Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eyes. A number of conditions can cause dry eyes, including the natural aging process, certain medications, dry or windy climate or certain systemic diseases. Women are also more prone to having dry eyes than men, due to hormonal changes caused by birth control pills and menopause.

Long-term contact lens wear is another common cause of dry eyes. In fact, contact lenses and dry eyes are often mutually damaging: Dry eyes make contact lens wear uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the contact lenses on the eye is irritating to dry eyes. The double-edged sword nature of the two makes it difficult to successfully provide contact lenses for dry eyes.

If dry eyes are a result of contact lens wear, eye practitioners often attempt to switch lens type to a lens that is designed for dry eyes. Many companies produce contact lenses for dry eyes as well as products to ease the dryness. Doctors may also recommend not wearing the lenses until the dry eye symptoms are relieved. In cases when dry eye syndrome cannot be cleared up with some of the typical treatments (i.e. lubricating eye drops or tear duct insertions), contact lens wear may need to be discontinued permanently.

For more information on contact lenses for dry eyes, please contact us. Select a state below for a consultation.

Dry Eye Topics

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