Specialty Contact Lenses for Dry Eye Syndrome: How Custom Contacts Can Provide Comfort

Specialty Contact Lenses for Dry Eye Syndrome: How Custom Contacts Can Provide Comfort

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common yet frustrating condition that affects millions of people, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and diminishing quality of life. While over-the-counter artificial tears and eye drops provide temporary relief, individuals with chronic dry eye may require a more comprehensive solution. Enter specialty contact lenses—custom-made to alleviate dry eye symptoms and provide long-lasting comfort. At Texas State Optical, we offer specialty contact lenses designed to address the unique challenges of dry eye sufferers.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as:

•          Redness and irritation

•          Grittiness or a sensation of something in your eye

•          Blurred vision

•          Sensitivity to light

These symptoms can make wearing standard contact lenses uncomfortable, but specialty lenses offer an innovative approach to manage dry eye.

How Specialty Contact Lenses Help

Specialty contact lenses for dry eye are designed with advanced technology to protect the eyes, retain moisture, and provide a comfortable fit. These lenses are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea, creating a reservoir of tears that helps keep the eye surface hydrated throughout the day. This moisture barrier reduces irritation, providing immediate and sustained relief for those with dry eye. Because these lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), they don't directly touch the cornea, which is especially beneficial for patients with corneal irregularities or severe dryness.

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the clarity of gas permeable lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. The center of the lens is rigid, providing sharp vision, while the surrounding soft skirt offers comfort and stability. Hybrid lenses maintain moisture better than traditional soft lenses, making them a viable option for dry eye sufferers seeking clear vision and comfort.

Custom Soft Contact Lenses

For those with mild to moderate dry eye, custom soft contact lenses can be designed to improve moisture retention and enhance comfort. These lenses are specifically tailored to fit the patient’s unique eye shape, which helps reduce friction and irritation.

The Benefits of Custom Contact Lenses for Dry Eye

Custom-made contact lenses offer several advantages for dry eye patients:

•          Improved Moisture Retention: Specialty lenses, like scleral and hybrid lenses, create a tear-filled environment that helps retain moisture and protect the cornea.

•          Enhanced Comfort: Designed with your unique eye shape and needs in mind, these lenses provide superior comfort compared to traditional lenses, even during extended wear.

•          Long-Term Relief: Unlike artificial tears that offer short-term relief, specialty lenses offer lasting comfort throughout the day.

•          Better Vision Quality: Custom lenses are designed not only for comfort but also for optimal vision, making them ideal for individuals with dry eye and other refractive errors.

Is Specialty Contact Lenses the Right Solution for You?

If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms and have trouble finding relief with standard treatments, specialty contact lenses may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Texas State Optical, Dr. Le will perform a thorough eye exams to determine the root cause of your dry eye and will work with you to find the most effective treatment option, including specialty lenses.

Contact Texas State Optical to learn out more about specialty contact lenses for dry eye syndrome. Visit our office in Sugar Land, Texas, or call (281) 238-5668 to book an appointment today.