Having dry eyes means nothing but you probably have to
evaluate a variety of lenses before finding the right kind for you. However, a
qualified contact lens fitter should be able to find a specific lens that will
work well for most any eye, even dry eyes.
Soft contact lens manufacturers such as Vistakon and
CooperVision have developed materials that are made specifically to stay
hydrated while on a dry eye. Lens brands such as the Proclear Compatibles,
Acuvue Oasys, Extreme H2O, and Purevision work wonders in a dry eye environment.
Each lens is made from a unique proprietary plastic that have the ability of
retaining water content, hydration, and/or shape throughout the day.
Rigid gas permeable lenses also work extremely well on dry
eyes. An RGP lens is constructed of a rigid plastic that does not absorb as much
solution as a
soft lens. Because of this, RGP lenses do not dehydrate on an eye,
which is what causes dry eye discomfort. RGP's can be made of a number of
different plastics, including some that are extremely oxygen permeable and some
that have a very low wetting angle. A low wetting angle simply means the lens
will feel moist while being worn.
The latest advancement in RGP lenses for dry eyes is
something called plasma treatment. A company named Paragon Vision has discovered
a way to alter the surface molecules of an RGP contact lens making it more
comfortable for most people. This kind of treatment has proven to be a major
advancement RGP contact lenses and dry eyes.
There are Still another option for dry eyes and it's
called semi-scleral gas permeable lenses. These lenses are made of gas permeable
materials, yet are the size of most soft lenses. The result is a lens that is as
comfortable as a soft lens, with the non-dehydrating benefits of a gas
permeable.
The type of
contact lens used is only one part of the
equation. The solution and care system is a significant portion of lens success.
Just how lenses and it's materials are different, so are all care systems.
Depending on the type of dry eye and which lens you are using, a different
conditioning solution, cleaner, or rewetting drop may change the way you wear
your contacts.
The time when you - just because you had dry eyes meant
that you couldn't be a successful contact lens wearer - is fortunately over.
Given the last years contact lens designs and materials available coupled with
new solution systems the world of contact lens wear possibilities is open to you.
