For some women, a chance to be free from glasses in favor of contact lenses is more than welcome and, in most cases, contact lenses provide years of comfortable wear. But sometimes, dry eye symptoms, as well as hormones, might interfere. It is not news that hormonal changes in the body can affect many systems in a ‘hellish’ way, but the impact on contact lens comfort in a lifetime of women is often forgotten. In this blog post, we will discuss how different fluctuations of the hormone – estrogen – can influence contact lens comfort and what women can do to feel their best wearing contact lenses.

Hormonal Changes and Eye Health

Almost all of the body’s processes function under the direction of hormones, and the eye is no different. The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, can affect tear film stability and corneal cell health, both of which are important for healthy contact lens wear. Women will experience times in their life when their hormones fluctuate, and their eyes can behave in a way that makes wearing contact lenses more difficult.

Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Effects on Contact Lens Comfort

Let’s consider how various stages of hormonal fluctuation including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can impact contact lens wear, and things women can do to cope with changes:

Menstruation

Many women feel dryness in their eyes at various points in the menstrual cycle, partly because of the natural variations in hormone levels that occur. One is likely to feel this at one time or another during the menstrual cycle, more so around the premenstrual time when progesterone levels are higher.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes massive hormonal fluctuations, including elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can cause fluid retention, as well as increased thickness of the cornea, which can affect the fit of your contact lenses. Many women experience dry eyes, and the lenses can feel less comfortable. Many women complain that their contact lenses become more irritating to their eyes, even if they have been able to comfortably wear them for many years.

Menopause

Fewer tears are produced because of falling estrogen levels in the five years preceding the menopause, and many will also suffer from – a condition that could be harmful if coupled with contact lens wear. The sensitivity of the cornea often declines in menopausal women, and this can distort their appreciation of lens performance.

Managing Contact Lens Comfort During Hormonal Changes

Hormones can be a frustration for contact lens wearers, but wearers have several solutions at their disposal to maintain comfort and ocular health:

Choose the Right Lenses

Wear lenses that are moisturizing and comfortable and, when available, choose those that are made from silicone hydrogel, which can allow more oxygen to reach the cornea to reduce the dryness and discomfort. Daily disposable contact lenses will provide a new, clean lens surface to the eye each day, which can help minimize irritation.

Use Artificial Tears

Ophthalmologists also prescribe lubricating drops to help those with dry eyes, and to make contacts more comfortable. Keeping your contacts moist by eye-dropping frequently is a good idea. Choose a preservative-free artificial-tear solution over one with added chemicals, as these are less likely to irritate your eyes.

Maintain Proper Lens Care

In general, the functionality of your contact lenses comes down to good hygiene and proper lens care. So, wash your hands before putting your lenses in or taking them out, and when you are inside (where you might be more sensitive to allergens or hormonal changes). Clean and disinfect your lenses as directed by your doctor, and be sure to replace your lens case every three months or so to avoid bacterial buildup.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water maintains proper hydration throughout your body including your eyes. This can offset the declines in tear production brought on by hormonal changes and help to prevent dry eyes.

Consult Your Eye Care Professional

If you notice hormonal fluctuations adversely affect your contact lens comfort, or if you have any discomfort in your eyes, see your eye care provider. They will examine your eyes and recommend appropriate lenses for you. Additionally, they can prescribe eye drops and/or suggest modifying your lens wear schedule to enhance your comfort.

When to Consider Alternative Vision Correction

Hormonal changes can also render contact lens wear particularly difficult for certain women, no matter the approach to comfort, in which case it might be time to consider one of the following alternatives to correct your vision.

Switching to Glasses

If your eyes are sensitive to contact lenses during times of hormonal change, wearing glasses, which do not require direct contact with the eye, may be a good solution. Glasses can be more comfortable if you have dry eyes or irritation at any time.

LASIK or Other Vision Correction Surgery

For those seeking a long-term solution, laser vision correction surgery, such as LASIK, can reduce or eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses – but again, talk to your doctor about the timing of these procedures, as fluctuations in hormone levels, including during pregnancy and menopause, can adversely impact vision and eye health.

Pay Attention to How Your Eyes Respond

Hormonal changes are an expected part of life for women and, while they can impact lens comfort, there are ways to help minimize the effects on comfort and wear of contact lenses. Wear the right lenses for you, practice good eye and contact lens care, and see your eye doctor for advice. You can keep wearing contact lenses through life’s changes and see the world clearly. Your eye health is closely connected to your general health, so don’t ignore how your body – and your eyes – react to the changes wrought by hormones.