Contact Lenses Relieve Symptoms for Patients With Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Surface Disease

Contact lenses, including both soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses, play a significant role in the management of dry eye disease, according to a recent review.

Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects individuals of all age groups, causing chronic discomfort and pain in the eyes and significantly impacting quality of life. One form of dry eye disease, known as aqueous-deficient dry eye disease, occurs when tear secretion is reduced due to damage to the lacrimal gland. Despite the availability of various treatment options such as lubricating eyedrops, topical corticosteroids, autologous serum eyedrops, or punctal plugs, many patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms, researchers said. 

In recent years, contact lenses have emerged as a potential management option for dry eye disease associated with ocular surface disease (OSD), offering benefits such as surface hydration, protection from environmental factors, and the ability to deliver drugs directly to the eyes.

Soft contact lenses and rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses have shown promise in managing dry eye disease related to OSD, researchers said. The use of contact lenses is recommended earlier in the staged management of dry eye disease compared to other treatment options such as amniotic membrane graft. However, it is important to pay careful attention to lens care and hygiene to minimize the risk of complications such as microbial keratitis, especially if extended wear is prescribed, researchers said.

Rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses can be particularly beneficial in cases of severe dry eye disease where soft lenses may not provide adequate relief, researchers said. These lenses create a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, providing constant lubrication and protecting the ocular surface. However, wearing scleral lenses may be limited by factors such as discomfort and dryness of the anterior surface of the lens. Successful use of scleral lenses in dry eye disease requires proper training in insertion and removal techniques, as well as patient motivation, researchers said.

The authors concluded contact lenses are a valuable therapeutic option for patients suffering from dry eye disease associated with OSD. Soft lenses are beneficial for epithelial healing and maintenance, but careful attention to lens care is necessary. Scleral lenses can be an alternative in severe cases of dry eye disease, although their use may be limited by certain factors, researchers said.

Reference:
Chaudhary S, Ghimire D, Basu S, Agrawal V, Jacobs DS, Shanbhag SS. Contact lenses in dry eye disease and associated ocular surface disorders. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023;71(4):1142-1153. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2778_22