Wearing contact lenses can offer excellent vision correction without the hassle of glasses. However, if you experience discomfort from dry eyes, lenses can become a challenge. Dry eye syndrome is a common issue affecting many Canadians, causing symptoms like irritation, scratchiness, and blurred vision—particularly noticeable among contact lens wearers.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage discomfort so that contact lens wear remains a comfortable and convenient option for your vision correction. Whether you’ve worn lenses for years or are just beginning, understanding how to manage dry eyes is essential to maintaining clear, comfortable vision every day.
Why Do Contact Lenses Cause Dryness?
To understand why dryness occurs, it helps to know how contact lenses interact with your eyes. Lenses rest directly on the cornea, which relies on a healthy tear film to remain moist and clear. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly, your eyes can become dry and irritated—especially with contacts.
Some factors that contribute to dryness when wearing contact lenses include:
- Lens materials: Some lenses, particularly older soft lenses, don’t allow sufficient oxygen to pass through, leading to dryness and discomfort.
- Lens fit: Poorly fitted lenses can disrupt the tear film, causing excessive friction and irritation.
- Environmental conditions: Dry indoor air, wind, smoke, and extended screen time can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Improper care habits: Incorrect cleaning and storing of lenses can lead to increased discomfort and irritation.
Understanding these factors can help you find ways to improve comfort when wearing contacts.
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
If you experience dryness with contact lenses, selecting the right type is crucial. Not all contact lenses are equal, and some are specifically designed to combat dryness:
- Silicone hydrogel lenses: These lenses allow significantly more oxygen to reach your corneas, helping maintain moisture and comfort.
- Daily disposable lenses: Using a fresh pair of lenses every day reduces protein and debris buildup, helping your eyes feel refreshed and comfortable.
- Lenses designed for dry eyes: Some brands create lenses specifically designed for individuals prone to dryness, using specialized materials to retain moisture longer.
Your optometrist can help determine which lens option suits your eyes best based on your specific needs and lifestyle.
Tips for Reducing Dryness & Discomfort
Beyond choosing the right lenses, incorporating some daily habits can make a significant difference in comfort and eye health:
Use Eye Drops Approved for Contact Lenses
Not all eye drops are safe for contact lens wearers. Always choose rewetting drops specifically designed for use with contact lenses. These lubricating drops can quickly relieve dryness and keep lenses comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps maintain healthy tear production. When your body is well-hydrated, your eyes are more likely to produce sufficient tears, reducing dryness and irritation.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Spending hours at a computer can contribute to dry eyes. Practice the 20-20-20 rule by taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. This encourages regular blinking, which refreshes your tear film and helps reduce dryness.
Maintain Proper Lens Hygiene
Proper care of contact lenses reduces irritation. Always wash your hands before handling lenses, use recommended cleaning solutions, and never extend wear beyond the advised schedule. Regularly replace your lens storage case, and never rinse lenses with tap water, as this can cause severe infections.
Modify Your Environment
Dry indoor air can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to maintain moisture levels, reducing irritation caused by dry conditions. Avoid direct airflow from fans, vents, or heaters, which can further dry out your eyes.
When Should You See an Optometrist?
Persistent discomfort or irritation with contact lenses may indicate underlying dry eye syndrome or other issues needing professional evaluation. Schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Pain or discomfort despite proper lens care
- Changes in vision clarity
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Symptoms worsening over time
Early evaluation can help your optometrist diagnose and treat underlying conditions, ensuring continued comfort and eye health.
Treatments & Solutions Provided by Optometrists
Optometrists offer several effective treatments and solutions specifically for dry eye relief, including:
- Professional dry eye assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying causes and best management strategies for dry eye syndrome.
- Prescription eye drops: Therapeutic drops designed to increase tear production or reduce inflammation in severe cases.
- Punctal plugs: Small silicone plugs inserted into tear ducts to retain tears longer on the ocular surface.
- Modern dry eye therapies: Treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and specialty procedures to improve tear quality and comfort.
Your optometrist can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs, significantly improving your ability to wear contacts comfortably.
Keeping Eyes Comfortable: Prevention & Long-term Care
While dry eyes can affect many contact lens wearers, the good news is that effective management strategies exist. Combining proper lens selection, diligent hygiene, environmental adjustments, and professional care can significantly enhance your daily comfort.
Long-term management and prevention strategies include:
- Regular optometric check-ups to monitor eye health and update lens prescriptions as needed.
- Annual comprehensive eye exams to detect changes early, helping manage dryness and discomfort proactively.
- Consistent adherence to lens care instructions to reduce the risk of infection and irritation.
Your eye health is essential for both quality of vision and overall comfort. By staying proactive, you can enjoy clear vision and comfortable lens wear for years to come.
Visit St. Marys Optometry for Dry Eye & Contact Lens Comfort
If you’re struggling with dry eyes or discomfort related to contact lens wear, the experienced team at St. Marys Optometry is here to help. With compassionate care, a welcoming atmosphere, and tailored treatment plans, we’re dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve comfortable, clear vision.
At St. Marys Optometry, we emphasize family-focused care, understanding that vision health is essential for everyone from children to seniors. We strive to create a friendly, community-oriented environment where you can trust that your vision and comfort always come first.
Schedule an appointment with our optometrists today to learn more about managing dry eyes and ensuring comfortable, effective contact lens wear.
