When Dry Eye Meets Contact Lenses - Scorecard - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

When Dry Eye Meets Contact Lenses

This article will delve into how to treat dry eye disease, and then explore how to refine selection and design of various contact lens modalities for patients with ocular surface disease.

  • By

  • ELISE KRAMER, OD, FAAO

  • November 1, 2025

  • 18 min

Share

Clinical Scorecard: When Dry Eye Meets Contact Lenses

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionDry Eye Disease (DED)
Key MechanismsTear film instability, hyperosmolality, inflammation, and damage to the ocular surface.
Target PopulationPatients with Dry Eye Disease who wear contact lenses.
Care SettingOphthalmology and optometry practices.

Key Highlights

  • DED affects millions and can significantly impair quality of life.
  • Contact lens wear may exacerbate DED symptoms, leading to dropout.
  • Successful lens wear is defined as comfortable use for 12 hours daily, 6 days a week.
  • Lid wiper epitheliopathy is a common indicator of contact lens-related discomfort.
  • Early detection and management of DED can prevent progression and structural damage.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize point-of-care metrics such as TBUT, ocular surface staining, and tear osmolarity.

Management

  • Implement patient education, environmental changes, and artificial tears based on tear film deficiency.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular assessment of tear film stability and ocular surface health.

Risks

  • Increased symptoms in patients using antihistamines, antidepressants, or systemic isotretinoin.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with mild to moderate Dry Eye Disease.

Lipid-enhanced tears for MGD and aqueous-based formulations for low tear volume; all should be preservative-free.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Educate patients on environmental modifications to reduce symptoms.
  • Encourage regular breaks from screen use and proper blinking techniques.
  • Consider punctal occlusion to increase tear volume.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

When Dry Eye Meets Contact Lenses

  • by ELISE KRAMER, OD, FAAO

  • November 1, 2025

Related Content

High-Tech Contact Lenses

From the promise of tailored drug delivery to augmented reality and continuous health monitoring, there have been numerous avenues of research investigating the high-tech contact lenses of the future.

Standardizing Myopia Control

A new joint position statement urges ophthalmologists and optometrists to standardize contact lens-based myopia control

  • July 8, 2026

  • 4 min
New Immune Target in Dry Eye

Investigators say rexinoid therapy may represent a new class of dry eye treatment focused on regenerative immune signaling

  • June 30, 2026

  • 3 min