When a patient reports lens-induced dryness or discomfort, which adjustment is commonly considered?

When a patient reports lens-induced dryness or discomfort, which adjustment is commonly considered?

• A. Change material/design (e.g., silicone hydrogel)
• B. Increase wear time
• C. Switch to daily disposables
• D. Modify base curve/diameter

Answer: (C)

When lens-induced dryness or discomfort shows up, the aim is to reduce factors that disrupt the tear film and irritate the ocular surface. Daily disposable lenses are commonly considered because they provide a fresh, clean lens surface every day and eliminate deposits and residues from cleaning solutions that can upset tear stability. With a new lens each day, there’s less chance of surface dryness caused by protein, lipid, or mineral buildup, and there’s no need to ingest or interact with cleaning solutions that can irritate the eye. This straightforward change often yields quicker comfort improvement, especially for patients who struggle with lens care routines or who notice irritation after handling lenses.

Other options can help in specific situations—changing to a silicone hydrogel or different material can improve oxygen transmission, and adjusting base curve or diameter can affect lens movement and edge comfort. But those adjustments may not address the root causes of dryness related to surface deposits or solution interactions as directly as switching to daily disposables.