As a local optometry clinic, we often get asked how to get rid of under eye bags. Many people have […]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses. Dry eye syndrome can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable, so everyone is looking for solutions. Could daily disposable lenses be one of them?
Dry eyes are a common problem for contact lens wearers. Contact lens wearers tend to have a higher incidence of dry eyes because the contact lens on their cornea partially blocks oxygen. Despite the fact that many contact lenses allow more oxygen to permeate the eye, wearers can still experience dry, gritty eyes at the end of the day. Furthermore contact lenses can exacerbate existing dry eye by causing additional friction on the already inflamed cornea.
If you have dry eye symptoms and have discomfort from your contact lenses or are considering which contact lens modality to use, call us to schedule a contact lens exam and dry eye evaluation today at (212) 752-6930. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care, contact lenses, and dry eye treatment for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
There are several types of contact lenses that can help people with dry eyes, depending on the cause. Here are some options to consider:
When it comes to dry eyes, environmental buildup is a major culprit; the more dirt you have on your lenses (whether it's pollen, bacteria, or proteins or lipids from your tears), the more irritation you'll feel. People with dry eyes usually do well when they use daily disposable contacts because they get a new pair every day. The protein deposits and other gunk that accumulates on the surface of daily contacts are also thrown out when they are discarded.
Monthly, weekly, and biweekly lenses need to be stored and cleaned regularly with contact solution. While it helps remove deposits from the lens, it doesn't completely remove wear and tear and deposit buildup. The contact lenses worn on a daily basis are usually thinner than the contact lenses worn on a longer-term basis. With a soft, thin build, the contact lenses integrate easier with the cornea and feel less like they are over your eyes. The use of daily contact lenses reduces the chance of getting an eye infection or other eye reaction like giant papillary conjunctivitis because of less buildup on your lenses.
Even though daily lenses are generally recommended for people with dry eyes, not everyone can benefit from them. A pair of longer-term contacts or scleral lenses may be more comfortable for some people, so it's wise to discuss the options with our optometrist beforehand and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle with our eye doctor.
Dry eye can be treated effectively with scleral lenses. A scleral lens vaults totally over the sensitive cornea and is surrounded by a reservoir of fluid held in place by the lens, both of these design elements reduce friction and improve comfort for extended periods of time. A layer of fluid not only normalizes corneal irregularities and improves optical quality, but it also hydrates the surface of the eye.
Scleral lenses are increasingly being used by specialty contact lens fitters and dry eye specialists. The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop II included scleral lenses as part of the treatment options for dry eye. When other earlier stage treatments have proved ineffective, DEWS and DEWSII support the use of scleral lenses. Those earlier stage dry eye treatments include artificial tears, lid therapy, topical medications, and punctal plugs. In the Dry Eye Workshop, the authors recommended using scleral lenses before proceeding to anti inflammatory systemic medications, autologous serum tears, or surgical options.
If you have dry eyes, tell our eye doctor about it when you get your contact lenses fitted, or schedule a dry eye evaluation. Beyond being able to help determine which types of contact lenses are likely to be the most comfortable for you, they are also able to recommend specific contact lens brands and treatments, which may provide additional comfort.
Many eye doctors are of the opinion that daily disposable contact lenses are a great option for mild dry eye patients. Along with being easier to manage than reusable lenses and less likely to cause irritation, they provide good breathability. Scleral lenses are very effective in treating dry eye, and should be the go-to lens for anyone who has more advanced dry eye or is unsuccessful with daily disposable contact lenses. Scleral lenses are increasingly being used by specialty contact lens fitters and dry eye specialists. Bear in mind that there may be some differences between different contact lens brands, and that on this question, along with any other questions you have, it is highly recommended to seek a professional’s advice before making a purchase.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a contact lens fitting or dry eye evaluation, you can contact Amplify EyeCare Manhattan at (212) 752-6930.
At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.
Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.
As a local optometry clinic, we often get asked how to get rid of under eye bags. Many people have […]
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes you may know that having regular comprehensive eye exams is critical to preventing irreversible […]
It is estimated that pink eye is one of the most common eye conditions in the United States, with an […]
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30am–5pm
Friday
9:30am–3pm
Saturday
9:30am–2pm
Sunday
Closed
