Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and even painful. Thankfully, eye conditions like dry eye don't have to prevent you from wearing contacts. Our eye doctors at Lamorinda Optometry in Lafayette will help you find comfortable contacts that are right for you.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Your eyes become dry when they are unable to produce enough tear film. This can happen for a number of reasons, including medical conditions, eye allergies, and a vitamin deficiency. Millions of adults across the United States struggle with this condition.

While contact lenses can cause issues for people with dry eyes, contacts are less likely to cause problems than they were in the past. Today, you can even find contact lens products that are made to treat dry eye. Talk to your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for contacts.

What Contact Lenses Are Best for Dry Eyes?

The right contacts can help your eyes to hold in moisture. Look for contacts made from a breathable material that is high in water, such as silicone hydrogel. You may also want to consider wearing daily disposable contacts; you are less likely to have issues with protein buildup when you change your lenses daily.

It is always important to wear contacts that fit properly, but it is especially crucial if you have dry eyes. An optometrist can measure your eyes so that you can find contacts that work for you. Some people with dry eyes can benefit from wearing oxygen-permeable scleral contacts, which cover both the iris and the white portion of the eye.

What You Can Do to Prevent Dry Eye

Wearing the right lenses can help you avoid dry eye symptoms, but there are also additional steps you can take to ensure that your eyes get the moisture they need. You should never wear contacts when you sleep, and you should wash your hands carefully before you put your contacts in your eyes.

While eye drops can be a way to add extra moisture to your eyes, not all eye drops are suitable for contact wearers. It is best to talk to your optometrist about eye drops. Make sure you are using the right type of eye drops and that you are using them at the right time.

Find the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes in Lafayette, CA

Dry eyes can be itchy, irritating, and difficult to deal with. Thankfully, this condition doesn't have to prevent you from wearing contacts. The right lenses could actually help your symptoms improve. At Lamorinda Optometry in Lafayette, you can work with one of our eye doctors to find the right contacts for your eyes. Call our team today at (925) 283-8502 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.