Can You Wear Contacts If You Have Dry Eye?

Contact lenses have become a popular alternative to regular glasses. Contacts can preserve your looks while still correcting your vision. Further, while it’s easy to break or misplace glasses, such issues aren’t common with contacts. That said, folks who suffer from dry eye often struggle to wear contacts. If you’re experiencing dry eye syndrome, it’s wise to speak with an optometrist. Looking for an eye doctor in Hampton Bays, NY? Get in touch with Legacy Optical.

Is it Possible To Wear Contacts With Dry Eye?

The short answer? Yes! You can wear contacts with dry eyes. However, if you do suffer from dry eyes, you may not want to simply throw any old pair of contacts in. This could irritate your eyes. Instead, it’s wise to speak with an optometrist.

First, various eye drops, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) variants, can help with dry eye. People who only occasionally suffer mild dry eye may only need OTC eyedrops. That said, prescription drops can often deliver better results and address more severe symptoms.

Using eye drops while wearing contacts can help as well. That said, on their own, eye drops may not be enough to enable you to comfortably wear contacts while suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Special Contacts for Dry Eye Syndrome

It's wise to schedule a contact lens exam as not all contacts are created equal. This is certainly true for people suffering from dry eye. Some types of contacts may perform better and reduce irritation, including:

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses allow air to pass through more easily, which can discourage the eyes from drying out.

Scleral lenses: A specific type of RGP lens, these are designed to reduce contact with the eye itself, thus potentially reducing irritation.

Soft lenses: Many people suffering from dry eye find that soft lenses are more comfortable and better at holding water.

Silicone hydrogels: While more expensive than many types of contacts, they are more breathable too.

Comprehensive Vision Care from Our Optometrist

Which type of contacts and what treatments are best for you? It’s wise to schedule a contact lens exam with an optometrist. Live in or near Hampton Bays, NY? Stop by or call Legacy Optical at 631-728-3132.