
Some people don't change the multipurpose solution in their cases, noted Dr. Drexler. However, you should dump and refresh the storage solution every night. "Solution has properties to keep the lenses clean and moist," said Dr. Drexler. "So, if you're not replacing it every time, you're basically putting the lenses in an ineffective medium."
Use Rewetting Drops
If your eyes get dry throughout the day, use lubricating eye drops made for soft contacts.
Take Blinking Breaks
Taking visual breaks can help with dry eye. Make it a point to stop focusing on the screen, blink a few times, and use rewetting drops before you start focusing again. "When you stare at a computer all day, you don't blink as much, and when you don't blink, there's more water evaporation and more dryness," said Dr. Drexler.
Keep in mind that everyone's eyes are different. The contacts that fit and feel comfortable in your eyes will be different from what works for someone else.
A medical provider can figure out what to try next (and next, and next) if your contacts make your eyes dry or worsen your dry eye. They'll also figure out if something else contributes to your dry eyes.
A Quick Review
Wearing contact lenses can be unpleasant if you have dry eyes. For many people, contact lenses can cause or exacerbate this common eye condition.
Fortunately, you can reduce that risk by following optimal eye care and contact lens-wearing practices. This includes getting well-fitting contacts with high oxygen transmission and low water content, changing your solution and contacts regularly, and giving your eyes a break as needed. Work with a healthcare provider to find the best contacts for your eyes.
