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Everything You Need to Know About Dry Eye and Contact Lenses
Everything You Need to Know About Dry Eye and Contact Lenses
Dry eye is an increasingly common reason for consultation in optometric clinics, particularly among contact lens wearers. Discomfort, dryness, eye fatigue, or irritation can significantly impact daily comfort—especially when contact lenses are not properly fitted.
The good news? It is absolutely possible to wear contact lenses even if you experience dry eye symptoms—provided you make the right choices and are supported by an eye care professional.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses with Dry Eyes?
Yes - but not just any lenses. Not all contact lenses are suitable for dry eyes. Surface technology, replacement frequency, and the way a lens interacts with the tear film all play a direct role in comfort.
That’s why an in-clinic evaluation is essential. Your eye care professional will consider your ocular condition, lifestyle, and wearing habits in order to recommend contact lenses tailored to your specific needs.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
Contact lens comfort doesn’t depend solely on your visual prescription. Choosing the right lens can make a real difference for people who experience dry eye symptoms. Today, some contact lenses are designed to:
- promote a more hydrated surface,
- mimic certain components of natural tears,
- provide more consistent comfort throughout the day or week.
New Technologies That Improve Contact Lens Comfort
Recent advances in contact lens technology have transformed the wearing experience - even for people prone to dry eyes.
TOTAL1® – Daily Contact Lenses
Featuring a water gradient and SmartTears® technology, these lenses provide an ultra-hydrated surface designed to enhance comfort from insertion and throughout the day (1).
TOTAL30® – Monthly Contact Lenses
TOTAL30® lenses also feature a water gradient, along with CELLIGENT® technology, which creates a protective layer inspired by the eye’s natural surface to help resist deposits and bacteria, keeping lenses cleaner (2).
PRECISION1® – Daily Contact Lenses
Thanks to SmartSurface® technology, these lenses offer a stable, hydrated surface that promotes long-lasting comfort upon contact with the eye (3).
PRECISION7® – Weekly Contact Lenses
A unique innovation on the market! Designed with ActivFlow™ technology, these lenses help maintain consistent hydration throughout the entire week of wear (4).
These technologies make it possible to offer comfortable options even for sensitive wearers or those prone to dry eye. In many cases, an in-clinic trial helps confirm comfort and supports an informed choice before committing.
The Care Routine Recommended by Your Eye Care Professional
A proper care routine is a key, yet often underestimated, factor in contact lens comfort. In clinic, your eye care professional may recommend:
- lubricating eye drops compatible with contact lens wear,
- a care routine adapted to your wearing schedule,
- and, for reusable lenses, an appropriate cleaning solution.
Some preservative-free solutions, such as peroxide-based systems (for example, Clear Care), are well known for their effectiveness and tolerance among wearers with sensitive eyes.
When Should You Consult for Dry Eye Services?
When dry eye symptoms persist despite appropriate lens selection and care routines, it may be worthwhile to consult for specialized dry eye services offered in clinic. These services allow for a more in-depth evaluation of the ocular surface and the implementation of personalized solutions - whether or not you wear contact lenses.
In Summary
Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes is possible when you’re properly supported. Thanks to new technologies, appropriate lens selection, and a personalized care routine, comfort is achievable for contact lens wearers. An appointment at an Opto‑Réseau clinic makes it possible to assess your situation, adjust solutions as needed, and find what works best… for your eyes.
Curious to know what really goes on behind an optometrist’s instruments? Discover our article, where we take you behind the scenes of an eye exam with Dr. Stéphanie Bourque, optometrist and clinic owner at Opto‑Réseau Terrebonne.
(1)https://www.myalcon.com/fr/professional/contact-lenses/daily/dailies-total1/
(2) https://total.myalcon.com/ca/fr-CA/monthly/
(3) https://www.myalcon.com/fr/professional/contact-lenses/daily/precision1/
(4) https://www.myalcon.com/fr/professional/contact-lenses/weekly/precision7/
(5) https://clearcaresolution.myalcon.com/products/clear-care-plus/