Contact Lens Wear Is A Possibility if You Have Dry Eyes!
Two things that never used to go together are contact lenses and
dry eyes. It used to be that having dry eyes meant, in simple
words, inability to wear contact lenses. Today things are
different, contact lenses and dry eyes can and do go very well
together.
Having dry eyes simply means that you may have to evaluate a
variety of lenses before finding the right kind for you. A
qualified contact lens fitter should be able to find a specific
lens that will work well for most any eye, even dry eyes.
Soft contact lens manufacturers such as CooperVision and
Vistakon have developed materials that are designed specifically
to stay hydrated while on a dry eye. Lenses such as the Proclear
Compatibles, Acuvue Oasys, Extreme H2O, and Purevision work
wonders in a dry eye environment. Each lens is made from a
unique proprietary plastic that retains water content,
hydration, and/or shape throughout the day.
Rigid gas permeable lenses also work very well on dry eyes. An
RGP lens is made of a rigid plastic that does not absorb as much
solution as a soft lens. Therefore, RGP lenses do not dehydrate
on an eye, which is what causes dry eye discomfort. RGP's can
made of a number of plastics, including some that are extremely
oxygen permeable and some that have a very low wetting angle. A
low wetting angle means the lens will feel moist while being
worn.
The latest advancement in RGP lenses for dry eyes is plasma
treatment. Paragon Vision has discovered a way to alter the
surface molecules of an RGP contact lens making it more
comfortable for most people. Plasma treatment has proven to be a
major advancement RGP contact lenses and dry eyes.
Still another option for dry eyes is semi-scleral gas permeable
lenses. Semi-sclerals are made of gas permeable materials, yet
are the size of most soft lenses. The outcome is a lens that is
as comfortable as a soft lens, with the non-dehydrating benefits
of a gas permeable.
The type of contact lens used is only part of the equation. The
solution and care system is a major portion of lens success.
Just how lenses and lens materials are different, so are all
care systems. Depending on the type of dry eye and lens used, a
different conditioning solution, cleaner, or rewetting drop may
change the way you wear your contacts.
Just because you have dry eyes doesn't mean you can't be a
successful contact lens wearer. Given the new contact lens
designs and materials available coupled with new solution
systems the world of contact lens wear possibilities is open to
you.