Do They Make Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can be an uncomfortable, irritating, and even painful condition. And if you look at a digital screen all day, it can really cause problems. The good news is scleral contacts are specifically designed for dry eye sufferers.

Read on as an Oxnard, CA optometrist talks about dry eyes, what causes it, and how scleral contact lenses help eliminate dry eye discomfort.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

When your eyes are dry, they can feel like they’re full of sand. Your eyelids may be itchy, and it might be hard to blink. You might have a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes.

If that sounds like you, you’re probably wondering what’s going on and how to fix it.

The problem is usually a lack of moisture. The surface of the eye is constantly producing tears, which help keep it moist. If the tear film isn’t working properly, you’ll start having problems with dry eyes.

Conditions that can cause dry eyes to develop:

• Environmental factors (like wind or air conditioning)
• Computer use (that constant blinking!)
• Contact lens use (if lenses aren’t properly cleaned)

Symptoms of Dry Eyes  

• Redness
• Burning and scratchy feeling,
• Eyelid stickiness
• Discharge from the eye
• Light sensitivity 
• Blurred vision 

If you experience these symptoms frequently, it’s important to see a doctor who can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment options that will help relieve your discomfort and preserve your vision.

Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens that fits around the entire cornea, or front of the eye. They are large-diameter contact lenses with a soft silicone hydrogel material. I

They’re different from typical contacts because they cover a larger portion of the eye’s surface area, creating a dome-like space in between the lens and your cornea. This, in turn, creates a reservoir of moisture that keeps your eyes from getting dry and uncomfortable. It also helps prevent irritation from bacteria and other irritants that might otherwise enter the eye through regular contact lens use.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are a great option for people who have:

• Severe dry eye or moderate to severe corneal scarring, but can’t wear normal contact lenses because of discomfort or pain.
• A history of ulcers on their corneal surface as a result of inflammation or infection.
• Severe keratoconus that makes it difficult to wear traditional soft contact lenses comfortably.-A history of frequent infections in their eyes. -Severe dry eye that can’t be treated with regular soft contact lenses. 
• A history of allergic reactions or inflammation from wearing traditional soft contact lenses. 

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to call our Oxnard, CA optometry office anytime!