Expert Advice on Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be a significant challenge for contact lens wearers, but with the right knowledge and products, comfort and clarity can be achieved. We had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Umangi Popat, an esteemed optometrist, who shared her expert recommendations on the best contact lenses and solutions for those struggling with dry eyes.

Do you have any recommendations for contact lenses for dry eyes (including toric or multifocal lenses)? What makes these lenses a good choice and who might benefit the most from them?
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. Although some contact lenses can feel more comfortable for patients with dry eyes, it’s important to note that patients may still experience dryness when wearing contacts, as they can disrupt the eye’s natural tear film.

With that said, I’m a huge proponent of daily lenses and some of my top recommendations include:

Dailies Total 1 (Alcon)
• Oxygen permeability: 140
• Fit: Varies from person to person; base curve is 8.5 and the diameter is 14.1.
• High water content: Yes, the surface is nearly 100% H2O.
• Frequent replacement: Yes, this is a daily lens.

Precision 1 (Alcon)
• Oxygen permeability: 90
• Fit: Varies from person to person; fits a wide range of corneas. The base curve is 8.3 and the diameter is 14.2.
• High water content: Yes, the surface is nearly 80% H2O.
• Frequent replacement: Yes, this is a daily lens.

Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (Johnson & Johnson)
• Oxygen permeability: 103
• Fit: Varies from person to person; base curve comes in 8.5 and 9.0 and the diameter is 14.3.
• High water content: About 38% water; the material has high oxygen permeability.

These are just a few examples. All of the lenses noted above come in toric varieties as well. Dailies Total 1 is also available as a multifocal.

Is there a contact lens solution you recommend for people with dry eyes? What makes it a good choice?
Contact lens selection really comes down to what is best suited for a patient based on their corneal curvatures, prescription, ocular surface, visual needs, and personal preferences. What may be appropriate for one patient may not be for another. When patients come to me for a contact lens fitting, I take into account all the factors noted above to make the best decision on what contact lens to fit them with.

Do daily contacts work better for people with dry eyes?
In general, daily lenses are a good recommendation for people with dry eyes since patients get a fresh new lens every day. However, comfort is subjective and some patients with dry eyes fare better with monthly lenses. Additionally, since dry eyes are multifactorial, patients may still experience symptoms of dry eyes even when wearing contact lenses.

Can you use eye drops while wearing contacts?
Certain eye drops can be used with contacts, as noted on the packaging. There are over-the-counter eye drops specifically designed to rewet contacts, and there are certain preservative-free eye drops that can be used with and without contacts (e.g., Optase Intense, Ivizia).
 
 
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