Best contact lenses for dry eyes
Are your poor eyes craving moisture like a plant that's gone too long without water? Trying to find contacts for eyes that are as dry as soil can be challenging. That's why we're here to help you find relief with some practical tips and explain which are the best contacts for dry eyes. Hear our words of wisdom and suffer no more.
Understanding dry eyes and contact lenses
You might be thinking that you already understand dry eyes and contact lenses because you deal with this unfortunate combo all the time, right? They go together like peanut butter and jelly but without the appealing taste.
Overview of dry eyes
There's more to dry eyes than meets the eye (see what we did there). While it generally means your eyes just don't have enough moisture, that could be from not producing enough tears or from moisture evaporating too fast.
Since contact lenses can affect either of these issues, people who wear them often have problems with dry eyes. On top of that, sometimes it's your contact lenses absorbing extra water from your tears to stay hydrated (how dare they!). It may not even be the lenses themselves, but debris and build-up on the lenses sneak water from your eyes.
Importance of choosing the right contacts
If you've resigned yourself to thinking you are stuck with dry eyes, you'll be thrilled to hear that your choice of contact lenses can make all the difference. Some are made specifically to keep your eyes wet and wild (okay, maybe not wild, but certainly wetter).
Types of contact lenses for dry eyes
Now, you might be wondering when these magical, eye-wetting contacts from the future might arrive, but they're already here.
Moisturizing daily disposable lenses
Some experts say that daily disposable lenses are better for dry eyes in general because they keep you from accumulating eye-drying nasties, such as bacteria and protein build-up. This is due to the fact that you're starting with super clean, fresh lenses every day. On top of that, some are made specifically to retain moisture.
Silicone hydrogel lenses
Hydrogel lenses actually contain water, which is pretty cool already. Silicone hydrogel lenses are a type of hydrogel lens that allows oxygen to flow through the lens to the eye, so your eyes can "breathe" and feel less irritated. They also prevent moisture from evaporating as easily.
Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) lenses
Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) lenses have been around a bit longer than silicone hydrogels, but more recent advancements in the technology might make them a better choice for some contact lens wearers. For some, the increased flexibility and "wettability" of HEMA lenses can make them more comfortable than silicone hydrogels for people who suffer from dry eyes.
Tips for managing dry eyes with contact lenses
So, what can be done for those afflicted with dry eyes? Well, we're glad you asked because we have some tips.
Hydration and lubrication
We definitely recommend getting the type of contact lenses that help maintain hydration and lubrication. Which lenses are right for you partly depends on your prescription since that affects lens thickness and a host of other eye-drying factors.
Some eye-wetting drops, called artificial tears, are safe to use with contacts. Be sure to check with your eye care professional before giving one a squirt.
Proper lens cleaning and maintenance
If you're not using daily disposable lenses, you want to make sure you've got the right lens solution for your contacts. Some solutions and lenses get along better than others. Also, some lens solutions contain preservatives that can aggravate dry eyes.
Regardless of what solution you use, you want to make sure you change out your solution daily so your lenses are squeaky clean and free from bacteria and debris.
Regular eye exams and professional guidance
Your eye care professional is the best person to ask about what to do to relieve dry eyes (who knew?). You can find out during your regular eye exam what contact type and brand would work best for you, along with how to keep your eyes hydrated and healthy.
Order contacts for dry eyes online
You'll be happy to know that you can finally find relief for your dry eyes with the right contacts, the right solution, and guidance from your eye care professional. Once you've figured all that out, you can order your new keeps-your-eyes-hydrated contacts for dry eyes online with special discounts and our Gajillion percent promise.
FAQs
Can dry eyes worsen over time if I continue to wear contact lenses?
Eye dryness can increase by wearing the wrong type of lenses or a build-up of protein or bacteria on your lenses. Ask your eye care professional about the best contacts for dry eyes.
Is it normal to experience occasional dryness even with specialized lenses?
Because any person, even those who don't wear contacts, can experience eye dryness due to eye strain or lack of sleep, occasional dryness isn't unusual, even with specialized lenses.
Can lifestyle factors, such as diet, influence dry eyes while wearing contacts?
Diet, the amount of sleep you get, and how much eye strain you experience in a day can all influence eye hydration to a degree. Ask your eye care professional for more information.