The Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

I am often asked whether or not a patient's eyes are too dry for contact lens wear.  Sometimes the answer is yes, but this is rarer than you might think.

There have been so many advancements in contact lens technology in the past decade that lenses have become more and more comfortable.  And, more powers of prescriptions are available in contact lens form.  Often, I can fit most patients (even those with dry eyes) in a contact lens for part-time wear.

Contact lenses offer a great way to correct vision.  In some cases, people see better with their contact lenses than they do their glasses.  This is often the case in people with high prescriptions.  Glasses will often restrict a patient's peripheral vision when the lenses are very thick or have a lot of astigmatism.  

 Daily Disposable Contact Lenses are

Best for Dry Eyes

The winner of the best contact lens for dry eye sufferers is a daily disposable contact lens.  Contact lens companies have released more daily disposable contact lenses in the past 10 years than any other lens.

This implies 2 things.  First, daily disposables are the best option for the health of your eyes.  And second, all of the latest technology in improving comfort, handling, and vision is going into the daily disposable lenses.

The benefits of a daily disposable contact lens are:

• always having a clean contact lens to wear
• not having to buy extra solutions and cases to clean and store them
• never sleeping in your contact lenses again, because you don't have to get out of bed to take them out anymore.
• not needing to lubricate as frequently with artificial tears because the lenses contain more moisture

Precision 1 Daily Disposable Contact Lens by Alcon

The newest daily disposable to hit the market is Precision 1 by Alcon.  This is the only daily disposable contact lens to use SMARTSURFACE Technology to deliver lasting visual performance and comfort.    And, clinical data show five times more contact lens wearers “strongly preferred” PRECISION1 vs. almost any other contact lens on the market.  This lens was highly rated for end of day comfort and vision as well as ease of handling.

 After trying the Precision 1 contact lens myself, I love the comfort and clear vision it provides.  However, my eyes are moderately dry this time of year.  So, I did not prefer Precision 1 lenses over my all-time favorite lens, Dailies Total 1. 

Dailies Total 1 contact lens by Alcon

I do think that the Precision 1 lens will be beneficial to mild dry eye sufferers.  It will also be a great choice for patients who do not have dry eyes but want the health benefits and convenience that a daily disposable lens provides.

How Can You Get These Lenses?

In order to get your hands on the latest technology in contact lenses, you must schedule an eye exam.  I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider now, even if it is not the time for your annual eye exam.  

It is clear to me that you are suffering from dry eyes if you are reading this blog.  Then, the best way to get relief is to talk with your eye care provider.

If you are already a patient of mine, please call Lusk Eye Specialists at 318-222-5555 to schedule an appointment with me. 

If you do not currently have an eye doctor, check out this resource to find one near you: www.thinkaboutyoureyes.com.  All you need to do it enter your zip code at the top of the page.

If you can't wear a daily disposable contact lens?  

Some prescriptions just don't come in a daily disposable contact lens yet.  In this case, you will need to wear a 2-week disposable contact lens or a monthly disposable contact lens.

These types of lenses can also be moisturizing to your eyes.  However, you will need to ensure you are keeping them very clean.  Using a contact lens for more than 1 day at a time will increase the amount of "stuff" stuck to the front surface of the lens.

This "stuff" could be:

• proteins from your tears
• pollen floating in the air that attaches to your lenses
• dirt or dust in the environment
• makeup like eye shadow and mascara that was floating in your tear film.

It is imperative that you remove all of this stuff from your lenses every night.  Contact lenses must be removed and cleaned nightly before sleep.  The best contact lens solution to clean your contact lenses is Clear Care Plus solution. 

Clear Care Plus is a hydrogen peroxide-based solution.  This solution may be very different from other contact lens solutions you have used in the past, so it is important that you read the directions carefully.  You can find out more about this solution by reading this blog.

And, if you are suffering from severe dry eyes, scleral contact lenses may be the best bet for you.  These lenses cover the entire cornea and bathe it in saline solution while you are wearing the lens.  This can keep the front of your eye moist and comfortable for long hours. 

Conclusion

Daily Disposable Contact lenses have experienced the bulk of the innovation in contact lens manufacturing in the last decade.  The technology used in these lenses is the best the industry has to offer as far as comfort, handling, and vision.  

My favorite contact lens for dry eye sufferers continues to be Dailies Total One by Alcon.  It is the only contact lens on the market with "water gradient" technology.  This means the lens is made of over 80% water, and the lens benefits by having increased oxygen transmissibility.  

In my opinion, the biggest winner here is the patient that is now able to wear contact lenses comfortably for long hours.  Check out these lenses by making an appointment with me (318)222-5555, or your own eye doctor.