Wearing contact lenses shouldn’t mean dealing with dry, scratchy eyes. At Walter Eye Clinic, we offer contact lenses for dry eyes in Tinley Park to help you see clearly without constant dryness or irritation.
With the right contact lens type, you can reduce dryness and protect your eye health. In this blog, we’ll cover the best contact lens options for dry eyes and tips to keep your eyes comfortable all day.
Can you wear contact lenses with dry eye?
Yes! Having dry eye doesn’t mean you have to give up contact lenses. However, it does mean you need lenses designed for extra hydration and all-day comfort. If you don’t have the right contact lenses, you may experience increased dryness, irritation, and even blurry vision.
During your comprehensive eye exam, our skilled eye doctors will evaluate your tear film and eye health to recommend the best contact lens for dry eyes based on your unique needs. For many people, switching to a different lens material or wearing schedule significantly reduces irritation.
Are daily contacts better for dry eyes?
Daily disposable lenses are often a great option for dry eyes because they stay fresh and clean every day. Since you start with a new pair each morning, there’s less protein buildup and fewer deposits that can irritate your eyes. These lenses are typically made of breathable materials that lock in moisture, helping your eyes stay comfortable all day.
If you’ve been struggling with dry eye and are still using monthly lenses, a contact lens exam is a great opportunity to see if daily disposables could improve your comfort.
Scleral lenses for dry eyes
If standard contacts still leave your eyes feeling dry, scleral lenses may be the answer. These specialty contact lenses vault over your cornea and rest on the white part of your eye, creating a reservoir of hydrating fluid between the lens and your eye.
This unique design not only delivers lasting moisture but also offers several other benefits, including:
- Clearer, more stable vision – especially for people with irregular corneas or conditions like keratoconus.
- Enhanced comfort – the fluid cushion helps reduce friction and irritation.
- Eye surface protection – shields the cornea from environmental exposure and dryness.
- Longer wear time – scleral lenses stay comfortable for many hours, even in challenging environments.
- Supports dry eye care – can help improve the results of ongoing dry eye treatment.
Tips to manage eye dryness with contacts
Even with the right contact lenses, it’s still important to take good care of your eyes. Here are some tips you can try:
- Use lubricating eye drops – Choose preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
- Follow your replacement schedule – Overwearing contacts can worsen dryness and irritation.
- Clean your lenses properly – If you wear reusable lenses, use the recommended solution to prevent buildup that can irritate your eyes.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water helps maintain healthy tear production.
- Take breaks from screens – Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain and encourage blinking. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Consider a humidifier – Adding moisture to the air can prevent your eyes from drying out, especially in heated or air-conditioned spaces.
Find the best contact lens for dry eyes
You deserve comfortable, clear vision without the constant irritation of dryness. At Walter Eye Clinic, our skilled eye doctors have extensive experience fitting specialty lenses like scleral lenses and can recommend the best daily contact lenses for dry eyes. Schedule your appointment today to explore your options.
