A Guide to Choosing the Right Contacts for Dry Eyes

Selecting the ideal contact lenses for dry eyes can mean the difference between a seamless, irritation-free experience and an ongoing battle with discomfort. Dry eye syndrome, a condition notorious for causing itchiness, redness, and a pervasive sense of eye fatigue, becomes even more exasperating when paired with contact lenses that exacerbate the problem rather than mitigate it.

For those without dry eye issues, contact lenses often go unnoticed—an invisible extension of their vision. However, if you suffer from dryness, the sensation of lenses resting on your eyes can feel like a relentless source of irritation. In some cases, contacts not only contribute to dryness but actively intensify its symptoms.

Understanding how contact lenses influence moisture levels, exploring the best lens options for dry eyes, and implementing hydration-friendly habits can transform your lens-wearing experience from frustrating to effortless.

The Underlying Causes of Dry Eyes

To grasp how contacts impact eye hydration, it’s essential to first understand the intricate architecture of the eye’s tear film. According to Scott P. Drexler, OD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the tear film consists of three distinct layers:

• A lipid (fatty) outermost layer that prevents rapid evaporation.
• A middle layer rich in water and proteins that maintains hydration.
• A mucin-based bottom layer that ensures even distribution across the eye’s surface.

Any disruption to this delicate balance can trigger dryness. A plethora of factors—ranging from environmental elements (wind, air conditioning, digital screen exposure) to physiological changes (aging, hormonal shifts, medical conditions like autoimmune disorders)—can alter tear film integrity. Even seemingly benign lifestyle habits, like prolonged screen time or exposure to ceiling fans, may significantly reduce moisture levels. Unfortunately, contact lenses can further interfere with this natural equilibrium, intensifying dryness in susceptible individuals.

How To Select the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes

Living with dry eyes doesn’t mean surrendering to perpetual discomfort. The right contact lenses, designed with moisture retention and oxygen permeability in mind, can alleviate symptoms and provide a much-needed reprieve.

According to Dr. Drexler, two primary considerations play a pivotal role in determining the suitability of contacts for dry eyes:

1. Oxygen Transmission

Oxygen permeability is paramount. Contacts with inadequate oxygen transmission can suffocate the cornea, leading to increased dryness and potential long-term damage. Since the cornea absorbs oxygen from both the tear film and the surrounding air, lenses that obstruct this process can cause significant irritation. High-oxygen permeable lenses allow for better airflow, preserving ocular health and reducing discomfort.

2. Water Content—Less Is More

Contrary to intuition, contacts with lower water content often fare better for dry-eye sufferers. Higher water content lenses may initially feel more hydrating, but they tend to extract moisture from the eyes to sustain their own hydration levels. Lenses with lower water content rely less on ocular moisture, keeping eyes from becoming excessively dry.

3. Silicone Hydrogel—A Game-Changer

Silicone hydrogel lenses revolutionized contact lens technology by offering superior breathability and resistance to dehydration. Unlike traditional hydrogel lenses, which readily lose moisture, silicone hydrogel materials retain hydration for extended periods. Some brands further enhance this effect by incorporating surface coatings that bolster moisture retention. Notable options include Acuvue Oasys, Biofinity Energys, and Air Optix Aqua Hydraglyde.

Additional Factors To Consider

Before rushing to swap out your current lenses, consult with an eye care professional. Contact lens fit is as crucial as material selection. A poorly fitting lens can cause friction, leading to inflammation and exacerbating dryness.

Lens manufacturing varies, meaning different brands—despite sharing similar materials—can fit differently. This underscores the importance of a professional fitting to determine the best option tailored to your unique ocular structure.

How Contact Lenses Can Worsen Dry Eyes

Even the most advanced contact lenses can contribute to dryness if not used correctly. Here’s how:

1. Absorbing Tear Film Moisture

Soft contact lenses function much like sponges. Initially saturated when removed from their storage solution, they begin to dry out due to environmental factors like airflow, air conditioning, and even blinking patterns. If the eyes fail to replenish moisture levels, dryness sets in, often intensifying toward the end of the day.

2. Mechanical Irritation

Lens edges constantly interact with the eyelids, creating micro-friction along the lid margin. Over time, this irritation can inflame the delicate glands responsible for tear production, reducing the natural lubrication of the eyes.

3. Reduced Corneal Sensitivity

Wearing contact lenses over prolonged periods can lead to diminished corneal sensitivity. While this adaptation allows for greater comfort, it also suppresses tear production and delays the regeneration of corneal epithelial cells. Since the corneal surface undergoes continuous renewal, any disruption to this cycle can lead to chronic dryness.

How To Minimize Dry Eye Discomfort

The right contact lenses are only part of the solution. Practicing optimal lens care and making strategic lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms:

• Limit Wear Time – If you wear contacts for 12+ hours daily, consider reducing this duration. Even cutting back by a couple of hours can alleviate dryness.
• Choose the Right Contact Solution – Some solutions contain harsh chemicals that exacerbate dryness. Switching to a high-quality, low-pH solution may improve comfort.
• Replace Lenses Regularly – Overworn lenses lose moisture and accumulate debris, leading to increased dryness. Adhere strictly to the recommended replacement schedule.
• Consider Daily Disposables – Daily lenses eliminate the risk of solution buildup and retain optimal moisture levels.
• Refresh Storage Solution Daily – Never reuse old solution. Fresh solution maintains lens hydration and prevents bacterial growth.
• Use Lubricating Drops – Preservative-free rewetting drops can counteract midday dryness and boost comfort.
• Practice Conscious Blinking – Prolonged screen use reduces blink frequency, increasing tear evaporation. Taking periodic blinking breaks can help maintain moisture levels.

When To Seek Professional Help

Every individual’s eyes react differently to contact lenses. If dryness persists despite trying different lenses and care strategies, consult an eye care professional. A specialist can assess whether underlying medical conditions are exacerbating symptoms and recommend tailored solutions.

A Quick Review

Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. By selecting high-oxygen, low-water content lenses, following a meticulous eye care routine, and giving your eyes adequate rest, you can enjoy clear vision without irritation. Work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your unique needs, ensuring long-term eye health and comfort.