“My eyes get dry when I wear contact lenses.”
“My eyes feel gritty toward evening.”
“I can’t live without eye drops.”
Many people suffer from these issues.
In fact, there is a deep connection between contact lens use and dry eye. In recent years, with prolonged use of smartphones and computers, the number of people troubled by dry eye symptoms caused by contact lenses has been increasing.
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way the causes and countermeasures for dry eye related to contact lenses, as well as ICL, which is gaining attention as a new option.
【Why Do Contact Lenses Cause Dry Eye?】
Contact lenses is on top of the tear film.
As a result:
- ・Tears evaporate more easily
- ・The tear balance is disrupted
- ・The ocular surface is stressed
All of which make dryness and discomfort more likely to occur.
In particular, the following people tend to experience worsening dry eye symptoms:
- ・Those who wear contact lenses for long periods
- ・Those who do mainly desk work
- ・Those who spend long hours looking at smartphones or computers
- ・Those who frequently stay in air-conditioned environments
【Do You Have These Symptoms?】
Dry eye caused by contact lenses often presents with the following symptoms:
- ・Lenses feel dry
- ・Gritty feeling in the eyes
- ・Frequent use of eye drops
- ・Blurred vision in the evening
- ・Feeling that the lenses stick to the eyes
- ・Easily bloodshot eyes
- ・Unable to wear contact lenses for long periods
Many people think, “It can’t be helped because I wear contacts,” and put up with these symptoms. However, leaving symptoms untreated can lead to corneal abrasions or chronic inflammation.
【Eye Drops Alone May Not Improve the Condition…】
Eye drops are commonly used in dry eye treatment, but if the contact lenses themselves are the source of the burden, eye drops alone may not bring sufficient improvement.
Especially in long-term contact lens users, the following may also be observed:
- ・Chronic dryness
- ・Corneal stress
- ・Allergic symptoms
- ・Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
“I want to stop wearing contacts, but I can’t live without corrected vision” – ICL Is Gaining Attention for Such People.
In recent years, ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) has been drawing attention from those troubled by dry eye due to contact lenses.
ICL is a treatment that corrects vision by inserting a special lens inside the eye.
Unlike contact lenses, it does not require daily insertion and removal, and because the lens does not directly touch the cornea, it is expected to reduce the dryness and strain associated with contact lenses.
【Reasons Why ICL Is Chosen by Those with Dry Eye】
1. Freedom from Contact Lens–Related Dryness
ICL eliminates the need for daily contact lens wear.
As a result, many people are freed from:
- ・Lens dryness
- ・Sticking sensation
- ・Fatigue from prolonged wear
and other issues.
2. No Corneal Ablation
Unlike LASIK, ICL is a vision correction treatment that does not remove corneal tissue.
While LASIK can cause postoperative dry eye symptoms, ICL is considered to have relatively less impact on the cornea.
Therefore, it is sometimes chosen by:
- ・Those who already have dry eye
- ・Those concerned about dryness after surgery
3. Comfort of Uncorrected Vision
After ICL, many people experience improved quality of life, such as:
- ・Being able to see clearly immediately upon waking
- ・Reduced frequency of eye drop use
- ・Less evening discomfort
- ・No more contact lens maintenance
and more.
【However, Not Everyone Is Eligible for ICL】
ICL requires a preoperative suitability examination.
The following factors are carefully assessed:
- ・Eye condition
- ・Corneal shape
- ・Presence of eye diseases
- ・Anterior chamber depth
to confirm whether the surgery can be performed safely.
Also, depending on the cause of dry eye, treating the dry eye itself may take priority.
Therefore, it is important to first undergo a thorough examination at an eye clinic.
【Summary】
Dry eye caused by contact lenses is a problem many people face.
Even if eye drops provide temporary relief, if you experience:
- ・Daily dryness
- ・Severe evening discomfort
- ・Feeling that contact lenses have reached their limit
vision correction treatment may be an option.
ICL is one treatment that can reduce the burden of contact lenses and help you aim for a more comfortable life without glasses or contacts.
If you are struggling with:
“The dryness from contact lenses is unbearable”
“I’m troubled by dry eye”
“I’m interested in living without glasses/contacts”
please feel free to consult our clinic.