Wearing Contact Lenses with Dry Eyes
Managing Dry Eyes with Contact Lenses
Dealing with dry eyes while wearing contact lenses can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease the irritation and keep your eyes feeling more normal. This guide covers the main causes, treatment options, and small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference.
Why Contact Lenses Can Cause Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can happen for many reasons. Understanding what is behind your symptoms is the first step to finding relief.
One common factor is lens material. Some contact lenses limit how much oxygen reaches your eyes, which can lead to dryness. Silicone hydrogel lenses are often recommended because they allow more oxygen to pass through, helping your eyes stay hydrated.
Environmental factors also play a role. Air conditioning, heating, wind, and long hours on screens can cause your tears to evaporate faster. Certain health conditions, like Sjogren’s Syndrome, can also make your eyes more prone to dryness.
The tear film on your eyes has three layers: oily, watery, and mucus. Contact lenses can sometimes disrupt these layers, causing tears to evaporate too quickly or not be produced enough. Common symptoms include:
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
Small adjustments can help, such as using a humidifier, taking breaks from screens, and being mindful of your environment.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
It’s always important to talk to your eye care professional when experiencing prolonged symptoms of dry eyes. They will check your tear production, assess how your lenses fit, and recommend solutions tailored to your needs.
Sometimes, simply switching to a different lens type or cleaning solution can make a noticeable difference. Your optometrist may also suggest lubricating eye drops (especially preservative-free ones) or prescription treatments that reduce inflammation.
Choosing the Right Lenses
Picking the right lenses can make a huge difference in managing dry eyes.
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Daily disposable lenses: Fresh lenses each day help prevent buildup that can irritate dry eyes.
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Silicone hydrogel lenses: These let more oxygen reach your eyes and help them retain moisture.
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Scleral lenses: These rest on the white of your eye and hold a layer of moisture against your cornea, which is especially helpful for severe dryness.
Ask your eye care professional which type is best for your eyes.
Using Eye Drops
Eye drops can make a big difference in keeping your eyes comfortable and hydrated. Look for lubricating drops that are compatible with your contact lenses and free of preservatives, which can sometimes cause irritation.
For more severe dryness, your doctor might recommend preservative-free gels or ointments, which provide longer-lasting relief. These are best used before bed since they can cause temporary blurred vision.
If over-the-counter drops aren’t enough, prescription medications or nasal sprays that stimulate tear production may be recommended.
Practicing Good Contact Lens Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential to prevent dry eyes and other complications.
- Always wash your hands before handling your lenses
- Use the proper cleaning solution (never tap water)
- Replace your lens case at least every three months
- Avoid sleeping in contacts unless they are made for overnight wear
Following these steps helps keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Eye Health
Simple lifestyle habits can help reduce dry eye symptoms.
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and dust
Considering Alternative Treatments
For more serious cases, your eye doctor may suggest additional treatments. Prescription medications such as cyclosporine can help reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
Punctal plugs, which slow or stop tear fluid drainage, can also be effective. Advanced options like LipiFlow (a heat and massage treatment for clogged glands) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) can further relieve symptoms caused by gland dysfunction.
Ask your doctor which approach is best for your specific type of dry eye.
In Summary
Managing dry eyes with contact lenses can be uncomfortable and frustrating. With the right information, good hygiene, and help from your eye care professional, certain methods and treatments can drastically ease the irritation and keep your eyes feeling more normal.
FAQs
Q: What lenses should I wear if I have dry eyes?
A: Daily disposable lenses, silicone hydrogel lenses, scleral lenses, and soft contact lenses are all good options for dry eyes.
Q: What makes dry eyes worse?
A: Screen time, air conditioning, wind, dust, certain health conditions, and some lens materials can all make dry eye symptoms worse.
Q: What treatments do eye doctors recommend for dry eyes?
A: In addition to lifestyle changes, treatments may include prescription medications, punctal plugs, LipiFlow, and IPL therapy.