contact lenses worsen the symptoms of this visual pathology. The dry eye condition is a common problem for many people. When this remains combined with contact lenses, it tends to be a very annoying situation since This article will tell you which are the best contact lenses plus for dry eyes and how you can minimize the discomfort caused by this type of optical correction easily and quickly.

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What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is an eye problem that occurs when the eye cannot produce a sufficient amount of tear to moisturize and lubricate properly or, in other cases, produces the desired amount of tear, but this is a quality insufficient to fulfil its function correctly.

In these cases, continuous discomfort is experienced, such as itching and stinging in the eyes, a feeling of grit, redness, lack of hydration, photophobia or visual fatigue, among others. When this happens, the person suffering from dry eye syndrome needs to stop their activity and rest their eyes for a few minutes until the discomfort subsides.

How does Dry Eye Affect Patients who Wear Contact Lenses?

The main problem with the use of contact lenses when suffering from dry eye syndrome is that, when wearing contact lenses, the hydration and lubrication of the eye decreases. It, combined with the symptoms of dry eye, make the feeling of discomfort even greater.

In many cases, the most advisable thing in this situation will be removing the lenses and using glasses instead. However, if the patient prefers contact lenses, it is important to choose models that reduce the dehydration that occurs in the eyes with this problem. In this way, although the discomfort will not remain solved entirely, it can remain considerably reduced.

What are the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes?

The first thing to keep in mind is that, at present, there are no actual contact lenses for dry eyes. In other words, all the contact lenses available today will favour the appearance of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. It is because contact lenses constitute an artificial barrier placed directly over the eye. Therefore, they are not the most advisable option if you suffer from dry eye.

Though, in addition to the fact that the contact lenses constitute an artificial barrier to the eye. Their composition will too determine how they relate to the tear. In this regard, it is important to choose lenses that minimize the need for water. In other words, hydrophilic lenses should remain avoided.

What are Hydrophilic Lenses?

Hydrophilic contact lenses are a type of contact lens that remains characterized by the need to hydrate to maintain its natural shape, which allows it to fulfill its function of correcting the patient’s vision. Hydrophilic lenses act like sponges, absorbing the water in the lens solution, thus preserving their shape and size. However, once they remain placed on the eye, they take up the moisture they need to maintain this state of the tear.

That is to say, contrary to what remains usually thought, the lenses with the highest amount of water in their composition are the least indicated for patients with dry eye syndrome since these lenses help to dry the patient’s tear. For this reason, hydrophilic lenses are not the most recommended lenses for dry eyes. Instead, you may be better off opting for lenses made from a different material and intended, for example, silicone hydrogel lenses.

What are Silicone Hydrogel Lenses?

One of the best contact lens options for dry eyes is silicone hydrogel contact lenses. These lenses have water in their formulation. However, the amount of water they need to maintain their shape is less than with hydrophilic lenses. Consequently, they will not facilitate dry eyes as quickly as hydrophilic models. Therefore, they are a recommended option in the case of patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome and who, even so, want to use contact lenses instead of glasses.

Artificial Tears: The Perfect Complement

Another essential aspect that should remain considered when discussing contact lenses for dry eyes is the importance of artificial tears. Artificial tears are a solution that mimics the eye’s natural tear formulation. It is administered directly on that, just as if it were an eye drop, allowing hydrating and lubricating the eye (and the lens) instantly. Artificial tears are one of the most common treatments in the case of patients with dry eye syndrome, and, as they can remain administered as many times as necessary, they are the perfect complement in the case of those with this problem.

Thus, in the case of wearing contact lenses and suffering from dry eye syndrome. Having artificial tears on hand is the best recommendation to minimize the symptoms of this problem. Whether you wear contact lenses or not.

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