Is Your Contact Lens Choice Causing Dry Eye?

Many contact lens wearers experience dry eye symptoms without realizing that their lenses may be contributing to the problem. The good news is that discomfort doesn’t always mean you have to give up contacts altogether. In many cases, the right lens choice can make a significant difference.

How Contact Lenses Can Contribute to Dry Eye

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye, which can interfere with the natural tear film. Certain lens materials and designs may reduce oxygen flow or absorb moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Over time, this can cause symptoms such as:

•           Burning or stinging sensations

•           Redness or inflammation

•           Blurry vision that improves with blinking

•           Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

•           Discomfort that worsens later in the day

Soft contact lenses, especially when worn for long hours or in dry environments, can worsen existing dry eye symptoms or even trigger them in people who were previously comfortable.

Why Dry Eye Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Dry eye is a medical condition that can impact eye health and visual quality. Ongoing dryness can increase the risk of eye infections, cause inflammation of the ocular surface, and make contact lens wear increasingly uncomfortable. If your lenses no longer feel the way they used to, it’s important to have your eyes evaluated rather than pushing through the discomfort.

Scleral Lenses: A Game-Changer for Dry Eye Relief

For patients struggling with dry eye and contact lens discomfort, scleral lenses can be an excellent solution. Unlike traditional soft or rigid lenses, scleral lenses are larger in diameter and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), vaulting over the cornea. This unique design creates a reservoir of sterile fluid between the lens and the eye, which provides continuous hydration throughout the day.

How Scleral Lenses Help with Dry Eye

•           Constant moisture: The fluid reservoir keeps the cornea bathed in hydration, reducing dryness and irritation.

•           Reduced friction: Because the lens doesn’t touch the sensitive corneal surface, there is less irritation and inflammation.

•           Improved comfort: Many patients who could not tolerate traditional contacts find scleral lenses comfortable for all-day wear.

•           Sharper, more stable vision: Scleral lenses can correct vision more precisely, especially for patients with irregular corneas or severe dry eye.

Who Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are often recommended for patients with moderate to severe dry eye, but they can also benefit individuals with:

•           Chronic contact lens discomfort

•           Keratoconus or corneal irregularities

•           Post-surgical corneal changes

•           Environmental or screen-related dry eye symptoms

A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine whether scleral lenses are the right option for your eyes.

Finding the Right Contact Lens Fit

No two eyes are exactly alike, which is why contact lens choice should never be one-size-fits-all. We take the time to evaluate your eye health, tear film, lifestyle, and visual needs to recommend a solution that prioritizes both comfort and clarity.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms with contact lenses, our team at Lake Lanier Eye Care is here to help. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to explore whether scleral lenses or other dry eye solutions are right for you. Visit our office in Sugar Hill, Georgia, or call (678) 926-3525 today.