Wearing contact lenses began as a method to make it easier and less disturbing to see. This popular option offers freedom, comfort, and an improved appearance to many people. But for some wearers, there’s a catch: dry, irritated eyes. If you feel a burning, scratchy, or uncomfortable sensation after hours of lens wear, don’t be surprised. Understanding the link between contact lenses for dry eyes can help you control this condition and keep your eyes healthy.
In this article, we’ll examine why dry eyes occur, how contact lenses play a part, and what you can do to take care of them.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome comes about when your eyes do not produce enough tears or these evaporate too quickly. Because they moisten the eyes, tears are a vital bodily fluid; they keep one’s vision sharp and prevent infection.
Potential causes of dry eye may include:
- Extended screen time
- Getting older (especially if you are a woman over 40)
- Some types of drugs, like antihistamines and antidepressants
- Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or air conditioning
- Autoimmune diseases or other underlying health problems
It is possible that using contact lenses will make things worse.
How Contact Lenses Affect Dry Eyes
Contact lenses sit directly on the film of tears in your eyes. For someone with a dry eye disposition, this can only make things worse.
- Tears Itself: Lenses soak up some of your natural tears, reducing them.
- Less Oxygen: Contact lenses cut down the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, which can be irritating.
- More Evaporation: The surface of your contact lens tends to encourage tear evaporation. This leaves your eyes feeling dry.
- Long hours of use: Wearing contact lenses for an extended period-either indoors or outside=exacerbates symptoms.
This is why your eye care professional will often recommend contact lenses for dry eyes-those designed to hold in moisture and make wearing them as comfortable as possible.
Signs You Have Dry Eyes from Contact Lenses
When your eyes are dry, there are many reasons for discomfort. Here are some of the common symptoms of contact lens-induced dry eyes, including:
- Persistent itchiness or burning
- After wearing lenses, redness
- Distorted or varying vision
- The feeling that something is lodged in an eye.
- Sensitivity to light increases
- You can not wear lenses for an entire day.
If you find yourself with these symptoms on a regular basis, it may be an indication that your lenses or habits should be changed.
How to Fix Dry Eyes from Contact Lenses
Fortunately, there are several solutions to relieve discomfort and keep your eyes healthy when wearing contacts:
- Wear Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes Now
A number of contact lens brands now make lenses specially designed to combat dryness, often using silicone hydrogel or water-rich materials. You can also use daily disposable lenses, which provide a good alternative as they help minimize protein buildup and keep moisture intact. A contact lens store or an optometrist can advise you about which one is best to purchase. - Use Eye Drops That Lubricate
Eyedrops for contact lens users, or artificial tears, can instantly relieve a sense of dryness. Avoid drops with preservatives, as these may make the trouble worse. - Sort Out Your Schedule for Usage
Don’t let your lenses be overworn. Keep to the timetable that has been prescribed for you, and remember to rest your eyes for short periods at different times throughout the day. - Remain Hydrated and Modify Your Environment
Drink enough water and consider using a humidifier at home, particularly if you are inside air-conditioned or heated areas for long periods of time. - Make Sure of Proper Hygiene with Lenses
Wash and store your lenses properly to prevent the buildup of material, which can irritate your eyes. When in doubt, it is better to get new lenses from a trusted contact lens shop than to extend the life of an old pair.
Preventing Future Discomfort
When you have dry eyes, there is no reason to give up the freedom of contact lenses. Good habits can make a world of difference:
- Blink more times when you are using a computer screen.
- Use sunglasses for outside protection against the wind.
- Keep your lenses off at all times in the water or in a shower.
- Wear lenses only as long as you should before replacement.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your reaction continues to bother you after all the changes have been made to this article, it is time for you to see an ophthalmologist. You could need special contact lenses for dry eyes, prescribed eye drops, or overall treatment for underlying diseases. Disregarding chronic dryness may lead to corneal damage, infection, or permanent visual impairment.
Conclusion
Contact lenses do sometimes aggravate dry eye symptoms, but intelligent approaches mean this need not necessarily thwart your wearing of them. By making wise selections of contact lenses for dry eyes and maintaining good eye care practices, you can safeguard your vision and enjoy crisp sight and all-day comfort.
For best results, turn to your optometrist and purchase at a contact lens store or contact lens shop to find the lenses designed just for you. With good care, your eyes can have both clarity and comfort, and they deserve no less.
