Dry Eye and Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Tips for Comfortable Wear and Proper Hygiene
Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and irritation. For contact lens wearers, dry eye can pose additional challenges. The contact lenses can further exacerbate the symptoms and make wearing them uncomfortable. It is important to understand the impact of dry eye on contact lens wearers in order to find solutions for comfortable wear.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye and How it Affects Contact Lens Comfort
Dry eye can manifest in various symptoms, including stinging or burning sensations, redness, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms can significantly impact the comfort of contact lens wearers. When the eyes are dry, the contact lenses can cause friction and irritation, leading to discomfort and even pain. The lenses may also move around on the dry surface of the eyes, causing blurred vision and making it difficult to focus properly.
Additionally, dry eyes can affect the quality of vision while wearing contact lenses. Tear film on the surface of the eyes helps to maintain a smooth and clear optical surface for clear vision. When the eyes are dry, the tear film can break up, leading to distorted vision and reduced visual acuity.