Contact Lenses and Dry Eye in New York and New Jersey
Dry Eye Syndrome is an eye condition that causes the following symptoms: burning, itching, stinging, grittiness, or a feeling of something being stuck in the eye. Dry Eye can be caused by a number of factors, such as genetics, aging, and medications.
How Can Dry Eye Affect Contact Lens Use?
When the eye does not naturally create enough tears, Dry Eye can develop. For contact lens wearers, this can be especially difficult.
New Contact Lens Technologies in New York City
It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of robots and self-driving cars were solely referred to in science fiction books and films. Today, these technologies exist, and they’re being applied in many industries from automotive to fashion, medicine, and more. The world of eye care is replete with technological innovations as well.
Since the first contact lens was created in the 19th century, contacts have come a long way. Over the years, this first version gave birth to contacts made from gas permeable and silicone hydrogel materials. Furthermore, contact lenses have gotten smaller and more effective at correcting vision problems, such as Dry Eye (scleral lenses).
Several new advancements in contact lens development include elements such as center-distance multifocal lenses. The theory is that because each individual’s pupil size is different, the lenses must be customized accordingly. Center-distance multifocal contacts are adjusted for a patient’s unique pupil size and fit.
Photochromic eyeglasses aren’t new, but the contact lens versions certainly are. Traditional photochromic eyeglasses change according to the type of light they’re exposed to. In other words, they automatically darken in the sunlight and become lighter in the dark, which allows the wearer to use them as both glasses and sunglasses. What is new, however, is the development of contact lenses which can do exactly the same thing.
Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes
Scleral Lenses are larger in size than traditional contact lenses, as they sit on the white part of the eye — the sclera. These lenses help those with corneal problems see clearly and comfortably.
They are often chosen as an alternative to traditional contact lenses as they provide comfortable and clear vision. This is because the moisturizing solution that fills the space between the eyes and the back of the scleral lens keeps the eyes continuously moist and provides relief for those suffering with Dry Eyes or discomfort with traditional lenses.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses:
- Continuous hydration for the eye surface
- Protection from mechanical irritation
- Improved visual clarity in dry or irregular corneas
Time Is of The Essence
They say that timing is everything, and that is certainly true when it comes to our health. So when is the right time for a patient with Dry Eyes to use scleral lenses? Each patient’s condition and symptoms are unique, so it really depends on the severity of the symptoms and how often they occur. Each patient should discuss their case with our eye doctors for a customized treatment plan.
Screen Time and Dry Eyes
We are spending much more time on our screens today than ever before.
In fact, Nielsen estimates that American adults spend more than 11 hours of screen time every day. For young adults (age 18-34), the number is even higher. This has some serious consequences on not just our social interactions, but our overall health as well— including eye health.
When one spends most of their day looking at a computer, TV, or smartphone screen, their eyesight can be adversely affected. This has particularly important consequences for those with Dry Eye Syndrome.
On average, a person blinks once every 4 seconds, providing much needed moisture for the eyes. For those staring at a screen, this number only decreases. This, in turn, diminishes the amount of moisture that coats the eyes, leading your eyes to become drier.
Those with Dry Eyes suffer from itchy, burning, or stinging eyes.
Parents should be attentive to their children’s’ use of smartphones and tablets. According to the American Optometric Association, excessive screen time is linked to pediatric Dry Eye disease. So what can parents do to prevent this or improve the situation?
Child psychologists advise parents to limit screen time to an agreed-upon amount per day. Establish set rules for the family, such as putting phones away during meal times or special events. Furthermore, increasing outdoor activities like sports or hiking has been shown to prevent the development of pediatric Dry Eyes.
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
Key Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor:
- What’s the oxygen permeability (Dk/t) of my current lenses?
- Are daily disposables or scleral lenses right for me?
- Would treating my dry eye improve my lens comfort?
- How does screen use affect my lens wear time?
Quick Checklist: Is Your Discomfort Linked to Your Contacts?
Use this quick checklist to identify possible contact lens-related dry eye:
- Eyes feel dry or tired after just a few hours of wear
- You rely on artificial tears more than twice a day
- Discomfort improves when you're not wearing lenses
- Symptoms worsen with screen time
- You're using monthly lenses past their recommended schedule
If you checked 2 or more, it’s time to reassess your lenses.
Take Our Dry Eye & Contact Lens Compatibility Quiz
Wondering if your contact lenses are making your dry eye worse? Take our short quiz to find out and explore options that may better suit your eyes.
Book an Evaluation Dry Eye Treatment Centers of NY and NJ
We offer advanced dry eye diagnostics and contact lens evaluations at our New York and New Jersey locations. Talk with Dr. Schlussel or Dr. Canuto about creating a personalized dry eye solution that keeps you seeing—and feeling—your best.
Serving NYC, Montclair, Livingston, South Orange, and beyond.