Dry eye is a common issue. Nearly 7% of Americans have the condition. This means that many contact lens wearers will also have dry eyes. At Apple Valley Eye Center Inc. in Yakima, WA, we offer contact lenses for dry eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your body doesn't produce enough tears. It can also occur if the tears don't have the right makeup. There are many causes of dry eye. These include medication side effects, aging, and autoimmune diseases. Eye conditions, including aqueous tear deficiency and lacrimal gland dysfunction, are potential causes within the eye. Contact lenses can also cause dry eye, or exacerbate the condition. This can occur because the lens desensitizes the nerves that connect to the cornea, which leads to lower tear production.
Can You Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eye?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses if you have dry eye. You'll simply need to choose the right type of lens to manage your dry eye symptoms. Before choosing contact lenses, you should visit your optometrist. They will perform an eye exam, and determine the cause of your dry eye before recommending contacts to you.
Types of Contact Lenses for Dry Eye
There are a few types of contact lenses eye doctors can recommend for dry eye. These are soft contacts, daily disposals, and scleral lenses.
Soft Contacts
Soft contacts are very common and work well for many people with dry eyes. Most are made of silicone hydrogel. This soft material can reduce eye irritation, redness, and dryness. They are usually the most comfortable type of contact lens.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are replaced daily. At the end of the day, you'll remove the lenses. The next morning, you put in a new pair. This type of lens can reduce dry eyes because they don't have buildup. Buildup can occur due to proteins within the eyes, and contaminants like makeup and oil.
Scleral Lenses
If you have severely dry eyes, scleral lenses may be the best option for you. These hard contact lenses don't touch the cornea of your eye. Instead, they are seated on the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. This eliminates dry eye due to desensitization caused by wearing contacts. The lenses are filled with fluid, which further reduces dryness.
Contacts for Dry Eye at Apple Valley Eye Center Inc.
At Apple Valley Eye Center Inc. in Yakima, WA, we specialize in hard-to-fit contacts and contact lenses for those with dry eye. Our services also include eye exams, emergency eye care, LASIK, eyeglasses, and more. Call us today at (509) 966-8801 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
