If you suffer from dry eyes, you might feel hesitant about switching your glasses out for contact lenses. Wouldn’t poking and prodding at your eyes each day only exasperate your symptoms?
It makes sense to think that contacts would be hard on dry eyes. Traditionally, there has been a belief that contacts are irritating for even the healthiest eyes, but these ideas are based on old assumptions. Contacts have improved immensely thanks to advancing research and innovation. Today, Lethbridge Vision Clinic offers a range of contact lenses that won’t irritate eyes, and some that can even help alleviate the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.
When you visit us for a pair of contacts, don’t be shy about discussing your dry eye symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity, our optometrists can make recommendations for the best treatment and corrective vision options.
It makes sense to think that contacts would be hard on dry eyes. Traditionally, there has been a belief that contacts are irritating for even the healthiest eyes, but these ideas are based on old assumptions. Contacts have improved immensely thanks to advancing research and innovation. Today, Lethbridge Vision Clinic offers a range of contact lenses that won’t irritate eyes, and some that can even help alleviate the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.
When you visit us for a pair of contacts, don’t be shy about discussing your dry eye symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity, our optometrists can make recommendations for the best treatment and corrective vision options.
Scleral lenses
Scleral contact lenses are a great solution if you have dry eyes. While most contact lenses only sit on your cornea (the coloured part of your eyes), scleral contact lenses are larger in diameter and sit on the sclera (the white part of your eyes).
This offers advantages for dry eye sufferers. Your cornea tends to be more sensitive than your sclera, so avoiding touching this area can mean more comfort and less of a chance of accidentally irritating your eyes while taking contacts in or out. The unique shape of scleral lenses also means that they create space between your eye and the lens, which stores fluid. This helps to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day. And because scleral contact lenses cover a larger portion of your eye, they also protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and other irritants.
This offers advantages for dry eye sufferers. Your cornea tends to be more sensitive than your sclera, so avoiding touching this area can mean more comfort and less of a chance of accidentally irritating your eyes while taking contacts in or out. The unique shape of scleral lenses also means that they create space between your eye and the lens, which stores fluid. This helps to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day. And because scleral contact lenses cover a larger portion of your eye, they also protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and other irritants.
Daily disposables
Daily disposable contact lenses are rapidly growing in popularity. Not only are they easy and convenient, but they also have a variety of other benefits.
Improper care of contact lenses can not only irritate dry eyes, but can also cause other eye health problems. With disposable contact lenses, you won’t be concerned about ensuring your contacts stay clean or avoiding protein buildup. Each morning, open up a fresh, new pair of contacts and dispose of them at the end of the day.
Another benefit of disposable lenses is that they’re already stored in contact fluid. You never have to worry about using too much or too little contact solution, which could cause irritation.
Improper care of contact lenses can not only irritate dry eyes, but can also cause other eye health problems. With disposable contact lenses, you won’t be concerned about ensuring your contacts stay clean or avoiding protein buildup. Each morning, open up a fresh, new pair of contacts and dispose of them at the end of the day.
Another benefit of disposable lenses is that they’re already stored in contact fluid. You never have to worry about using too much or too little contact solution, which could cause irritation.
Soft lens varieties
Soft contact lenses are another option we offer to people with dry or sensitive eyes. Soft contacts are popular because they are easy to wear and generally easy to care for. These contacts are made out of silicone hydrogel, which is pliable, comfortable, and won’t scratch your eyes. Soft contact lenses allow oxygen to pass through, allowing for healthy tear production to keep your eyes moist.
Advanced dry eye treatments
There are several options for contact wearers with dry eyes, but depending on the severity of your symptoms, we also offer more advanced treatments that will address the actual cause of your dry eyes. Not all cases of dry eyes are caused by the same underlying issue, but we can offer personalized recommendations.
The most common cause of dry eye disease is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These are the glands that produce oil for your eyes, and when changes to the gland function occur, you’ll experience dry eye symptoms. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we offer a cutting edge Lipiflow treatment that can loosen and remove blockages in your meibomian glands. This can also be combined with light therapy for even better results.
Blepharitis is another common eye disease that often occurs with dry eyes. It’s caused by bacteria that are out of balance, making your eyes irritated. BlephEx is a simple treatment for blepharitis, offering almost immediate relief.
The most common cause of dry eye disease is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These are the glands that produce oil for your eyes, and when changes to the gland function occur, you’ll experience dry eye symptoms. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we offer a cutting edge Lipiflow treatment that can loosen and remove blockages in your meibomian glands. This can also be combined with light therapy for even better results.
Blepharitis is another common eye disease that often occurs with dry eyes. It’s caused by bacteria that are out of balance, making your eyes irritated. BlephEx is a simple treatment for blepharitis, offering almost immediate relief.
Book your appointment today
Dry eye symptoms can be very uncomfortable and may even impact your quality of life. There’s no need to continue suffering. Our Dry Eye Clinic has a team of highly trained optometrists who are ready to help you find the best solution to treat your dry eyes.
There’s no need to be afraid of contact lenses, even if you have dry eye symptoms. Modern contacts are comfortable and easy to wear, so everyone can enjoy the convenience of their daily vision correction. From our wide selection of contact lenses to more targeted treatments like Lipiflow, we can help you feel and see better in no time. Come talk to us today about what solutions are right for you.
There’s no need to be afraid of contact lenses, even if you have dry eye symptoms. Modern contacts are comfortable and easy to wear, so everyone can enjoy the convenience of their daily vision correction. From our wide selection of contact lenses to more targeted treatments like Lipiflow, we can help you feel and see better in no time. Come talk to us today about what solutions are right for you.
