Tears are our responses to sadness, grief, happiness, frustration, or relief. However, tears do more than show up when we are engulfed in sadness or overwhelmed with joy. Tears lubricate our eyes, and we develop dry eyes when a few are produced. An uncomfortable sting or burn is felt in the eyes when your eyes can no longer produce the right amount of tears needed to keep your eyes lubricated.
This blog will discuss dry eye and how to manage it with contact lenses. We will also discuss contact lenses for dry eyes in Toronto’s climate, with tips for The Beaches and Yorkville Rosedale residents.
What is Dry Eyes?
When our eyes make fewer than the regular quantity or quality of tears required to keep them lubricated and comfortable, we experience dry eyes, which can make our eyes feel itchy or as if there’s something inside them. This can also make vision blurry.
The tear film (which covers and protects the ocular surface) contains fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus. When combined, these three layers keep your eyes lubricated. When the health of any of these layers is disrupted, dry eyes syndrome sets in.
Causes of Dry Eyes
A few known factors cause dry eyes. We outline a few of them below:
1. Old Age
Dry eyes can happen for a few different reasons, and old age is one. Tear production slows down with aging. In our practice, we have noticed dry eyes are more common in persons over 50 years old. This doesn’t mean people who are younger are immune to dry eyes. It is advised you have regular eye checks to be sure you are safe.
2. Low Quality Tears
Tears may seem like salty water, but they are a mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus, which keep the eyes moist. The right amount of these ingredients determines the quality of the tear. When there isn’t enough oil in the tears, which means low-quality tears, they evaporate quickly. Without tears to keep your eyes moisturized, they become dry.
3. Side Effects From Medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and hormone replacement therapy can make the eyes feel drier temporarily because of their side effects. They tend to go away when you discontinue the drug. However, we recommend that you talk to your pharmacist about alternative medicine if you experience dry eyes as a result of the medication.
Apart from these, dry eyes can sometimes be an underlying factor in other conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and thyroid disorders. If you experience dry eyes, go for general medical tests.
What are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses, or “contacts,” are small, transparent, bowl-shaped plastics placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems similar to glasses. Contacts are sometimes preferred because they do not fog up or get splattered in the rain like glasses, making them conducive to sporting activities.
There are different types of contacts. Some are supposed to be won for just a day, and others for months. Contacts are also for different purposes.
Are There Contact Lenses That Are Made for Dry Eyes?
The short answer is yes. We have specific contact lenses in Toronto that are designed with materials to keep the eyes moist throughout the day to accommodate people with dry eyes. They are different from the regular contact lenses through the following:
1. Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
Silicone hydrogel is used to manufacture these contacts, which keep the eyes fresh and moist. The engineering behind this is that it allows oxygen to pass through the lenses, keeping the eyes fresh and moist and reducing dryness.
2. Water-Gradient Lenses
Such lenses are designed for the outer layer to hold water rather than the center to keep a cushion of moisture around the lens, which helps dry eyes feel comfortable and prevent irritation.
3. Daily Disposable Lenses
A fresh lens a day means there’s less chance of protein and dirt buildup on the lenses, which causes irritation and dryness. If people with dry eyes adopt disposable lenses, they get a clean, moist, fresh lens to start their day with each time.
Some people also find that comparing contact lenses with glasses helps them decide which option feels more practical for everyday comfort. A closer look at contact lenses vs. glasses highlights the differences in convenience, eye health, and overall lifestyle fit.
How to Choose the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes?
If you talk to your eye doctor, they know which contact lenses for dry eyes are suitable for you. But so you are not clueless on what to look out for, here is a guide:
- Pick the Right Material: As previously stated, special materials are used for contact lenses for dry eyes. When picking contact lenses, inform your ophthalmologist that you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. They will know the right lens to give you or ask for lenses made from silicone hydrogel or water-gradient materials.
- Pair them with Artificial Tears: Pair your contacts with lubricant eye drops for added comfort and moisture in your eyes.
- Consult Your Eye Doctor: Our eyes are different, so what might work for one might not work for the other. The best thing to do is see an eye doctor for advice. You get to test different options and choose which is most comfortable for your eyes. Your eye doctor might even give you trial lenses before you buy an entire supply.
Since every eye is unique, it’s best to consult an optometrist near me who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most suitable contact lenses for your dry eyes.
Tips for Reducing Dry Eye Symptoms with Contact Lenses
1. Hydrate Like Your Eyes Depend On It
Seriously, you need to drink lots of water! Not just for the sake of your eyes only, but staying hydrated keeps your whole body feeling fresher. We can say that hydration is similar to giving your eyes a cool drink.
2. Blink Like You Mean It
This may sound silly, but when you’re focused on a screen or reading, you forget to blink. The habit of not blinking dries out your eyes. Form a new habit of blinking more frequently, especially when binging your favourite series or burying your face into your phone. Your eyes need to retain as much moisture as they can.
3. Turn Down the Air Dryers
Indoor heating or air conditioning can be brutal on dry eyes. A small humidifier in your room can help balance the air, keeping it moist and friendly for your eyes. Think of it as creating a cozy little bubble for them!
4. Keep Your Lenses Sparkling Clean
Properly cleaned lenses are friendlier to dry eyes. Follow your cleaning routine religiously and use the right solutions to remove dust or buildup that could irritate your eyes.
5. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
It’s tempting, we know but rubbing can irritate your eyes further. Instead, reach for those eye drops. They’ll soothe that uncomfortable, gritty feeling without the risk of making things worse.
6. Try Daily Disposables or Moisture-Rich Lenses
Some lenses are just better suited for dry eyes. Daily disposables stay fresh, and moisture-rich options hold onto water longer. Treating yourself to these might just be the comfort upgrade your eyes deserve.
Why Visit a Dry Eye Clinic in The Beaches or Rosedale?
Visiting a dry eye clinic in The Beaches or Yorkville & Rosedale neighbourhoods offers you the advantage of personalized care right around your corner.
A clinic like 360 Eyecare, for example, has optometrists who take their time to understand the causes of dry eye, whether environmental factors, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions. This personalization ensures you receive a treatment plan designed for your situation, helping you achieve lasting comfort.
Don’t let dry eyes keep you from enjoying clear, comfortable vision. Take the first step towards relief with a personalized consultation at 360 Eyecare. Book an appointment today to discover a treatment plan that’s designed just for you!
Conclusion
Contact lenses do not prevent dry eyes; however, certain contacts are designed with people with dry eyes in mind to help keep their eyes moisturized. These contacts will help you manage dry eyes more comfortably. Talk to your optometrist about contact lenses for dry eyes, and they will walk you through the available options. We hope you find relief for your dry eyes with contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which type of contact lenses are best for dry eyes?
For dry eyes, lenses made from silicone hydrogel or water-gradient materials are highly recommended. These types allow more oxygen flow and retain moisture, reducing dryness and providing long-lasting comfort.
Q: Can you use contact lenses if you have dry eyes?
Yes, many people with dry eyes can wear daily disposables or moisture-rich contact lenses for dry eyes.
Q: What type of lenses is preferred if a patient has dry eyes?
Daily disposable lenses or silicone hydrogel lenses are generally preferred. They offer increased moisture and allow more oxygen to reach the eye.
Q: Are daily contacts better for dry eyes?
Yes, daily contacts can be better for dry eyes because each pair is fresh and clean, which minimizes buildup that can irritate dry eyes. They also provide comfortable, hydrated relief.
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