How to Prevent Dry Eyes with Contact Lenses

Understanding Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This results in eyes that feel dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. Contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to dry eye symptoms due to the way lenses interact with the tear film on the eye's surface.

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be caused by various factors, including:

• Environmental conditions: Low humidity, wind, air conditioning, and heating systems
• Digital device use: Reduced blinking when focusing on screens
• Aging: Natural decrease in tear production with age, especially after 50
• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
• Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, thyroid disorders
• Hormonal changes: Particularly during pregnancy and menopause
• Eyelid problems: Such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
• Prolonged contact lens wear: Especially with older lens materials

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms while wearing contact lenses, dry eyes may be the cause:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Redness
• Blurred vision that fluctuates with blinking
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes (the body's response to irritation)
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses for as long as usual
• Lenses that feel dry or move excessively on the eye

Impact of Contact Lenses on Dry Eyes

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms for several reasons:

Physical Factors

• Reduced oxygen permeability: Some lens materials limit oxygen flow to the cornea
• Tear film disruption: Lenses sit in the tear film, potentially destabilizing it
• Reduced tear volume: The lens absorbs some of the tears that would normally cover the eye
• Increased tear evaporation: Lenses can change the rate at which tears evaporate from the eye's surface
• Mechanical irritation: The edge of the lens may irritate the conjunctiva or eyelid

Effect of Different Lens Types

The type of contact lenses you wear can significantly impact your experience with dry eyes:

• Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea than traditional hydrogel lenses, which may help reduce dryness for some wearers
• Daily disposable lenses eliminate the buildup of deposits that can contribute to dryness and discomfort
• Extended wear lenses may increase the risk of dry eye symptoms due to longer wearing times
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses cover less of the eye's surface but may trap fewer tears underneath than soft lenses

Choosing the Right Lenses

If you're prone to dry eyes, your choice of contact lenses can make a significant difference in your comfort:

Best Materials for Dry Eyes

• High water content isn't always better: Contrary to what you might expect, very high water content lenses can sometimes increase dryness as they draw moisture from the eye to maintain their hydration
• Silicone hydrogel materials generally provide better oxygen permeability, which can reduce dryness symptoms for many wearers
• Newer materials with moisture-retention technologies are specifically designed to maintain hydration throughout the day
• Lenses with smooth surfaces attract fewer deposits and may feel more comfortable for sensitive eyes

Replacement Schedules

How often you replace your lenses can affect dry eye symptoms:

• Daily disposables are often the best choice for dry eye sufferers, as they provide a fresh, clean lens each day with no deposit buildup
• Bi-weekly or monthly lenses may be suitable if properly cleaned and replaced on schedule
• Quarterly or annual replacement lenses are generally not recommended for those with dry eyes due to inevitable deposit buildup over time

Use our Cost Estimator Tool to compare the costs of different replacement schedules, as daily disposables may be more affordable than you think when you factor in the reduced need for cleaning solutions.

Proper Lens Care

Appropriate care of your contact lenses can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms:

Cleaning and Disinfection

• Follow the rub-and-rinse method even with "no-rub" solutions to remove more protein deposits
• Use fresh solution every time rather than topping off old solution
• Consider a hydrogen peroxide cleaning system, which provides deeper cleaning and is preservative-free
• Clean your lens case daily and replace it every three months

For detailed information on proper lens care, see our guide to contact lens care and cleaning.

