Can I Wear Toric Contact Lenses with Dry Eyes?

-

 Living with astigmatism often means relying on toric contact lenses for clear and stable vision. But for those who also experience dry eyes, wearing contacts can become uncomfortable and frustrating. Many astigmatic users wonder: Can I wear toric contact lenses if I have dry eyes? The short answer is yes—but it requires the right approach, lens choice, and care routine.

In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between toric contact lenses and dry eyes, explain why this combination can be challenging, and offer practical solutions to help you wear your lenses more comfortably and safely.

Understanding the Challenge: Toric Lenses and Dry Eyes

Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, which is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. These lenses have a unique shape and orientation that must stay stable on the eye to provide clear vision. Because of this design, toric lenses are often slightly thicker than standard lenses, which can limit oxygen flow and increase the risk of dryness.

Dry eyes, on the other hand, occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is irritation, redness, blurred vision, and discomfort—symptoms that can worsen with contact lens wear, especially if you’re using lenses not optimized for moisture retention.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes While Wearing Toric Lenses

  • Gritty or burning sensation

  • Itchy, red eyes

  • Blurred vision that improves after blinking

  • Feeling like your lens is moving or not sitting right

  • Needing to remove lenses early in the day

If you’re experiencing any of these, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to give up on toric lenses.

Solutions: How to Wear Toric Contact Lenses with Dry Eyes

1. Choose the Right Lens Material

Not all toric lenses are created equal. Newer silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach the eye and retain moisture better than older hydrogel materials.

Look for:

  • Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism – Designed with Hydraclear® Plus Technology for moisture retention

  • Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism – Features MoistureSeal® Technology that helps prevent lens dehydration

  • Biofinity Toric – Uses Aquaform® Technology for long-lasting comfort and breathability

These advanced materials are great for users who need both clear vision and added moisture.

2. Use Rewetting Drops

Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness throughout the day. Be sure to choose preservative-free drops that are safe for contact lens wearers.

Apply drops:

  • Before lens insertion

  • Midday, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments

  • Whenever your eyes feel dry or tired

3. Stick to the Recommended Wear Schedule

Wearing toric lenses longer than recommended can lead to lens dryness and eye irritation. Remove your lenses after 8–10 hours, even if they still feel comfortable.

Tip: If you're prone to dryness, daily disposable toric lenses may be a better option. These lenses are fresh every day and reduce the buildup of proteins and deposits that can contribute to dryness.

4. Take Screen Breaks

Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, causing your lenses to dry out more quickly. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Also, remember to blink fully and often to re-lubricate your lenses while working or reading.

5. Maintain Good Lens Hygiene

Always clean and store your reusable lenses with a high-quality disinfecting solution. Avoid using expired solutions, and never rinse your lenses with tap water.

When to Talk to Your Eye Doctor

If dryness persists despite following these best practices, it’s time to consult your optometrist. They can:

  • Recommend a different lens brand or material

  • Assess your tear production

  • Prescribe treatments for dry eye syndrome

In some cases, switching to scleral lenses (which vault over the cornea and hold moisture underneath) may also be an option for severe cases of dryness and astigmatism.

Yes, you can wear toric contact lenses with dry eyes—but it takes a bit of customization and care. With the right lens choice, proper hydration, and a healthy routine, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision all day long—even with astigmatism and dryness.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Do My Multifocal Contact Lenses Feel Uncomfortable? Common Fit Issues and Solutions

-
  Multifocal contact lenses are a popular solution for people with presbyopia, allowing them to see clearly at different distances. However, many users experience discomfort, blurry vision, or difficulty adapting to these lenses. If your multifocal contact lenses feel uncomfortable, there are several common fit and adjustment issues that might be causing the problem. In this guide, we’ll explore why multifocal lenses can be uncomfortable and provide practical solutions to help you achieve a better fit. Common Fit Issues with Multifocal Contact Lenses 1. Poor Lens Fit Multifocal lenses must sit correctly on the eye to function properly. If the lens moves too much , it can cause blurriness, discomfort, or irritation . If the lens is too tight , it can lead to redness, dryness, and eye strain . Solution: Get a comprehensive eye exam to ensure the correct lens size and curvature . Your optometrist can adjust the fit or recommend a different brand for better comfort. 2. Difficulty...
Read more

How to Choose the Right Color Contact Lenses for Your Skin Tone and Eye Shape

-
  Color contact lenses are a fashionable and playful way to alter or add a different color to your natural eye color. But with so many shades and styles, it's hard to decide which one is best to suit you, particularly if you don't know what shade will look good on your skin or fit your eye shape. The good news? A little guidance can help you find lenses that not only transform your eyes but also enhance your natural beauty. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the right color contact lenses based on your skin tone and eye shape. Match Your Skin Tone: Warm, Cool, or Neutral? Your skin tone plays a key role in determining which eye colors will look the most natural and appealing on you. First, identify your undertone: 1. Warm Skin Tones If your skin has golden, peachy, or yellow undertones, you fall into the warm category. Best color contacts: Honey Hazel Warm brown Olive green These shades will blend harmoniously with your complexion, adding a radiant glow to your overal...
Read more

Why Are My Multifocal Contact Lenses Blurry? Common Causes and Fixes

-
  Multifocal contact lenses are designed to help people with presbyopia see clearly at all distances—near, intermediate, and far. However, many users initially experience blurry or unclear vision, which can be frustrating. If you’re struggling with blurry multifocal contacts, understanding the common causes and how to adjust can make a significant difference. In this blog, we’ll explore why your vision may seem unclear initially and provide practical tips to improve your experience. 1. Adjustment Period: Your Eyes Need Time to Adapt Switching to multifocal contact lenses requires an adjustment period, as your brain learns to process multiple focal points at once. The duration of this adaptation may range from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, your vision may appear blurry, especially when shifting focus between different distances. How to Adjust: Give It Time : Allow your brain to adjust to the new way of seeing. Be patient and wear your lenses consistently. Blink Often...
Read more