Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in
the eyes. A number of conditions can cause dry eyes, including the natural
aging process, certain medications, dry or windy climate or certain
systemic diseases. Women are also more prone to having dry eyes than
men, due to hormonal changes caused by birth control pills and menopause.
Long-term contact lens wear is another common cause of dry eyes. In
fact, contact lenses and dry eyes are often mutually damaging: Dry eyes
make contact lens wear uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the contact
lenses on the eye is irritating to dry eyes. The double-edged sword
nature of the two makes it difficult to successfully provide contact
lenses for dry eyes.
If dry eyes are a result of contact lens wear, eye practitioners often
attempt to switch lens type to a lens that is designed for dry eyes.
Many companies produce contact lenses for dry eyes as well as products
to ease the dryness. Doctors may also recommend not wearing the lenses
until the dry eye symptoms are relieved. In cases when dry eye syndrome
cannot be cleared up with some of the typical treatments (i.e. lubricating
eye drops or tear duct insertions), contact lens wear may need to be
discontinued permanently.
For more information on contact lenses for dry eyes, please
contact us. Select
a state below for a consultation.
Dry Eye Topics
Dry eyes, contact
lenses and dry eyes, lasik
dry eyes,
