Can I wear contact lens if I have dry eyes and Corneal Dystrophy?

Doctor's Answers 2

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang
Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

Having corneal dystrophy and dry eyes is not an absolute contraindication wearing contact lenses, which means you can still wear contact lenses if your corneal dystrophy and dry eyes are mild. Moreover, if you are looking to wear contact lens on the odd occasion, that would most likely be alright.

In general, people with corneal dystrophy have 'weaker' corneas and are more prone to corneal erosions (or corneal abrasions). And we know that wearing contact lenses is a risk factor for causing corneal abrasions as well. In addition, dry eyes makes the cornea more prone to corneal abrasions too! So, its the accumulation or risk factors (corneal dystrophy, dry eyes and contact lens wear) that puts your eyes at higher risk of corneal erosions.

If your corneal dystrophy condition is very mild, and your dry eyes are well treated, you may still be able to maintain judicious use of contact lens wear. Do consult your eye doctor to be safe!

Hope that helps!

Dr Claudine Pang

Whether you may wear contact lens really depends on the severity of both conditions. The best way to ascertain that is to have an ophthalmologist exam your eyes to determine if your condition is mild enough to safely allow you to wear contact lens. In the event that your ocular surface is poor, it would be wise to avoid contact lens wear as you may be more susceptible to corneal infections.

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