According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses. Dry eye syndrome can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable, so everyone is looking for solutions. Could daily disposable lenses be one of them?
Dry eyes are a common problem for contact lens wearers. Contact lens wearers tend to have a higher incidence of dry eyes because the contact lens on their cornea partially blocks oxygen. Despite the fact that many contact lenses allow more oxygen to permeate the eye, wearers can still experience dry, gritty eyes at the end of the day. Furthermore contact lenses can exacerbate existing dry eye by causing additional friction on the already inflamed cornea.
If you have dry eye symptoms and have discomfort from your contact lenses or are considering which contact lens modality to use, call us to schedule a contact lens exam and dry eye evaluation today at (661) 775-1860. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care, contact lenses, and dry eye treatment for patients from Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and San Fernando Valley.
There are several types of contact lenses that can help people with dry eyes, depending on the cause. Here are some options to consider:
When it comes to dry eyes, environmental buildup is a major culprit; the more dirt you have on your lenses (whether it's pollen, bacteria, or proteins or lipids from your tears), the more irritation you'll feel. People with dry eyes usually do well when they use daily disposable contacts because they get a new pair every day. The protein deposits and other gunk that accumulates on the surface of daily contacts are also thrown out when they are discarded.
Monthly, weekly, and biweekly lenses need to be stored and cleaned regularly with contact solution. While it helps remove deposits from the lens, it doesn't completely remove wear and tear and deposit buildup. The contact lenses worn on a daily basis are usually thinner than the contact lenses worn on a longer-term basis. With a soft, thin build, the contact lenses integrate easier with the cornea and feel less like they are over your eyes. The use of daily contact lenses reduces the chance of getting an eye infection or other eye reaction like giant papillary conjunctivitis because of less buildup on your lenses.
Even though daily lenses are generally recommended for people with dry eyes, not everyone can benefit from them. A pair of longer-term contacts or scleral lenses may be more comfortable for some people, so it's wise to discuss the options with our optometrist beforehand and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle with our eye doctor.
Dry eye can be treated effectively with scleral lenses. A scleral lens vaults totally over the sensitive cornea and is surrounded by a reservoir of fluid held in place by the lens, both of these design elements reduce friction and improve comfort for extended periods of time. A layer of fluid not only normalizes corneal irregularities and improves optical quality, but it also hydrates the surface of the eye.
Scleral lenses are increasingly being used by specialty contact lens fitters and dry eye specialists. The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop II included scleral lenses as part of the treatment options for dry eye. When other earlier stage treatments have proved ineffective, DEWS and DEWSII support the use of scleral lenses. Those earlier stage dry eye treatments include artificial tears, lid therapy, topical medications, and punctal plugs. In the Dry Eye Workshop, the authors recommended using scleral lenses before proceeding to anti inflammatory systemic medications, autologous serum tears, or surgical options.
If you have dry eyes, tell our eye doctor about it when you get your contact lenses fitted, or schedule a dry eye evaluation. Beyond being able to help determine which types of contact lenses are likely to be the most comfortable for you, they are also able to recommend specific contact lens brands and treatments, which may provide additional comfort.
Many eye doctors are of the opinion that daily disposable contact lenses are a great option for mild dry eye patients. Along with being easier to manage than reusable lenses and less likely to cause irritation, they provide good breathability. Scleral lenses are very effective in treating dry eye, and should be the go-to lens for anyone who has more advanced dry eye or is unsuccessful with daily disposable contact lenses. Scleral lenses are increasingly being used by specialty contact lens fitters and dry eye specialists. Bear in mind that there may be some differences between different contact lens brands, and that on this question, along with any other questions you have, it is highly recommended to seek a professional’s advice before making a purchase.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a contact lens fitting or dry eye evaluation, you can contact Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita at (661) 775-1860.
My eight year old daughter was terrified to go to the eye doctor for fear of her eyes being dilated. The doctor was SO KID friendly! He immediately made her comfortable by engaging her in conversation. It was a geat experience.
Dr. Garbus spent an amazing amount of time to solve my very complicated visual problems. Over the years he has continually achieved results beyond what others felt possible. He is always up to date on the latest science. He is great!
Family Vision Care Valencia makes it so easy. Staff is knows what they are doing and Dr. Garbus is thorough and kept me well informed during the exam.
I have been coming to Family Vision Center for almost 20 years. Dr. Garbus has been able to help my vision when other doctors could not. Now my kids see him as well. I highly recommend this office!
The Doctor is very good. I felt on this visit he seemed rushed. I had questions to ask him but he was already with another patient. I still do not know if my eyes are the same , worse, or better.
All the staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and has been for all the years I have been going there.
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