Many people rely on contact lenses for clear vision without the hassle of glasses. But by the end of the day, some might notice a gritty, dry feeling that makes them want to take them out right away.
That discomfort often happens for a few key reasons. In short, contact lenses can cause dry eyes by disrupting your natural tear film, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the front of your eye, and making you more sensitive to environmental factors. Thankfully, several dry eye therapy options are available to help your eyes feel much more comfortable.
Why Contacts and Dry Eyes Often Go Together
You wear contact lenses for clear, comfortable vision, but sometimes they can leave your eyes feeling less than fresh.
Your eyes stay moist because of a thin layer of tears, called the tear film. A contact lens sits right on top of this layer. This can sometimes upset the natural balance, causing your tears to evaporate more quickly than they should. A healthy tear film is what keeps your eyes comfortable and hydrated.
Your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, gets its oxygen directly from the air. Some contact lens materials can act as a partial barrier, limiting how much oxygen gets through. A lack of oxygen can contribute to dryness and irritation, especially after many hours of wear, so it’s important to follow guidelines for safe contact lens use.
Your surroundings also play a big part in how your eyes feel. Spending long hours in front of a computer, sitting in an air-conditioned office, or living in a dry climate can all speed up tear evaporation. These factors often feel more noticeable when you wear contacts.
Signs Your Contacts Cause Dryness
It helps to know what to look for. If you wear contacts, you might experience dryness if you notice any of these common signs:
- A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Mild redness or irritation
- Vision that gets blurry but clears when you blink
- A feeling that you need to take your lenses out early
- The sensation that something is stuck in your eye
If these signs sound familiar, you can take a dry eye quiz to see if a professional evaluation could help.
Contact Lens Options for Dry Eyes
Not all contact lenses are the same. If you experience dryness, different lens materials and designs may provide more comfort throughout the day. Depending on your needs, types you may benefit from include:
Daily Disposable Lenses
With daily disposables, you get a fresh, clean lens every single day. This prevents the buildup of protein deposits that can be irritating. Many daily lenses are also made from materials designed to hold moisture for longer.
Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
These modern soft lenses are designed to be more breathable. Contact lens technology allows much more oxygen to reach your eye than older materials do. This extra oxygen flow can help your eyes feel more comfortable all day long.
Scleral Lenses
For those with more significant dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses offer a unique solution. These larger lenses vault completely over your cornea and rest on the white part of your eye. They can be a very helpful solution, making them a popular choice for people with dry eyes because they hold a reservoir of saline, keeping your eye hydrated from morning to night.
Simple Tips to Manage Dryness with Contacts
Small changes in your routine can make a big difference in how your eyes feel at the end of the day. Here are a few simple contact lens habits to adopt:
- Follow your wear schedule: Avoid the temptation to wear your lenses longer than recommended, whether that means for too many hours in a day or for more days than the box says.
- Use the right solution: Talk to your eye care team about which cleaning and disinfecting solutions work best with your lenses and for your eyes.
- Add moisture with rewetting drops: Keep preservative-free rewetting drops handy for a quick moisture boost. Check that they’re approved for use with contact lenses.
- Give your eyes a break: Have a pair of glasses you like to wear. Give your eyes a rest from contacts for a few hours in the evening or for a full day each week.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you have tried these tips and still feel uncomfortable wearing your contact lenses, it may be time to seek a professional opinion. Since the size and shape of your eye are unique, your lenses need to be properly fitted for your eyes. Your optometrist helps confirm your lenses fit properly, which is why a professional contact lens fitting is key for comfortable, all-day wear.
Sometimes, the issue is more than just the lens. A proper assessment can identify the exact source of your dryness and help you find a solution that works for you. Your optometrist can perform a thorough exam to check for underlying issues.
Explore Dry Eye Treatment
You don’t have to live with dry, uncomfortable eyes. Our team at Southwood Eyecare is here to help you find the right contact lenses and care routine for your needs.
Book an appointment today to explore your options for clearer, more comfortable vision.