Solution Selection

The solutions you use can impact dry eye symptoms:

• Consider preservative-free solutions if you're sensitive to preservatives
• Look for solutions labeled for "sensitive eyes" which typically contain fewer preservatives or gentler ingredients
• Avoid using saline solution for storage or disinfection (it's for rinsing only)
• If you notice stinging when inserting lenses, try a different solution as this may indicate sensitivity to solution ingredients

Hydration and Environment

Keeping your body and eyes well-hydrated is crucial for combating dry eye symptoms:

Internal Hydration

• Drink plenty of water - aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) daily
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Consider omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which may improve tear quality (consult your doctor first)
• Include foods rich in omega-3s in your diet, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts

Environmental Factors

Modify your environment to reduce factors that contribute to dry eyes:

• Use a humidifier in dry environments, especially during winter when heating systems reduce indoor humidity
• Avoid direct air flow from fans, air conditioners, or heaters blowing toward your eyes
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and sun
• Position computer screens below eye level to reduce eye opening and tear evaporation
• Take regular breaks from digital devices using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

Lubricating Eye Drops

Eye drops can provide significant relief for contact lens wearers with dry eyes:

Types of Drops

• Drops specifically formulated for use with contacts (labeled "for use with contact lenses")
• Preservative-free drops which are gentler for frequent use
• Rewetting drops designed to rehydrate the lens and provide comfort during wear
• Lipid-based drops that help prevent tear evaporation

Usage Guidelines

To get the most benefit from lubricating drops:

• Carry drops with you for use throughout the day as needed
• Apply before symptoms become severe for better relief
• Use before activities that typically worsen symptoms (like computer work)
• Consider using before lens insertion and after removal to help prepare and soothe the eye
• Follow your eye care professional's recommendations on frequency of use

Lifestyle Adjustments

Several lifestyle modifications can help reduce dry eye symptoms with contact lenses:

Blinking Exercises

Conscious blinking helps distribute tears and maintain lens hydration:

• Complete blinks: Practice closing your eyes fully when blinking
• Scheduled reminders: Set alerts on your phone or computer to remind you to blink, especially during screen time
• The 5-5-5 exercise: Every hour, close your eyes for 5 seconds, 5 times in a row

Screen Habits

Digital device use significantly impacts dry eye symptoms:

• Position screens appropriately: Below eye level to reduce eye opening
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Use larger font sizes: To reduce squinting and eye strain
• Consider blue light filtering: Either through screen settings or special glasses
• Ensure proper lighting: Avoid glare and high contrast between your screen and surroundings

Wearing Schedule

Adjusting when and how long you wear your contacts can help manage dry eyes:

• Reduce wearing time if your eyes feel dry after a certain number of hours
• Take contact-free days to give your eyes a break, especially during allergy season or when in very dry environments
• Consider wearing glasses for screen-heavy tasks or in the evening
• Remove lenses earlier in the day before symptoms become severe

When to See a Doctor

While many dry eye symptoms can be managed with the strategies above, some situations warrant professional attention:

Persistent Symptoms

Consult an eye care professional if you experience:

• Dry eye symptoms that persist despite trying multiple remedies
• Severe discomfort or pain with lens wear
• Redness that doesn't resolve after lens removal
• Decreasing contact lens tolerance (unable to wear lenses as long as previously)
• Vision changes that don't clear up when blinking

Medical Approaches

Your eye doctor may recommend additional treatments for dry eyes, such as:

• Prescription eye drops that increase tear production
• Punctal plugs that block tear drainage to keep eyes more moist
• Meibomian gland expression to improve oil gland function and tear quality
• Anti-inflammatory medications to address underlying inflammation
• Different contact lens materials or designs better suited to your specific needs
• Specialty or custom-fitted lenses for severe dry eye cases

Conclusion

Dry eyes don't have to mean giving up contact lenses. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, most people can significantly improve their comfort and wearing experience. The key is a multi-faceted approach:

• Choose the right lens material and replacement schedule for your eyes
• Practice proper lens care and handling
• Stay well-hydrated and manage your environment
• Use appropriate lubricating drops
• Make lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptoms
• Consult with your eye care professional for persistent problems

Remember that dry eye symptoms can change with seasons, health conditions, and age. Regularly reassess your eye care routine and be willing to adapt as needed. With the right approach, most contact lens wearers can find a comfortable solution.

For more information on contact lens care, check out our guides on proper contact lens care andwhen to replace your lenses.