If your contact lenses make your eyes feel itchy, red, or just plain uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many people experience symptoms of dry eye when wearing contacts. The good news is you don’t have to give up on contacts to find relief.
Contact lenses made from modern materials and designed for wear by people with dry eyes often make all the difference for your comfort. During a contact lens exam and fitting, we can help you explore the options that are right for your eyes. Finding a better fit can help you enjoy clear and comfortable vision.
Why Contacts Can Feel Uncomfortable with Dry Eyes
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, which can sometimes interfere with the natural moisture your eyes need to feel good. When you wear contacts, dryness or irritation can happen for a few reasons. These factors can contribute to the scratchy feeling that you may notice by the end of the day.
- Less Oxygen: Lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the surface of your eye, which may cause irritation.
- Moisture Loss: Some lens materials lose moisture throughout the day and may draw moisture from your tears to stay hydrated.
- Protein Buildup: Natural substances from your tears can build up on lenses over time, which can make your eyes feel dry or gritty.
- Improper Fit: A lens that doesn’t fit the shape of your eye can lead to discomfort and dryness.
Contact Lens Types To Consider For Dry Eyes
New lens technologies are designed to help your eyes feel more hydrated and comfortable all day long. Your eye doctor can help you explore options that let more oxygen through or are better at retaining moisture. There are several types of lenses that often work well for people who experience dryness.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposables are used for one day and then thrown away. Because you start with a fresh, clean pair every morning, there’s no chance for deposits to build up. This can significantly reduce irritation for many people.
Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
This is a type of soft contact lens material that allows much more oxygen to pass through to the eye compared to older materials. Better oxygen flow helps keep your eyes healthy. This can make them feel less dry and strained.
Lenses with Different Water Content
You might think a lens with high water content is better for dry eyes, but that’s not always the case. A high-water-content lens can sometimes lose its moisture to the air and then pull tears from your eye to rehydrate itself. A lens with a lower water content needs less moisture to stay comfortable and may be a better choice for some people.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter lenses that rest on the white part of your eye—the sclera—and vault over your cornea. This design creates a small, fluid-filled reservoir over your cornea, which keeps the front of your eye hydrated. They require a custom fit from your eye doctor.
A Look At Popular Contact Lens Brands
Many brands offer lenses specifically designed for comfort and to combat dryness. Your eye doctor can determine which brand and type is the right match for your needs and eye health. We can help you explore different options to find one that feels great.
Alcon Dailies Total1 & Precision1
These lenses are known for a technology that creates a cushion of moisture on the surface of the lens. This feature is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable experience. The design aims to keep your eyes feeling hydrated from the moment you put them in.
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day & Acuvue Moist
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day lenses use a technology that helps keep the tear film stable, reducing evaporation. Acuvue Moist lenses are designed to keep a layer of moisture on the lens surface. This can be helpful for new wearers or those with mild dryness.
Bausch + Lomb Infuse & Biotrue ONEday
The Infuse lens is designed to retain moisture and maintain eye health. The Biotrue ONEday lens is inspired by the biology of your eyes. It is designed to match their natural moisture level to provide comfort throughout the day.
What Are Toric Lenses?
You may hear the phrase “toric lenses” if you have an astigmatism. This condition means your cornea has a more oblong shape—like a football—instead of being perfectly round like a basketball. A toric lens is designed with different powers in different parts of the lens to correct for the more irregular shape of the eye.
Lenses For Astigmatism & Dryness
Having both astigmatism and dry eyes is common. Fortunately, many brands make toric lenses with the same moisture technologies that are found in their standard lenses. Options like Biofinity Toric or Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for Astigmatism offer solutions for both needs.
Tips For More Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
Beyond choosing a different lens, a few simple habits can improve your comfort. Small changes to your daily routine can help keep your eyes from feeling dry and tired. These practices can support your overall eye health.
Follow Your Wear Schedule
It’s important to replace your lenses as prescribed—whether it’s daily, every two weeks, or monthly. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase deposit buildup and reduce oxygen flow to your eyes. Also, try to give your eyes a break by wearing glasses sometimes.
Check Your Contact Lens Solution
If you wear reusable lenses, the solution you use to clean and store them matters. Some solutions contain preservatives that can irritate sensitive eyes. A hydrogen peroxide-based system or a preservative-free solution might be a good alternative to discuss with your doctor.
Use Rewetting Drops
Rewetting drops are different from standard eye drops for redness. These drops are formulated to be safe to use with contact lenses. They can provide a quick burst of moisture when your eyes start to feel dry during the day.
The best way to find a comfortable contact lens for dry eyes is to have a professional fitting. Your optometrist will measure your eyes and assess your tear film to recommend a lens that suits your specific needs. Our eye doctors in Grayslake can help you navigate the many options available.
You’re not stuck with uncomfortable contacts, and finding a solution is often a matter of trying a different approach. At Vision Care Grayslake, our team is passionate about helping you and your family enjoy clear and comfortable vision. Schedule a visit with us, and we can work together to find the right contacts for you.
