Contact lenses are often a convenient substitute for glasses, offering clear vision without the inconvenience of frames. However, they can sometimes cause or worsen dry eye symptoms, making it difficult for you to stay comfortable.
If contact lenses are your preferred choice, then it’s important to know how to manage dry eye symptoms while still wearing them—whether by using lubricating eye drops, taking regular breaks from screens, or switching types of lenses.
Regular eye exams with the professionals at Higgins Brothers Vision Care are an important step to maintaining both eye health and comfort.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when tears fail to adequately lubricate the eyes, causing discomfort. Several factors contribute to this condition:
Prolonged Screen Time: Staring at screens reduces blinking, leading to faster tear evaporation and dryness. The 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away—can help maintain moisture.
Environmental Conditions: Wind, air conditioning, and heating dry out the eyes by increasing tear evaporation. Using humidifiers and wearing wrap-around sunglasses can help preserve eye moisture.
Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like allergies, hormonal changes, and autoimmune disorders affect tear production. Proper medical treatment can alleviate symptoms.
In addition to these strategies, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief by supplementing the natural tear film. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Regular eye exams can help monitor the condition and adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring long-term eye comfort and health.
Dry Eye & Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses can sometimes interfere with the natural tear film by absorbing moisture, which heightens the sensation of dryness and discomfort. Contact lenses rest on the eye’s surface, forming a barrier that can hinder oxygen flow and tear distribution. This may lead to irritation and increased dryness, especially with prolonged lens use. Understanding these influences and their interaction with contact lenses is crucial to effectively managing dry eye and ensuring optimal eye health and comfort.
Managing Dry Eye with Contact Lenses
Apply Eye Drops
To alleviate dry eye discomfort, consider using lubricating eye drops specially formulated for contact lens users. These drops help maintain eye moisture, easing irritation. Opt for preservative-free options, as preservatives may aggravate dry eye symptoms.
Another option in the realm of eye drops are Autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs). These are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops that are specially created using your own blood. Research indicates that these drops can offer enhanced symptom relief for certain individuals.
Proper Lens Hygiene
Good hygiene practices are essential for contact lens wearers. Always clean your hands before handling lenses and ensure that they’re properly cleaned and stored. Using fresh solution for each storage can prevent irritation and infection, enhancing eye comfort.
Take Breaks from Screen Time
With the prevalence of digital devices, screen time is unavoidable. However, screen use can worsen dry eye. To ease eye strain, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This encourages blinking and helps sustain a healthy tear film.
Maintain Hydration
Staying hydrated is key to eye health. Make sure that you drink sufficient water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes well-hydrated, supporting tear production.
Explore Alternative Lens Options
If persistent dry eye symptoms are troubling you, consider trying lenses specifically crafted for dry eye relief. Daily disposable lenses can be beneficial, as they are replaced daily, minimizing the build-up of deposits that can irritate your eyes. Additionally, certain lenses are made from materials that enhance oxygen permeability, helping to alleviate dryness.
Seek Professional Eye Care Guidance
Addressing dry eye requires a personalized approach. It’s important to consult with your eye care professional, who can offer tailored advice and treatment solutions to suit your individual needs.
An eye exam can identify the root causes of your dry eye and help you discover the most effective remedies, whether that involves switching your lens type or considering alternative treatments.
Technologies in Dry Eye Treatment
In the evolving field of eye care, new technologies are improving the treatment of dry eye conditions. At Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care, diagnostic tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and corneal topography are used to understand dry eye issues better. These technologies help us make precise diagnoses and allow for tailored treatment plans.
Our clinic also offers OptiLight by Lumenis, a non-invasive, light-based therapy designed to manage dry eye by enhancing tear film quality and reducing inflammation. This FDA-approved intense pulsed light treatment aids in relieving symptoms and promotes long-term eye health for our patients.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Enhanced Eye Comfort
Small lifestyle changes can greatly enhance your eye comfort. Simple actions like using a humidifier in dry conditions, wearing sunglasses to shield against wind and sun exposure, and adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet can all contribute to better eye health and comfort.
Specialized Solutions for Dry Eye Management with Contact Lenses
Dealing with dry eye can be challenging, particularly for contact lens users. However, with the right support from our eye care specialists, managing these symptoms is achievable.
By taking proactive measures such as applying lubricating eye drops, keeping your contact lenses clean, and considering advanced treatment options, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without the discomfort associated with dry eyes.
Book your appointment today with Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care for a customized dry eye management plan and contact lens consultation. Our knowledgeable team uses the latest eye care technologies to provide you with solutions specifically tailored to your vision and comfort needs.
