Dry eyes or ocular surface disease along with contact lens wear rarely works well together. It seems every day patients come in who have stopped wearing contact lenses or reduced their wear time due to midday discomfort and/or contact lens intolerance. There were 3 patients today with this issue. A vast majority of these patients have either meibomian gland dysfunction or aqueous-deficient dry eye disease. Proactively diagnose and treat their underlying condition to keep them from dropping out of full-time contact lens wear.

Diagnose Their Condition

1. This starts with proper questioning. Ask the right probing questions in order to identify potential contact lens discomfort. For example, “Do you remove your contact lenses earlier than you desire?” Probe further, “Do you wish you could wear your contact lenses longer?” There are quite a few questionnaires and questions that can help eyecare professionals identify red flags. Have your protocol ready and don’t accept “My contacts are fine.”

2. Make use of available testing. There are many clinical tests to help analyze the ocular surface, but at a minimum utilize vial dyes like sodium fluorescein and/or lissamine green to help identify common dry eye issues. Check for ocular surface staining along with rapid tear film break times to help identify potential problems. Even if your patient is not complaining, take the time to evaluate the ocular surface. It may reveal some surprising results and potential concerns.

Treat the Patient

1. This starts and ends with daily disposable contact lenses. If a patient even has the slightest of concerns or issues, make sure they are wearing daily disposables. Most reusable contact lens wearers are noncompliant with either their change frequency or cleaning regimen. A clean, fresh lens every day may solve their issue and maintain them as a happy and successful contact lens wearer.

2. Utilize advanced technology. New innovations in daily disposables have added moisture agents and surface technology to enhance contact lens wear. There could even be a therapeutic effect for those mild to moderate dry eye patients.

Turn a Negative Into a Positive

Identify their underlying condition and aggressively treat their condition. Utilize the best technology to stabilize the situation. This strategy can prevent contact lens dropouts and maintain a healthy contact lens population.

 This content is sponsored by CooperVision.