One of the biggest complaints from our patients in our Evansville eye clinic is regarding pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, or dry eyes. When someone has dry eyes, they are having issues with tear production. The question that many of them have is, can I wear contact lenses while I have dry eyes or pink eye?
The big concern in wearing contact lenses while experiencing dry eyes is the possibility of scratching your cornea due to the heightened sensitivity of the area. Should you feel the need to constantly rub your eyes, even when the lenses are out, you may be at a risk of a scratched cornea.
Not all hope is lost however as there are various contact lenses on the market that are specifically designed for patients with dry eyes or pink eye. We always push daily contact lenses as they offer the ability to wear a fresh pair of lenses on a daily basis. Acuvue Oasys and Alcon Dailies Total 1 are daily lenses that offer the user a lens that tends to dry out less. Some patients opt for gas permeable lenses that retain more water.
There are various options on the market for contact lenses for those suffering from dry eyes. If you fear you have or will scratch your cornea, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call to check it out. We can also discuss the best contact lens brand available for those with dry eyes.