Contact Lenses

Soothing comfort for dry, irritated eyes

It is estimated that as many as half of all contact lens wearers suffer from symptoms of dry eyes including itchiness, redness, irritation, scratchiness, and decreased vision. Unfortunately, many contact lens wearers simply accept this fate and live with the discomfort, even unknowingly damaging their vision in the process. However, recent scientific advancements in the contact lens industry are offering more and more options for those individuals with sensitive, dry eyes.

A new soft contact lens material that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration called omafilcon A proclaims to provide contact lens wearers improved comfort for those individuals with symptoms related to dryness. This type of material is said to create a shield of water around the actual lens thereby creating a more comfortable environment.

Approximately 15% of all contact lens wearers have been diagnosed with dry eyes for one reason or another. An eye care professional can recommend the best type of contact lens for dry eyes depending on the individual's circumstances and overall eye health. A lens that is too thin tends to dry up too quickly, leaving the eye dry and irritated. Disposable lenses that are relatively thick, but of a soft material, often work well in people with dry eyes.

For people with dry eyes as well as astigmatism, gas permeable lenses offer visual clarity, and are helpful because they're rigid and don't absorb moisture from the surface of the eye. Usually, eye care professionals will prescribe a contact lens for dry eyes that is soft with a low water content. These types of lenses dehydrate far less than other types that are made to absorb high levels of moisture.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• Watery eyes, tearing for no apparent reason
• Eyes that are frequently red or burning
• Feeling as if something, like an eyelash, is in the eye
• Having tears that are watery as opposed to salty

Potential causes of dry eyes

Aging: The normal aging process alone can often affect the moisture content within the eye causing dry eye symptoms.

Hormones: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, or the use of oral contraceptives may all potentially cause dry eyes.

The environment: Environmental conditions such as exposure to dry climates, wind, air pollution, smoke, and even fluorescent lighting or air conditioning can all adversely affect the eye's moisture levels, making wearing contacts a painful experience.

Computers: Using the computer for hours at a time may disrupt the normal lubrication process since people tend to blink less while staring at the screen.

Drugs: Certain medications that reduce the body's natural ability to produce tears may cause dry, irritated eyes. These medications include decongestants, beta blockers, blood pressure medications, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and antihistamines.

Disease: Certain diseases and conditions including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cataracts, glaucoma, and lupus can all cause side effects such as dry eyes in certain individuals.

Any of these conditions or instances coupled with wearing contact lenses may aggravate dry, irritated, sensitive eyes. However, wearing a contact lens for dry eyes that has been specifically manufactured for the condition will help maintain moisture levels, keeping the lens, and the surface of the eye, healthy and well lubricated.

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