Over 16 million Americans suffer from dry eye disease experiencing symptoms such as irritation, gritty, watery or stinging eyes. This can happen when we do not have enough tears on the surface of the eye or the tears we do have evaporate too quickly. Dr. Joe Lam, an optometrist in Palo Alto, says daily lenses are great for dry eyes because they stop allergens and irritants from collecting.
Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
| Feature | Daily Contacts | Monthly Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Retention | High – stays hydrated all day | Moderate – can dry out over time |
| Risk of Infection | Lower – new lens daily | Higher – requires cleaning & storage |
| Convenience | Very easy – no maintenance | Requires cleaning & care |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower per lens but additional costs for solutions |
Does Wearing Daily Contacts Help with Dry Eyes?
The answer is generally yes. Daily disposals can be of great benefit to anyone with dry eyes and the design of the lens is appropriate for its use. Daily lenses are disposed of at the end of each day which decreases the potential of protein and debris accumulation when compared to monthly and bi-weekly options. This results into improved hydration throughout the day and also increased comfort.
Here are the primary reasons why daily lenses are better for Dry Eyes:
- Increased Moisture Retention: These modern daily lenses are often made with a material called silicone hydrogel. It’s remarkably efficient at locking in moisture, especially compared to the older lens types. So your eyes stay nice and hydrated all day long.
- Reduced Irritation: Changing your lenses every day stops the buildup of things that can irritate your eyes and make dryness more painful.
- Enhanced Oxygen Flow: Daily contacts also tend to be thinner and more breathable than longer-wear lenses. That increased oxygen flow straight to your corneas is crucial for maintaining eye health and keeping you feeling great. No more that heavy, stuffy feeling – just fresh, breezy comfort.
However, daily lenses are not a universal solution. The severity of dry eyes and individual sensitivities can influence whether they’re the best option.
For dry eye patients, many feel it’s easier and more comfortable to wear glasses; however, contact lenses can still be a viable option and a great alternative for special occasions, traveling or sports. The key is finding the right lens for you!
Soft Contact Lenses Replacement schedule
There are hundreds of contact lenses to choose from so how do you know which would be best suited for dry eyes? Let’s take a deeper dive with our preferred eye doctor in Palo Alto, Dr. Joy Lam. There are reusable soft contact lenses that are typically replaced annually, quarter, monthly or biweekly and then there are daily contact lenses. Generally speaking for soft lenses, most dry eye specialists will agree starting with a new and fresh lens everyday is significantly healthier and more comfortable for patients! These daily contact lenses have been the lens of choice worldwide and have been rising in popularity in the United States due to the following benefits.
- Convenience
Daily contact lenses are single use contact lenses. You start each and everyday with a brand new lens and discard them in the evening. This eliminates the hassle of cleaning, storing and transporting your lenses. Also, if there is any discomfort with your eyes you can easily discard your daily lens and insert a new lens.
- Lower Risk of Infection
Reusable lenses often will build up with deposits, proteins and debris like make up despite daily cleaning. This can lead to a compromised corneal increasing the risk of eye infections and irritation especially for dry eye patients. To combat this, dry eye doctors now routinely recommend daily lenses to preserve eye health and comfort.
- Fewer Irritants
Reusable lenses require the use of cleaning solutions or extra eye drops everyday. Oftentimes these multi-purpose solutions that clean, store and disinfect lens contact contain harsh chemicals and preservatives which can cause discomfort for our patients with dry and sensitive eyes.
- Better Comfort
Advanced contact lenses material such as silicon hydrogel can be a better option for those suffering from dry eyes. This porous material allows more oxygen to reach the eye for optimal eye health and is more hydrating ensuring greater comfort throughout the day which is especially important for dry eye sufferers.
- Eco-Friendly Option
Eye doctors in Palo Alto are very conscious about sustainability. While daily lenses may appear wasteful, they actually consume less plastic than a year’s supply of reusable lenses + contact lens solution bottles + cases. All the packaging from daily lenses are recyclable.
Tip for more hydrated eyes while wearing contact lenses
- Hydration: Drinking more water will help your body produce more tears
- Taking Breaks: Following the 20/20/20 rule will help prevent your eyes from drying out while on the computer. Every 20 mins, take a 20 second break looking at least 20ft away.
- Eye Drops: Using contact lens approved rewetting drops can increase the comfort of your eyes while on screens
- Adjusting your environment: Avoid being in front of a/c or heater vent. Direct fan away from you. Using a humidifier especially in drier environments may increase comfort.
Hard Contact Lens for Dry Eyes
Scleral lenses are another option for those struggling with dry eyes. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses rest gently on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and create a fluid-filled barrier that keeps the surface of your eye hydrated throughout the day. This provides a soothing cushion of moisture, offering relief from dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
For those with severe dry eye disease, keratoconus, or corneal irregularities, scleral lenses can be life-changing—helping to restore not just vision but day-to-day comfort.
At Refine Optometry we’re constantly looking for new advancements in contact lens technology and dry eye treatments to be the best in Palo Alto Optometry and to better serve our patients. While we offer the latest contact lens technology, it’s also important for our dry eye doctors to identify the root causes of dry eyes to initiate therapy whether it be at home care or in-office treatments.
Our dry eye specialists conduct comprehensive dry eye evaluations including:
- An extensive review of your health history including illnesses and past/current medications
- Evaluate your tear count, blink rate and pattern, eyelid posture
- Perform meibography imaging to access the gland health and function
- Lifestyle/work environment audit and optimization for dry eyes
This data is then reviewed with you and together we customize a solution that is right for you. Our approach combines evidence based medicine with a passion for holistic, preventive care dedicated to preserving the health and function of your eyes for many years to come. If you’re ready to try daily lenses or need health with your dry eyes, schedule a visit to Refine Optometry in Palo Alto today!