For many people, wearing contact lenses can be more convenient than glasses. But that's not the case if you have dry eye syndrome. For people with this condition, wearing contacts can make the problem worse. Dry eye syndrome causes redness in the white part of the eye, along with a burning or stinging sensation. It can also feel like there's sand or grit in the eye, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Fortunately, Bay Ridge Family Eye Care can help with options in Brooklyn, NY.
Can Contact Lenses Cause Dry Eye?
There are a number of reasons for dry eye syndrome to occur, and wearing contact lenses can be one of them. This isn't an issue for everyone who chooses contact lenses, but it can become a real problem for some wearers. For others, dry eye syndrome is caused by another condition. In those cases, it's just something that develops, like any other medical condition. However, a lot of people with dry eye syndrome may think they can't wear contact lenses due to discomfort.
What Kinds of Treatments Are Available?
Dry eye treatment is available for contact lens wearers. You can get the right treatment and keep wearing your lenses by working with our eye doctor. Many people use eye drops, such as artificial tears or rewetting drops. These are temporary solutions, but they can be enough for milder cases of dry eye. More severe cases may be treated using prescription eye drops designed to help you produce more of your own tears and help keep your eyes stay lubricated.
Another commonly used treatment is to change the kinds of contact lenses you're wearing. An eye exam can show whether your dry eye syndrome is caused by your contact lenses or a medical condition. From there, we discuss your symptoms to help find a solution. Our eye doctor may recommend silicone hydrogel contact lenses or some of the other types that have increased water-binding properties. By holding more of the eye's natural lubrication, your eyes won't be as dry as they would when using standard contact lenses.
Visit our Optometry Team for Dry Eye Treatment from Our Eye Doctor in Brooklyn, NY
If you're in the Brooklyn area and need optometry help for dry eye syndrome, Bay Ridge Family Eye Care is here to give you the guidance and knowledge you need from an eye doctor you can trust. An eye exam will help determine the best dry eye treatment for your specific needs. When you're looking to schedule an eye exam, reach out to us with any questions you may have. We can answer them and help you find the treatment that will give you effective dry eye relief.