Dry Eye & Contact Lenses: Tips for Managing Symptoms

Tears are essential for maintaining the general health of our eyes. They nourish the eye and wash away foreign objects while acting as a lubricant. Tears constantly spread across the cornea, the front surface of the eye, preserving its smoothness for clear vision. Also, they aid in avoiding eye infections.

Dry eye is a condition where the eyes produce either insufficient or poor-quality tears. That may result in inadequate lubrication and poor corneal health. Inadequate lubrication can make your eyes feel uncomfortable and dry and even impair your vision.

Dry Eye and Contact Lenses

Dry eyes can be frustrating, making it difficult to wear contact lenses comfortably. But with the proper guidance, it is still possible to wear contact lenses with dry eyes. The following are essential things to remember regarding the causes of dry eyes:

• The likelihood of experiencing dry eye increases as you age, particularly in older adults and women.

• Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, and low humidity can contribute to dry eye by causing the evaporation of tears.

• Prolonged computer use, particularly without frequent blink breaks, can lead to dry eyes.

• Certain health conditions and medications can contribute to dry eyes.

It is essential to be aware of the causes of dry eye and to take steps to address them to make contact lens wear more comfortable. To find the best course for your need, speak with an eye care specialist.

Can Your Contact Lenses Induce Dry Eye?

Contact lens technology continues to advance over time. Yet, many people who wear lenses experience dryness and discomfort, especially as the day wears on. One of the main reasons people stop wearing contacts altogether is dry eyes caused by the use of lenses.

They can limit the amount of oxygen reaching the eye, which is necessary for producing natural tears. That is one of the reasons why contacts can lead to dry eyes. Also, tears may be unable to travel between the outer and inner layers of the lens due to the lens's composition.

Fortunately, recent developments in lens materials, like silicone hydrogel, significantly lessen this issue. These materials permit oxygen to pass through, giving the eye more oxygen and decreasing the likelihood of it becoming dry or uncomfortable.

Tips to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms While Wearing Contact Lenses

There are a number of things you can do to manage your symptoms and keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contact lenses:

• Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable and moisturized while wearing contact lenses. 

• Frequently remove your contact lenses to give your eyes a break.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, helping lessen eye dryness.

• Avoid places that are windy, dry, or smoky. 

• Talk to your eye care provider about switching to a different lens type if you still experience dry eye symptoms while wearing your current ones. 

• Change your contact lenses as directed by the manufacturer.

• Try wearing daily disposable lenses. 

Bottom Line

You must consult an eye care specialist for dry eye symptoms while wearing contacts. They can suggest the most effective course of treatment and assist in identifying the origin of your symptoms.

For more eye care tips, visit Refined Eyecare Optometry at our office in Torrance, California. Call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.