Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting about 50% of contact lens wearers. Typically, contact lenses designed for dry eyes are permeable to allow sufficient oxygen into the eyes. However, you might still experience dryness and grittiness, usually towards the end of the day. Some contact lenses may also contribute to eye dryness by absorbing tears. In addition to these factors, there are various reasons for eye dryness. At VistaSite Eye Care in New York, our optometrists are well-versed in the numerous causes of eye dryness and can prescribe the appropriate contact lenses to improve your vision.
How to Determine If You Have Dry Eyes
Essentially, dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears, leading to discomfort or even vision issues. Also known as dry eye disease, dry eye syndrome affects the ocular surface of the eye. Treating eye dryness can be complex, depending on the severity of the condition.
Common symptoms of dry eyes include:
• Light sensitivity
• Stringy mucus in or around the eye
• Burning or stinging sensations in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Night blindness
• Eye redness
• Watery eyes due to irritation
Persistent experience of these symptoms can significantly impact your vision. Therefore, seeking professional eye care at a certified facility is advisable. Common remedies for dry eyes include using artificial tears, practicing proper eye hygiene, using humidifier cloths or warm eye masks, minimizing exposure to blue light from electronic screens, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding windy, dry, or smoky environments. Your eye doctor may also recommend other treatments such as medicated eye drops and eye plugs to retain eye moisture, or special lenses designed for those who wear contacts.
What Are the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes are a common concern among contact lens wearers. As the condition progresses, wearing contact lenses can become more challenging. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of a special range of contact lenses designed for individuals with dry eyes. If you are dealing with dry eyes, you may want to consider contact lenses with the following characteristics:
- Low water content: Contact lenses come in various moisture levels. While many assume that lenses with higher water content are preferable, they can actually lead to discomfort as they lose more moisture to the environment and absorb more tears, resulting in less lubrication for the eyes.
- Rigid gas permeable lenses: Also referred to as hard lenses, these allow more oxygen to pass through the eyes while minimizing the contact between the lenses and the eyes, reducing the risk of irritation.
- Silicone Hydrogels: These lenses are more porous, enabling a higher amount of oxygen to reach the eye's surface. Silicone hydrogels are particularly comfortable for individuals with dry eye syndrome.
- Soft lenses: Soft contact lenses are user-friendly and suitable for those with chronic eye dryness. Crafted from soft materials, these lenses can retain moisture for longer periods and allow adequate oxygen flow, enabling the eyes to breathe.
Learn More about Dry Eye Contacts at VistaSite Eye Care
Dry eye syndrome is manageable with expert eye care. An optometrist near me possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the field. We deliver exceptional eye care services to patients in and around Bronx, Yonkers, and White Plains. For a comprehensive eye examination and top-tier eye care, get in touch with our team at VistaSite Eye Care.
