Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses for people who have vision issues. They are frequently chosen for their comfort and aesthetic appeal. However, many people report that contact lenses cause dry eyes.
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable.
How to manage dry eyes from contact lenses
Using contact lenses can interfere with tear production or distribution on the eye’s surface, which often leads to dry eyes. Here are some effective ways to manage and alleviate this issue:
Choose high-moisture contact lenses
Opt for contact lenses with a high water content. Lenses made from silicone hydrogel or other high-moisture materials can help keep your eyes moist and allow more oxygen to reach them.
Limit wear time
Avoid wearing your contact lenses for long periods of time. It is best to limit their use to no more than 8 hours per day. Give your eyes a break by wearing glasses whenever possible. To avoid overnight dryness, always remove your lenses before bed.
Use eye drops
Artificial tears can help relieve dry eyes. Choose preservative-free eye drops to avoid irritation. Use them on a regular basis, especially if your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable.
Keep lenses and storage clean
Proper hygiene is crucial. Always wash your hands before handling your lenses and clean your lenses with the appropriate solution daily. Make sure your lens storage case is also kept clean to avoid infections and further irritation.
Increase air humidity
Dry environments can worsen dry eyes. Using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air and prevent your eyes from drying out. Avoid direct exposure to fans or air conditioning, as these can further dry out your eyes.
If you continue to experience dry eyes or if the condition worsens, consult an eye specialist. They can recommend contact lenses that might be better suited to your needs or prescribe special eye drops for dry eyes. They can also look for other potential problems with your eyes.
Have more questions about eye health? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
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Sonia Pearson (2024). Chronic Dry Eye and Contact Lenses. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/chronic-dry-eye-and-contact-lenses
Belind Weber (2023). How to treat dry eyes from contact lenses. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-fix-dry-eyes-from-contacts
R. Morgan Griffin (2023). What Problems Can Contact Lenses Cause?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lens-problems
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Contacts. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10737-contacts
Reena Mukamal (2024). Choosing the Best Lubricant Eye Drops for Dry Eyes. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-to-choose-lubricant-drops-dry-eyes
