If you have dry eye, wearing contact lenses can feel like a constant battle between clear vision and comfort—a challenge the team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors can help you navigate. The scratchy, gritty feeling of dry eye syndrome might even make you think about giving them up for good, but you don’t have to choose.
The right type of contact lens—often daily disposables or those made from materials such as silicone hydrogel—can make a significant difference. Exploring the options that work well for people with dry eye is the first step toward more comfortable wear.
Why Your Eyes Feel Dry with Contacts
Your contact lenses rest on the tear film—a thin layer of moisture that covers your eye’s surface. Sometimes, a lens can disrupt this delicate layer, leading to the all-too-familiar feeling of dryness and discomfort. You might notice a few specific signs when this happens.
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Redness & irritation
- Vision that becomes blurry then clears when you blink
- The feeling that something is always in your eye
Key Features For Dry Eye Comfort
When you’re looking for contacts for dry eye, a few key features matter. An eye doctor considers these factors during a contact lens fitting to find a solution that fits your unique eyes and lifestyle needs.
Lens Material Matters
Modern contact lenses are made from materials designed for comfort. Silicone hydrogel is a popular choice because it allows more oxygen to reach your eye. This breathability helps keep your eyes feeling fresh & healthy throughout the day.
The Role Of Water Content
You might think a lens with high water content would be better for dry eye, but that is not always true. Some high-water-content lenses can draw moisture away from your eye to keep it hydrated. For many people, a lens with lower water content is more comfortable to wear for longer.
Daily Disposable Lenses
A fresh pair of contacts every day helps prevent the buildup of deposits, such as proteins & allergens, that can cause irritation. This approach aligns with key contact lens safety guidelines and can significantly improve comfort for those with dry or sensitive eyes.
Contact Lens That Can Help Dry Eye
Based on those features, a few specific lens types are often recommended. Understanding how contact lenses correct vision can help you see why these options are effective for people who experience dryness. Your optometrist can help determine which one is right for you after a thorough assessment.
As mentioned, these silicone hydrogel lenses are highly breathable. Their ability to allow ample oxygen to reach the cornea is a major benefit for eye health & comfort, especially if you wear your contacts for long hours.
Simple Tips For Comfortable Wear
Beyond choosing the right lens, a few simple habits can help you wear contacts more comfortably. These small steps can make a big impact on how your eyes feel day-to-day.
- Use preservative-free, contact-safe rewetting drops: Keep them handy to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry.
- Give your eyes a break: Try wearing your glasses for a few hours each day to give them a break from contact lenses.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your whole body stay hydrated, which is important because dehydration can contribute to dry eyes.
- Follow your replacement schedule: Always replace your lenses as prescribed—daily, biweekly, or monthly—to avoid irritation from worn lenses.
A Professional Fitting Makes All The Difference
Everyone’s eyes are unique, so a contact lens that works for one person may not work for another. A proper contact lens exam & fitting helps find the right solution for your specific needs. The team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors can perform precise measurements & assess your tear film to recommend lenses that offer both clear vision & lasting comfort. If you’re ready to find a better contact lens solution, schedule an appointment with your family eye doctors in Calgary today.
