[Contact lens associated dry eye. Current study results and practical implementation]

Contact lens-associated dry eye symptoms have mostly been therapeutically addressed using artificial tears containing hyaluronic acid to supplement tear film volume with often unsatisfactory results. However, the main reason for contact lens-associated dry eye is not the lack of tear fluid but the lack of tear film stability due to meibomian gland dysfunction leading to reduction of the lipid film of tears. This is associated with increased evaporation of the aqueous phase of tear fluid and a measurable hyperosmolarity of the residual "denatured" tear film. A subsequent inflammatory reaction of the ocular surface then leads to the vicious circle of dry eye. The aim of this review is to summarize current study results on this topic and to give practical advice on how to address dry eye symptoms in contact lens wearers more accurately. For most contact lens-associated dry eye symptoms a combined therapy with unpreserved artificial tears plus phospholipid-liposome eye spray yields the best results. In cases of additional signs of blepharitis the regular use of phospholipid-liposome solution for lid margin hygiene is beneficial.