Can I Wear Contact Lenses with Dry Eye?

Apr 1, 2024

Do you suffer from dry eye and find it difficult to wear contact lenses? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with blurry vision, red, watery eyes, and discomfort when wearing contacts while dealing with dry eye syndrome. Because of the irritation, they may think they can no longer wear contact lenses, but this isn’t always the case.  

At our dry eye centers in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine, Louisiana, we offer a solution that can provide relief and clear and comfortable vision for those with dry eyes: scleral lenses. These specialized lenses are designed to help maintain moisture on the surface of the eye, making them a great option for those struggling with dry eye symptoms.  

Contact lenses that treat dry eye!  

Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to keep your eyes moist, or your tears evaporate too quickly. It can be a frustrating condition to deal with, especially for those who rely on contact lenses for clear vision. Dry eye symptoms, such as redness, irritation, and excessive tearing, can make wearing traditional contacts uncomfortable or even unbearable.  

This is where scleral lenses come in. These specialized lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (or the white part of your eye), leaving a space filled with sterile saline solution that acts as a cushion between the lens and the eye. This helps keep the eye hydrated and provides relief for those struggling with dry eye symptoms. 

Comfortable vision for dry eyes 

One of the key benefits of scleral lenses for dry eyes is their ability to provide consistent comfort and clear vision throughout the day. Because they vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, they don’t come into direct contact with the cornea like traditional contacts do. This reduces friction and irritation, making them an excellent choice for individuals with dry eyes or other ocular surface conditions.  

Additionally, scleral lenses are custom-made to fit your unique eye shape, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. After switching to scleral lenses, our patients often report a significant improvement in vision quality and overall comfort. 

Improved vision for corneal irregularities 

In addition to relieving dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses offer other benefits. They provide stable vision correction for individuals with irregular corneas or high prescriptions that may be difficult to correct with glasses or traditional contacts. Scleral lenses also offer superior comfort compared to standard contacts because they don’t touch the sensitive surface of the cornea. 

If you have been struggling with dry eye while wearing contact lenses, don’t give up hope! At Southern Eye Centers, we offer custom-fit scleral lenses in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine, Louisiana, and other dry eye treatment options that can relieve dryness and discomfort and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how these innovative lenses can help you comfortably wear contact lenses again!