Dry Eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in discomfort, redness, and irritation. For individuals who wear contact lenses, dry eye can pose additional challenges and make lens wear uncomfortable. However, there is a potential solution called Ortho-K that can help manage dry eye symptoms during lens wear.
 

Dry Eye and Its Impact on Contact Lens Wearers

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including dryness, stinging or burning sensation, redness, and blurred vision. These symptoms can be exacerbated for individuals who wear contact lenses, as the lenses can further contribute to dryness and irritation.
 

Contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the surface of the eyes, leading to increased tear evaporation and dryness. Additionally, contact lenses can act as a barrier, preventing the natural flow of tears and reducing lubrication. As a result, contact lens wearers with dry eye often experience discomfort and may find it challenging to wear their lenses for extended periods.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can manifest in various symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Some of the common symptoms include:
 

• Dryness and discomfort: The eyes may feel dry, itchy, or gritty, and there may be a constant sensation of something in the eye.
• Redness: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot due to irritation and inflammation.
• Burning or stinging sensation: Individuals with dry eye may experience a burning or stinging sensation in their eyes.
• Blurry or fluctuating vision: Dryness can affect the quality of vision, causing blurriness or fluctuations in visual clarity.
• Sensitivity to light: Dry eye can make the eyes more sensitive to light, leading to discomfort in bright environments.
• Excessive tearing: Paradoxically, some individuals with dry eye may experience excessive tearing as a reflex response to the dryness and irritation.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult an optometrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K, short for Orthokeratology, is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep. By gently flattening the cornea, Ortho-K lenses correct nearsightedness or astigmatism, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
 

Ortho-K lenses provide several benefits for individuals with dry eye, making it a potential solution for managing dry eye symptoms during lens wear. Here's how Ortho-K can help:
 

• Increased tear film stability: Ortho-K lenses can help improve tear film stability by reducing tear evaporation. The gentle reshaping of the cornea promotes better tear distribution and prevents excessive tear evaporation, allowing the tears to stay on the ocular surface for a more extended period.
• Enhanced oxygen permeability: Ortho-K lenses are made of highly oxygen-permeable materials, allowing a sufficient amount of oxygen to reach the cornea even during lens wear. This helps maintain corneal health and reduces the risk of dryness and irritation.
• Reduced lens-related dryness: By wearing Ortho-K lenses only during sleep, contact lens wearers with dry eye can minimize the time their eyes are exposed to the potential drying effects of lenses. This can lead to reduced lens-related dryness and discomfort during waking hours.
• Daytime freedom: With Ortho-K, individuals can enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This freedom from daytime lens wear can significantly reduce the discomfort and dryness associated with traditional contact lenses.
• Reduced risk of complications: By minimizing the time the eyes are exposed to contact lenses, Ortho-K reduces the risk of complications associated with lens wear, such as infections or corneal abrasions. This is especially beneficial for individuals with dry eye, as their eyes are more susceptible to damage.
• Convenience and cost savings: Ortho-K eliminates the need for daily lens wear, lens cleaning solutions, and replacement lenses, resulting in cost savings over time. Additionally, the convenience of not having to wear lenses during the day can be appealing to individuals with dry eye.

Finding Relief and Comfort with Ortho-K

Dry eye can pose significant challenges for individuals who wear contact lenses, making lens wear uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, with the introduction of Ortho-K, there is hope for individuals with dry eye to find relief and comfort during lens wear. By reshaping the cornea during sleep, Ortho-K lenses can alleviate dry eye symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall eye comfort.
 

If you are a contact lens wearer experiencing dry eye symptoms, consult with our optometrist to determine if Ortho-K is a suitable option for you. Visit True Vision Optometry at our office in Montebello, California, or call (323) 403-4116 to schedule an appointment today.