Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

Contact lenses have become a very popular option in the last few decades for those requiring glasses. They’re usually better suited for activities like exercise and swimming and are an easy and convenient alternative to glasses. 

However, one of the major complaints for those who wear contact lenses is the feeling of dryness and discomfort.[1] It even causes some wearers to retire the contacts and make the switch to glasses full-time. 

However, it is treatable and preventable with the right products and routine. 

Why do contacts cause feelings of dryness and discomfort?

Oftentimes, wearers of contact lenses may express that prolonged use makes their eyes irritated and dry, especially at the end of the day. This is because when you wear contact lenses you may struggle to get a steady flow of oxygen as the material limits the flow to the surface of the eye. Without sufficient oxygen, your eyes struggle to create natural tears which act as a lubricant for the eye.[2] 

It could also be that your eyes feel uncomfortable with contact lenses due to deposits, nicks, scratches on the lens itself, irritating the eye that’s in close contact. If there’s debris on the lens when you insert them you could end up with irritation throughout the day.[3] 

Can you wear contacts if you have Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition that affects the tear film of your eyes, causing uncomfortable symptoms like burning, watering, and feelings of dryness.[4] It’s incredibly common with one in four people in the UK reportedly suffering from it.[5]

It can be a symptom of other conditions such as diabetes, but it is also often caused by lifestyle and environmental factors.4 Alongside smoking, drinking, and dry office air, contact lens use is often considered a cause of Dry Eye Disease, due to how they can affect the production of tears. 

This is sometimes referred to as contact lens-induced dry eyes (CLIDE) as opposed to Dry Eye Disease as it’s specifically associated with the wearing of contact lenses.[2] 

A person with dry eye disease who wears contact lenses may cause permanent damage to the lens if they’re reacting to the symptoms by rubbing the eyes which can rip or move the contact, causing damage to the eye lens.[6]

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear contacts if you suffer from Dry Eye Disease or feelings of dryness and discomfort from wearing contact lenses. You can take preventative measures, treat the symptoms with eye drops, and choose the right contact lenses for your eyes.

Which contacts are better for battling discomfort?

When it comes to choosing your contact lenses, much like eye drops, there’s a variety on the market, often making it difficult to know your options.

What contact lenses can you get?

Soft lenses – they are made of a flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through and can provide better airflow for the eyes. They’re also made of hydrogel which can help provide extra lubrication, battling the feelings of dryness.

Hard lenses – While these can be longer lasting and may offer better vision due to their resistance to protein deposit build-ups, they don’t allow as much airflow, often contributing to discomfort.[7]

Scleral Lenses – These are the lenses most recommended for people struggling with Dry Eye Disease as they vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera. The lens is also filled with saline, so the cornea gets bathed in water and is provided with extra hydration.[8]

Can you use eye drops with contact lenses?

While there are a variety of practices you can use to improve your experience wearing contact lenses from practising good hand hygiene, replacing your saline solution every day, and choosing the right contacts for you, one of the best solutions to the irritation is eye drops.[9]

You can wear eye drops with your contact lenses; however, you must check that your eye drops are compatible with lenses. Many rewetting or lubricating drops are available online without a prescription such as all the products available on VISUshop. All our products are developed without preservatives and can be used to moisturise eyes during contact lens wear. 

Trehapan is an eye drop that can provide long-lasting comfort when wearing contact lenses, meaning it can soothe pre-existing dryness or prevent feelings of irritation caused by wearing contact lenses. 

If you’d like to find out more about eyecare and eye drop suggestions, explore the rest of our blog. Find more contact lens-friendly eye drops on our site now. 

References

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