Dry Eye Making Contact Lenses Uncomfortable? There’s Good News.
Struggling to wear contacts because of dry eye?
One of the most common stories we hear in the clinic goes something like this:
“I used to love wearing my contacts, but over time they just started to feel dry and irritating. Eventually, I gave up and went back to glasses.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Dry eye and eyelid problems are among the leading reasons patients stop wearing contact lenses. But here’s the good news: with the right care and modern lens technology, many of these patients can become happy contact lens wearers again.
At Cannon EyeCare, Dr. Mark Cannon focuses on getting to the root of your dry eye issues — starting with the eyelids.
✨ Key Takeaway
Don’t give up on contacts because of dryness. With proper eyelid treatment and new lens technologies like Total1, Precision1, Infuse, and Total30, many patients who struggled before are now wearing contacts comfortably again.
Modern Treatments Can Restore Comfort
The good news is that there are effective treatments to improve eyelid function and tear stability. Depending on your needs, this may include:
By treating the source of dryness — not just the symptoms — we can dramatically improve both your comfort and your chances of wearing contacts successfully again.
Eyelid & Tear Film Health:
The Foundation for Comfortable Contacts
Your eyelids and tear film play a crucial role in how comfortable your contact lenses feel. If your eyelid oil glands aren’t working properly, or if inflammation is present, your tears can evaporate too quickly — leaving your eyes feeling dry, irritated, or “gritty.”
This often leads to:
Dr. Cannon takes a medical, root-cause approach. He evaluates your eyelid health, tear quality, and ocular surface carefully. Many patients with contact lens discomfort actually have underlying eyelid conditions like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) that need to be treated for long-term success.
“We start by getting your eyelids healthy. Once that foundation is stable, everything else — including contact lens comfort — works better.”
New Contact Lens Technologies Have Changed the Game
Even just a few years ago, patients with dry eye often had limited lens options. But today, several innovative lens technologies have made contact lens wear far more comfortable for patients with dryness.
Some of the lenses we commonly use include:
🌐 Total30®
A monthly lens with similar water-gradient comfort technology to Total1, designed for patients who prefer a reusable option.
💧 Bausch + Lomb Infuse™
Made with a unique silicone hydrogel material and infused with electrolytes to support the eye’s natural tear film. Excellent for all-day hydration.
👁 Precision1®
A newer daily lens designed for outstanding comfort and stable vision, often great for patients with mild dryness.
🫧 Alcon Total1®
A premium daily disposable lens with a water gradient surface that’s silky smooth and exceptionally breathable. Many patients describe it as “barely feeling the lens.”
“These new lenses have completely changed what’s possible for many of our dry eye patients. People who once thought contacts ‘just weren’t for them’ are now wearing them comfortably all day.”
Why a Proper Fit & Eye Health Assessment Matter
If you’ve struggled with dry eye and lens discomfort, it’s not just about switching brands — it’s about a thorough evaluation.
Dr. Cannon looks at:
- The health of your eyelids and tear film
- The type of dryness you have (evaporative vs aqueous-deficient)
- Your prescription needs and visual goals
- How specific lens materials and designs interact with your eyes
By combining targeted dry eye treatment with the right lens technology, we can create a personalized plan that sets you up for success.
You Don’t Have to Give Up on Contacts
Dry eye doesn’t have to mean the end of contact lens wear. Many patients who gave up years ago are surprised to learn that with modern treatment and lens options, comfortable contact lens wear is often possible again.
👉 Schedule a dry eye and contact lens consultation with Dr. Mark Cannon at Cannon EyeCare.
We’ll get to the root of your dryness, restore eyelid health, and explore the latest lens technologies to get you seeing — and feeling — your best.
