Lenses for dry eye syndrome in adults

With dry eyes, wearing lenses is problematic, not all models are suitable, so it is important to choose them together with your doctor. let’s find out what kind of lenses exist for people with this problem.

Dry eye syndrome is a problem of the modern world. It is very common among people of all ages. This is largely due to the fact that various gadgets are being used more and more, a lot of time is spent in front of a computer screen.

Normally, people blink about 15 to 17 times per minute. When working with documents, reading, including from gadget screens, the eyes work hard, and the blinking frequency is reduced to 5-6 times per minute. Due to such a slowdown in blinking, the mucous membrane of the eye dries up, and the natural protective tear film is disrupted. As a result, the eyes feel irritation, they turn red, there is a feeling of itching, burning, dryness, “sand in the eyes”, discomfort during work. If the patient wears contact correction means, their surface dries up similarly to their own mucosa, they also lack moisture due to a lack of tear fluid.

Can lenses be worn with dry eye syndrome?

Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes is not prohibited, but before prescribing this method of correction, a complete examination is necessary. The doctor will evaluate a number of eye parameters required for the selection of lenses. In addition to the standard data on the degree of refractive error, corneal curvature and mucosal condition, if the patient has symptoms of dry eyes, additional tests are prescribed:

• Schirmer’s test – This is a quantitative test that helps to assess the level of production of tear fluid in the eyes using special test strips that are laid behind the lower eyelid.
• Norn test is an assessment of the stability of the tear film on the surface of the eye. It is carried out using a slit lamp, and for this, a special dye (fluorescein) is instilled into the eyes before examination, then the patient is asked to keep his eyes open and additionally fix the eyelids with his fingers to prevent accidental closing of the palpebral fissure, and then in seconds it is estimated after what time the lacrimal rupture occurs. films. At a young age, the gap time can be about 20 – 23 seconds, in old age this parameter is reduced to an average of 11 – 15 seconds.

If the Norn test is less than 10 seconds, this indicates the presence of dry eye syndrome.

If the test results are less than 5 seconds, wearing contact lenses is contraindicated.

For any degree of dry eyes, moisturizing drops are prescribed as replacement therapy.

Which lenses are best for dry eye syndrome

For contact lenses that can be used for moderate manifestations of xerosis (dryness) of the eyes, certain characteristics are important. This is a high moisture content (hydrophilicity), as well as resistance to dehydration, a low wettability angle and high biocompatibility with body tissues. These indicators will help reduce or eliminate discomfort when wearing lenses, increase their tolerance.

Lenses should be selected only with a doctor who can determine all the necessary indicators and choose the most comfortable options.

What is the difference between lenses for dry eye syndrome and ordinary lenses?

For dry eyes, the doctor can choose certain types of lenses that, on the one hand, will be better tolerated by the patient, and on the other hand, can reduce the severity of symptoms of irritation, burning, and eye fatigue. In each case, an individual approach is required.

For example, silicone hydrogel lenses have a high oxygen permeability index, hydrogel lenses have a high moisture content, and water-gradient products combine the advantages of both lenses, but also have certain parameters that can limit their use.

Reviews of doctors about lenses for dry eye syndrome

“Dry eyes only get worse with age,” he says. ophthalmologist Fatimat Khulamkhanova. – Physiological changes occur, metabolic processes slow down, which affects the quantity and quality of tear fluid synthesis. Tears evaporate faster, causing the typical sensations of dry eyes, itching, burning, irritation, and redness. When wearing lenses, these symptoms may be exacerbated.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed with an expert, an ophthalmologist Fatimat Khulamkhanova, the features of choosing and wearing contact lenses for dry eyes. Determined when you can not wear lenses, what you need to know about their choice, and what complications are possible.