Top 10 Medical Contacts for Dry Eyes
Top 10 Medical Contacts for Dry Eyes
Eye irritation and dryness is a common problem among contact lens wearers and non-wearers alike.
People avoid talking to their eye doctor about contact lenses related to dry eyes because they fear they'll be told to stop wearing contacts for good. But with today's variety of new contact lenses and care products, the need to discontinue contact lens wear altogether is very unlikely.
Fixing the problem of irritated dry eyes starts with a visit to an eye doctor, ophthalmologist, or optometrist. He or she will evaluate the cause of your dryness and determine the best way to increase your contact lens wearing comfort.
Before moving to the best contact lenses recommended for dry eyes, let’s discover more about the symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
A patient with dry eye syndrome may experience a range of symptoms including:
- A stinging, burning, or itchy sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with driving at night
- Watery eyes (which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes)
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Grittiness and soreness in the eyes
Most Common Causes of Dry Eyes
Here are the most common causes of dry eyes:
- Exposure to the wind or dry air, such as constant exposure to a heater during the winter
- Allergies
- Laser surgery
- Some medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, birth control pills, and antidepressants
- Aging
- Menopause
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Low humidity
- Long-term contact lens wear
- Overuse of digital devices
- Not blinking enough
Are Daily Contact Lenses Better for Dry Eyes?
Daily contact lenses are significantly better for people with dry eyes. The materials used in these lenses are made to hold water and allow oxygen to pass through the lens to let the eyes breathe.
Many people report that their contact lenses are more comfortable when replaced often, especially more frequently than the manufacturer guidelines. This makes daily contacts the best choice to ensure comfort.
Top 10 Medical Contacts for Dry Eyes
We’ve compiled a list of the best contact lenses for dry eyes and explain how they help. Remember, when suffering from dry eyes, consulting your eye doctor or ophthalmologist is very important to check which brand of lenses suits you the best.
Here’s our list of the top 10 contact lens brands for dry eyes:
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Alcon Dailies Total 1:
Dailies Total 1 was created by the vision experts. They are the ideal daily disposable contact lenses for dry eyes.
Thanks to their 33% water content and super-smooth surface that reduces friction between the eyelid and the eye, you'll revel in that wonderfully fresh and irritation-free feeling for up to 16 hours every day. -
1 Day Acuvue Moist:
1 Day Acuvue Moist is an exceptional option for any lens wearers who regularly suffer from dry eyes. These lenses use Hydraclear technology to ensure a high volume of moisture. This keeps your eyes moist and clear plus ensures a smooth contact lens experience.
Acuvue lenses also have one of the highest levels of UV-A and UV-B protection available in contact lenses and block out at least 90% of UV-A and 99% of UV-B rays for maximum eye safety. -
Proclear 1 Day:
Proclear contact lenses were designed by CooperVision using PC Technology to aid water retention throughout the day.
These one-day lenses offer a 60% water content and 96% hydration for up to 12 hours, making them one of the best daily contacts for dry eyes. -
Biotrue One Day:
Biotrue One Day from Bausch and Lomb provides MoistureSeal Technology which helps the lenses maintain 95% of their moisture for a full 16 hours.
Their enhanced breathability makes these lenses a great choice for anyone who works long hours on a computer or those with dry eyes struggling to find the perfect lenses. -
Avaira Vitality:
Avaira Vitality from CooperVision is made from a unique material that binds water within the lens.
These contacts remain moist and your eyes stay comfortable all day long without surface treatments or wetting solutions. Renowned for exceptional breathability, Avaira lenses allow more oxygen to pass through the lenses to your eyes, preventing dryness. -
Biomedics 1 Day Extra:
Biomedics 1 Day Extra contact lenses feature an optimized base curve that ensures a comfortable fit for the wearer.
You’ll have a daily contact lens you can really rely on for keeping your eyes hydrated and preventing the feeling of dryness. Designed for up to 12 hours of wear, Biomedics 1 Day Extra lenses are ideal for hectic schedules and busy lifestyles. -
Soflens Daily:
Impressive technologies have been combined to form SofLens Daily disposable. Designed to guarantee outstanding all-day comfort and clear vision.
These lenses are perfect for anyone prone to dry eyes or discomfort, providing an effective option for vision correction that keeps your eyes feeling comfortable all day. -
Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde:
For monthly lens wearers with dry eyes, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is the whole package and the ultimate way to go as long as you keep up with your eye care routine.
Designed from HydraGlyde Technology, and with a reduced water content of 33%, these lenses lock in moisture, keeping your eyes hydrated from morning to night. -
Biofinity:
CooperVision’s Biofinity Lenses offer an advanced level of comfort in an affordable, monthly contact lens.
These lenses use Aquaform Comfort Science technology to combine high oxygen performance with naturally wet lens material. The result is a pair of contacts that keep your eyes healthy, white, and moist all day long. -
Bausch + Lomb Ultra:
The Baush+Lomb Ultra monthly lenses have MoistureSeal Technology that helps maintain their moisture for a full 16 hours.
These are the perfect all-around lenses for those who aren’t sure which lenses are the best for their dry eyes and are a solid starter lens for those that have never worn them before.
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Top Tips to Avoid Dry Eyes:
- Try not to sit directly near fans or air conditioning vents
- Take regular breaks from your computer or any other digital device
- Ensure you drink sufficient water to keep your body well hydrated
- Don’t spend too much time in windy, harsh climates
- Eat healthy food for optimal optical health
- Ensure you get sufficient sleep to keep your eyes healthy
- If you need to use lubricating drops ensure they are the right ones for your lenses
- Check whether any medications you are on may be contributing to dry eyes
- Remember that as you age, your eyes will naturally become drier
- Menopausal women may experience more eye dryness due to lowered production of natural oils
- Get your eyes examined and assessed regularly to ensure maximum eye and vision wellness
- Work with your optometrist to test a range of medical lenses until you find the perfect choice
To Sum Up
Having dry eyes doesn’t mean you can’t wear contacts, but you do have to find the right kind for you. This often involves working closely with an eye care professional to make sure you get the optimal fit and replacement schedule.
When shopping on your own, look for lenses with less than 40% water content, a high oxygen permeability, and a silicone hydrogel construction.