Living with dry eye can make something as simple as wearing contact lenses feel frustrating. That gritty, scratchy sensation is distracting, and in some cases, the wrong lenses can make it worse. Yet modern eye care offers solutions that keep your eyes hydrated without giving up the clarity and freedom that contacts provide. The best contact lenses for dry eye include daily disposables, moisture-rich lenses for screen users, and scleral lenses for more severe cases.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears aren’t sufficient to keep your eyes properly lubricated.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Redness and irritation
- A burning or stinging feeling
- Watery eyes (it sounds odd, but it’s your body’s way of trying to compensate)
- Blurry vision
- Feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye
Several factors can contribute to dry eye. It could be the environment you’re in, like a dry or windy climate. Aging also plays a role, as our tear production naturally slows down over time. Even extended screen time and certain medications can be culprits.
While dry eye might just seem like a minor annoyance, leaving the symptoms unmanaged can sometimes lead to more serious issues.
How Contact Lenses Can Aggravate Dry Eye
Contact lenses are designed to correct vision while remaining breathable and comfortable, but they can also make dry eye symptoms worse if you’re prone to dryness. Several well-documented mechanisms explain this connection:
- Absorbing tears: Soft contact lenses can draw moisture from your tear film, leaving your eyes feeling drier.
- Disrupting tear distribution: By resting on the eye’s surface, lenses can interfere with how tears spread when you blink, resulting in uneven lubrication and more irritation.
- Increasing evaporation: Some lens materials are less breathable and can contribute to faster tear evaporation, reducing overall tear stability. This effect is particularly noticeable in dry environments or with extended wear.
- Environmental sensitivities: Wearing contact lenses in air-conditioned, heated, or windy spaces can intensify dryness, since lenses may limit your eyes’ ability to cope with already low moisture conditions.
What Are the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eye?
Advances in lens technology have led to a variety of contact lenses specifically designed for people with dry eye. Here are some of the most comfortable contact lens options our team often recommends.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are one of the most comfortable options. Because you use a fresh pair each day, there’s no buildup of deposits or need for cleaning solutions. Many are designed with moisture-rich surfaces that mimic your natural tear film, helping to keep eyes smooth and hydrated throughout the day.
Moisture-Retaining Daily Lenses
Moisture-retaining daily lenses for screen use are especially helpful if you spend long hours in front of a computer or in dry, air-conditioned spaces. These lenses are designed to work with your tear film, locking in hydration and reducing fatigue caused by digital eye strain.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses can be a big improvement for individuals with severe or persistent dry eye. Larger than traditional lenses, they vault over the cornea and create a fluid reservoir that continuously bathes the eye in moisture. This constant hydration provides significant relief and protection, even in challenging environments.
Alternative Treatment for Dry Eye
Managing dry eye often requires more than just switching your contact lenses. It’s important to find a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and medical needs, whether that means in-office care, at-home therapies, or a combination of both.
In-Office Treatments
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) with OptiLIGHT: Uses gentle light and heat to clear blocked meibomian glands and restore moisture balance.
- BlephEx®: A comfortable procedure that cleans the eyelid margins, removing debris and bacteria that can worsen irritation.
- iLux® treatment: Applies localized heat and pressure to unclog oil glands, helping tears stay stable and effective.
At-Home Therapies
- Omega-3 supplements: Support natural oil production in the eyes and improve overall tear quality, especially helpful for those with meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis.
- Eyelid sprays and wipes: Keep eyelids clean and healthy, reducing irritation from common eyelid conditions.
- Artificial tears and medicated drops: Provide quick relief when your eyes feel dry or gritty, restoring comfort throughout the day.
With a personalized mix of these treatments, we can help you find lasting relief and keep your eyes hydrated, comfortable, and healthy.
Find Your Contacts Today
At Verona Vision Care, we know every pair of eyes is unique. That’s why we go beyond the exam—we listen. Your lifestyle, daily habits, and concerns help us understand your vision and find solutions together.
Choosing the right contact lenses when you have dry eye requires careful fitting and experience. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the options and find the most suitable, comfortable contact lenses for your vision and eye health needs.
Ready to find relief and enjoy the comfort you deserve? Schedule a contact lens fitting with Verona Vision Care today.
