For Dry Eyes

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment For Dry Eyes

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What is Dry Eye Disease?

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Dry eye disease is a very uncomfortable condition that plagues many people. If you are diagnosed with dry eye disease, you may be able to find relief with the assistance of your eye doctor. What is dry eye disease? This condition appears when a tear deficiency exists. The eye does not produce enough tears to stay moisturized and well lubricated.  Tear evaporation can also cause dry eye disease. Overall, the disease appears when there are not enough tears present to keep eyes at healthy moisture levels.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease brings with it many uncomfortable symptoms. The most obvious is an irritating, dry feeling. Eyes will also become itchy or endure a burning sensation. These problems are often made worse as the patient begins rubbing eyes to stop the itch.  Some patients describe the feeling as similar to the sensation felt when debris is stuck in the eye.

Vision may be affected by dry eye disease as well. Patients may experience blurred vision as well as light sensitivity that can make it difficult to get through a typical day. In severe cases, blurring could become a dangerous hazard, especially for individuals that rely heavily on their ability to see (such as those who operate heavy equipment). Severe dry eye disease may also cause a discharge to appear.

Dry Eye Disease Treatment

Patients searching for an effective dry eye disease treatment can try a few different things. The first step is to determine what is causing the problem, or making it worse.  Environmental factors, such as smoke or excessively dry air can make the problem worse (or even be the cause).  These can usually be changed simply be altering habits or the environment around you. Some people purchase special sunglasses that can help protect eyes from debris and wind to lower the severity of dry eye disease while outdoors.

Eye drops can also help reduce symptoms. Over the counter eye drops are generally inexpensive, but are only recommended for occasional use. They can lubricate the eye and add “artificial tears” to supplement insufficient tear production. If you feel eye drops are needed more often or for long term use, then consult your eye doctor to find out if there is a better solution. Prescription medication could be the solution to help you safely stop the symptoms of dry eye disease.

What are the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes?

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Although some brands are more popular than others, the best contact lenses for dry eyes are out there. In most cases, it is a matter of personal opinion. Some patients have specific symptoms and problems and develop a preference to a certain brand. In other cases, the patient has only tried one or two brands and decided on their favorite without really trying any other dry eye contacts. If you want to know which are truly the best contact lenses for dry eyes then you must decide which are the most comfortable for your particular situation. The following provides information on some of the most popular contact lenses to get you started in your search for the best contact lenses for dry eyes.

Acuvue Oasys

Acuvue is a brand name often associated with contacts. Their Oasys product has become a fast favorite among those looking for the best contact lenses for dry eyes.  These are disposable contacts that must be changed out weekly. Wearers must follow standard care procedures, such as keeping lenses clean and only wearing for recommended number of hours. Oasys contacts are designed to diminish the dry, burning feeling that often accompanies dry eye, even in less than desirable environmental conditions.

Focus AirOptix Night and Day Aqua Contact Lenses

Focus AirOptix lenses are safe for use up to one month. These come with a tint feature that makes it a little easier for the patient to put contacts. This feature makes Focus AirOptix ideal for individuals that have a hard time getting used to putting in and taking out their contacts. Focus AirOptix Night and Day Aqua are considered the best contact lenses for dry eyes because they can be worn at night. The lenses employ an advanced moisture system to help alleviate and prevent dry eyes.

ProClear Compatibles

ProClear Compatibles are often labeled as the best contact lenses for dry eyes because they allow the eye to breathe rather than dry out. These soft contacts are not recommended for night time wear, but they can have a positive impact on dry eye syndrome. ProClear Compatibles also have the benefit of being the only contact lens that has been given permission by the FDA to state that they can “provide improved comfort” for those with dry eye problems.