By Nigel Little 

Contact lenses for dry eye  which are worn only while sleeping may become one of the main treatment options for short-sighted sufferers of a disease which is being forecast by leading US dry eye expert Dr David Kisling to be the most common eye disorder faced by the Baby Boomer generation. Kisling has highlighted how shifting demographics in an aging population are driving rapid growth in the incidence of dry eye to epidemic levels. In particular, the number of people in the US aged over 65 - who are most susceptible to dry eye - is expected to reach 70 million by around 2030. The tear layer loses stability with the passing decades and degrades faster giving rise to the burning, stinging sensations of dry eyes.

The eyelid margins also undergo changes that alter the tear layer. As the eyelids lose muscular tone the edges can roll outward and contribute to incomplete blinks. These partial blinks fail to resurface the tear film on the eye leading to faster evaporation of the fluid. The US population is not only aging but also growing and will add 50 million people by 2030 of whom about 4 million will have dry eyes. Additionally, women live longer than men so this significantly increased older population will be disproportionately female. Women have a much higher incidence of dry eye disease due to hormonal changes - particularly a version of the condition known as Sjögren's syndrome. Whilst numerous medications, eye drops and even surgery are all offered as treatment options, the availability of overnight ortho-k contact lenses for dry eye  may provide a much better solution for enabling short-sighted sufferers to cope.

Further fuel for the dry eye epidemic is provided by laser eye surgery which often results in post-operative dry eye, the growth in diabetes sufferers of whom around half will experience dry eye disease, the rapid growth in anti-depressant use which elevates the frequency of dry eye disease, glaucoma medication eye drops which cause damage to the ocular surface and the increased time people spend indoors in climate-controlled environments. For short-sighted dry eye sufferers - especially those who wear daytime or extended wear contact lenses - the condition is particularly difficult to cope with since they cannot use many medications and are often forced to switch to glasses. However, overnight ortho-k contact lenses for dry eye  are only worn while sleeping and correct short-sight by gently reshaping the cornea so that wearers have clear natural vision after they are removed each morning.

Check if you are suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses for dry eye .