Contact lenses – what an invention! They are discreet, provide freedom of movement, and deliver truly excellent vision comfort, even with significant refractive errors. It is easy to understand why we love them so much. But let’s be honest: have you ever woken up with the sensation of sand under your eyelids? Or felt that terrible burning at the end of the day? Unfortunately, for many people, contact lenses become the main culprit behind eye problems, because they provoke and exacerbate Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Sometimes discontinuing them is the first step toward lasting relief. Are you wondering whether you have reached the point where it is worth saying goodbye to contact lenses for good and considering laser vision correction? Let’s find out!
What will you learn from the text below?
- Can contact lenses really harm your eyes?Absolutely! Your contact lenses can both trigger and severely worsen the unpleasant symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome.
- What is the role of the tear film in this conflict?When tears do not spread properly, the lens does not float but instead adheres to the cornea and literally begins to “draw moisture out” of it.
- Are there rules for safe contact lens wear?Yes. You must strictly adhere to the wearing time and skip wearing them when you are intensely staring at screens.
- When should laser correction be considered?LVC is a brilliant solution if your DES is “secondary,” meaning it is directly caused by contact lenses – you remove the cause and the problem disappears!
- Does DES disqualify me from laser surgery?No, Dry Eye Syndrome is only a relative contraindication, but the doctor must very carefully assess the condition of your eyes before making a decision.
Contact Lenses and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) – Who Is to Blame?
Why are contact lenses so popular?
They are affordable, comfortable, and completely invisible. Who wouldn’t like them? They deliver excellent results, especially if you have a high refractive error and thick lenses tire you. Switching from glasses to contact lenses can feel like a bungee jump – suddenly you experience that incredible rush of freedom!
Does wearing contact lenses trigger or worsen DES symptoms?
Unfortunately, yes. Although contact lenses are excellent, they can cause trouble. Did you know that they may be responsible for your suffering from dry eye? The problem is that the secretion from your tear glands is not effectively distributed across the surface of the eye. If drops stop working and your eyes start to rebel – burning, stinging, and turning red – that is a sign that it is time to visit a specialist.
Statistics: How common is DES among contact lens users?
It is hard to believe, but it is widespread! As many as 75% of people who regularly wear contact lenses may struggle with DES! Moreover, this risk only increases with age, and statistically it affects women more often. This is therefore not an isolated case, but a serious problem.
Mechanism of eye irritation by the lens (role of the tear film)
In an ideal world, the contact lens gently floats on your tear film. But when tears are lacking or of poor quality, that buffer disappears. The lens literally adheres to the cornea, irritating it. And that is not all! When contact lenses lose hydration, they behave like a sponge and begin to draw moisture directly from your natural tears! Add to that protein deposits and micro-tears – and you have guaranteed, massive discomfort.
Rules for Safe Contact Lens Use and Minimizing Discomfort
Dedicated solutions for discomfort: drops and daily disposable lenses
If you do not want to give up contact lenses, consider solutions that will help your eyes. Daily disposable lenses are the best in this regard. Also use good drops – those with hyaluronic acid are a real hit, because they not only hydrate but also build a protective layer on the eye.
Basic rules for wearing contact lenses that must not be broken
You must stick to the rules, period.
- The matter of wearing time:Wear them only for as long as they were designed! If you break this rule, you guarantee yourself irritation, and in the long run you can trigger DES.
- Occasional use instead of continuous (e.g., avoiding monitors):If your eyes are sensitive, treat contact lenses as an option for special occasions – the pool or a party. When you work at a computer or watch TV, you blink less frequently, and your eyes dry out at an alarming rate. Put on glasses instead!
Choosing the right lenses and solutions (role of hyaluronic acid)
Buy only proven and high-quality products. If you have DES, look for silicone hydrogel lenses with hyaluronic acid. As for storage solutions – forget saline, because it dries out lenses! Use dedicated solutions.
When should you absolutely discontinue contact lenses? (Cold, eye diseases)
Remember safety! Do you have a cold? Discontinue contact lenses! Do not risk transferring germs directly to the eye. If you have any eye disease (e.g., conjunctivitis), be even more cautious and discontinue them.
Laser Vision Correction (LVC) as a Solution to DES Problems
DES as a Contraindication to LVC: Relative or Absolute?
Since contact lenses are bothering you so much, maybe it is time for laser vision correction? Does DES disqualify you? Fortunately, it is only a relative contraindication. This means that the doctor at Swisslaser simply needs to thoroughly examine your eyes before making a final decision.
Analysis of chronic DES cases (advanced stage of the disease)
If you suffer from primary DES at a truly advanced stage – one that causes, for example, epithelial defects – this is a more difficult case. This type of chronic DES, unfortunately, cannot be cured once and for all.
Statement by Dr. Victor Derhartunian:
“When we are dealing with chronic, advanced Dry Eye Syndrome, we must be very cautious with laser vision correction. We always thoroughly analyze the patient’s condition, because we do not want the procedure to worsen existing symptoms. Our goal is safety and comfort. But if the disease is under control and we know that eliminating contact lenses will truly help, then we proceed with the intervention. Precise diagnostics and an individual decision always matter.”
When Is Laser Correction the Best Solution? (Secondary DES)
And now the good news! If your DES is secondary – meaning it appeared precisely because you constantly wear contact lenses – then LVC may be your path to freedom! Symptoms often regress or completely resolve after discontinuing contact lenses! By undergoing laser vision correction, you eliminate the source of the problem. You no longer need to worry about contact lenses and the associated irritation – that is what real comfort means!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About DES and LVC
Does dry eye always occur after laser vision correction?
After the procedure, dryness may occur temporarily, because it is a natural response to intervention on the cornea. But do not worry! This is a transient condition. We treat it with drops and it usually resolves within a few weeks, at most a few months.
Can Dry Eye Syndrome be cured?
We cannot cure primary, chronic DES, but we can control the symptoms very well. On the other hand, secondary DES, triggered by contact lenses, often resolves once we eliminate them through laser vision correction.
How long after LVC must I use lubricating drops?
This is a very individual matter. Initially you must lubricate intensively, but later the doctor gradually reduces the dosage. Most often the tear film fully stabilizes within 3 to 6 months.
Can I return to contact lenses if LVC does not eliminate the refractive error 100%?
Theoretically yes, although after successful correction at Swisslaser the residual refractive error is usually minimal. If you had to return to contact lenses, remember that you risk the return of DES. In that case, it is best to choose only daily disposable lenses of the highest quality.
