Contact lenses have transformed how many people see the world by offering a convenient and aesthetic alternative to glasses. However, for some wearers, there’s a common downside—dry eyes.
If you’ve experienced the discomfort of dry eyes while wearing contact lenses, you’re not alone. Wearing contact lenses can put you at an elevated risk of developing dry eye. Fortunately, there are ways to help yourself avoid irritation, from changing your contact lens type or cleaning solution to simple changes in lifestyle habits.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when those tears don’t work properly, leaving your eyes dry and uncomfortable. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), dry eye affects millions of people each year.
Symptoms may include a scratchy sensation, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Factors like age, gender, and certain underlying health conditions can put someone at increased risk of dry eye. Wearing contact lenses is also a risk factor.
Contact Lenses and Dry Eye
Contact lenses, although convenient and versatile, can change the natural tear film that covers your eyes. In particular, contacts can separate the lipid and aqueous layers of the tear film, altering its stability and thickness. They can also affect the proteins in your eyes.
If left unmanaged, contact-lens-related dry eye can become a frustrating problem. It can even discourage people from wearing their lenses.
Fortunately, however, there are a number of ways to address this issue.
Dry Eye Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Fortunately, there are ways to manage dryness if you wear contact lenses.
Change Your Contact Lens Type
Some kinds of contact are better suited for people prone to dry eyes. In particular, soft contact lenses and scleral lenses may help those experiencing dry eye.. Another option is switching to daily replacement contact lenses. Ask your optometrist what contact lens options are available for you.
Clean Contact Lenses Properly
Good lens hygiene can make a difference in combating dryness. Some cleaning solutions that contain preservatives may also cause irritation, so speak with your optometrist if you think you need an alternative solution.
Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them before touching or cleaning your contacts. Learn how to clean your contact lenses according to their lens type and the type of solution you’re using. Consult with an eye care professional if you have any questions.
Take Breaks from Screens
Spending long hours looking at computer screens or phones can worsen dry eye symptoms. The 20-20-20 rule is an excellent habit to get into if you work with screens often. Every 20 minutes, take a break by looking away from your screen and focusing on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Incorporating frequent blinking exercises into your daily routine can also help with dry eyes.
Try Looking Down at Screens
The American Optometric Association recommends viewing screens 35 inches away at a 10-degree angle. They also suggest adjusting your chair height, monitor height, and lighting, as well as adding a desktop humidifier to your workspace.
Try Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide systems may be a good choice for people who wear reusable contact lenses, as these systems are both easy to use and more likely to be used correctly.
Try Warm Compresses
A moist, warm compress can help treat symptoms by improving the flow of oils from your meibomian glands. One study showed that using warm compresses not only reduces discomfort but also increases the comfortable wear time of contact lenses by up to three hours per day.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple adjustments to everyday life can make a difference. For example, avoid possible irritants like smoke, windy conditions, and indoor conditioning, and consider investing in a humidifier. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and get enough sleep, too!
Ask About Dry Eye Treatments
Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eyes, you may be a candidate for dry eye treatments. Some options include over-the-counter eye drops, gels, and ointments that can be used to treat mild dry eye. For more serious cases, prescription eye drops and punctal plugs may be worth considering. Punctal plugs are tear duct plugs that stop your tears from draining too quickly.
Consider Changing to Eyeglasses
If symptoms persist despite trying these remedies, give your eyes a break by alternating between contact lenses and eyeglasses. You can always return to wearing contacts once your symptoms improve or after consulting with an optometrist.
Find Dry Eye Therapy at Ladera Ranch Optometry
If dry eye continues to interfere with your comfort and quality of life, professional treatment might be the next step. Ladera Ranch Optometry offers dry eye therapy options that can help you feel better. Book an appointment today to ask about available treatments, from artificial tears to prescription eye drops and punctal plugs.
Our practice has been serving the community for almost 20 years, and we look forward to serving community members like you!
