Many people believe that if they suffer from an eye condition, such as dry eye, that wearing contact lenses will be either difficult or impossible. While that was once largely true, there have been many advances in contact lenses over the past several years. At Best Eyecare Associates, our optometrist can help patients choose contact lenses specifically made for patients suffering from dry eye.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that affects many people, whether they wear contact lenses or not. However, those who do wear regular contacts often have more troubles because traditional lenses block the eye’s access to the open air.
Those with dry eye syndrome have eyes that feel dry, scratchy, and may be more prone to redness. Specific reasons for dry eye can vary, so it is important to see your optometrist in order to pinpoint your specific issue and find out whether wearing contact lenses for dry eye is an option for you.
Soft Contact Lens Options for Dry Eye
There are many different types of contact lenses that optometrists recommend in order to reduce dry eye syndrome symptoms. Some of these include
- Bausch + Lomb Ultra – contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel, and are designed to hold moisture to your eyes for up to 16 hours
- Coopervision Proclear – made from a hydrogel material high in water, and recommended for up to 12 hours. These are also available for those who suffer from astigmatism, or who need bifocal contact lenses
- Extreme H2O – A high water contact lens available in weekly or two-week disposables
Alternative Contact Lenses
If high water content contact lenses are not enough to ward off your dry eye symptoms, there are two other options you may want to consider: scleral contact lenses or ortho-k contact lenses.
Scleral contact lenses cover the entire cornea and are less irritating because they do not shift and scratch over your eye. Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night and reshape your cornea while you sleep. Because of this, you would not be exposed to environmental irritants while your contacts are in. In the morning, you can take the contact out and see without them.
Contact Us For Dry Eye Contact Lens Solutions
Exactly how you balance between your dry eye symptoms and your need for vision correction is something our optometrists at Best Eye Care Associates take very seriously, and we are committed to finding the best solution for your eye health and vision. To more fully explore your options, contact Best Eyecare Associates at (303) 254-4888 to schedule a contact lens exam.