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How Contact Lenses Affect Dry Eye: Best Practices for Contact Wearers

Jan 30, 2025

Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way to correct vision, but they can sometimes contribute to dry eye symptoms. If you experience discomfort, redness, or a gritty sensation while wearing contacts, you’re not alone. Understanding the relationship between contact lenses and dry eye, along with best practices for lens wearers, can help you maintain eye health and comfort.


How Contact Lenses Contribute to Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Contact lenses can exacerbate this condition in several ways:


•          Reduced Oxygen Flow – Contacts sit directly on the eye, limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea. Insufficient oxygen can disrupt the tear film and lead to dryness.


•          Increased Tear Evaporation – Soft contact lenses absorb moisture, which can accelerate tear evaporation and lead to dryness and irritation.


•         Protein and Lipid Deposits – Over time, debris and proteins can build up on lenses, affecting the tear film’s stability and worsening dry eye symptoms.


•          Extended Wear Time – Wearing lenses for long periods or sleeping in them can further contribute to dryness by reducing tear circulation and increasing eye strain.


Best Practices for Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eye

If you experience dry eye symptoms while wearing contacts, there are several steps you can take to improve comfort and maintain eye health.


1. Choose the Right Contact Lenses

Certain types of contact lenses are better suited for people with dry eye. Consider:


•          Daily Disposable Lenses – These lenses are replaced each day, reducing the buildup of debris and allergens that can contribute to dryness.


•          Silicone Hydrogel Lenses – These allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, helping to maintain moisture.


2. Use Artificial Tears

Preservative-free artificial tears can help maintain moisture while wearing contacts. Be sure to use lubricating drops that are specifically designed for contact lens wearers.


3. Follow Proper Lens Care

Keeping your lenses clean and replacing them as recommended by your eye doctor can help minimize irritation. Always wash your hands before handling contacts, and use fresh solution instead of reusing old liquid.


4. Limit Screen Time

Prolonged screen use can reduce blinking, leading to increased dryness. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.


5. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts—can help support tear production and eye health.


Consulting with an Optometrist

Consulting with an optometrist is essential for managing dry eye symptoms associated with contact lens wear. A comprehensive eye evaluation can help identify the underlying causes of dryness, whether it’s related to lens material, tear film instability, or other eye health conditions.


During your exam, your optometrist will assess tear production, check for inflammation, and evaluate the fit of your contact lenses to determine if adjustments are needed. Based on the findings, they can recommend the best type of contact lenses for your specific needs, or suggest a customized dry eye treatment plan that may include prescription eye drops, in-office treatments, or lifestyle modifications. By working with an eye doctor, you can find the most effective solutions to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy while wearing contacts.


Schedule an Eye Exam Today

Contact lenses can contribute to dry eye symptoms, but by choosing the right lenses, following best practices, and maintaining eye hydration, you can improve comfort and eye health. If dryness persists, an eye exam can help identify the underlying cause and determine the best solution.


If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms while wearing contacts, schedule an eye exam with Vision Center South for tailored solutions and lasting comfort. Visit our office in Troy, Alabama, or call (334) 566-7172 to book an appointment today.

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