For many people who wear contact lenses, dry eye can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. The constant irritation, redness, and blurry vision can make wearing contacts feel like a chore rather than a convenience. Fortunately, there are ways to manage dry eye while still enjoying the benefits of contact lenses. In this blog post, we will share some tips for managing dry eye while wearing contact lenses.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep them lubricated. Symptoms of dry eye can include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
With the right approach, dry eye can be effectively managed even with contact lenses.
Tips for managing dry eye with contact lenses
Stay hydrated
One of the most important things you can do to combat dry eye is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes properly hydrated. Dehydration can worsen your symptoms, so make sure you’re drinking enough water each day.
Use lubricating eye drops
Lubricating eye drops are a must-have for anyone with dry eye, especially contact lens wearers. Make sure to use preservative-free drops specifically formulated for use with contact lenses. These drops can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day.
Take breaks from your lenses
If you’re experiencing severe dry eye symptoms, it may be helpful to take breaks from wearing your contact lenses. Switching to glasses for a day or two each week can give your eyes a much-needed break and allow them to recover from the stress of wearing contacts.
Clean your lenses properly
Proper lens care is essential for avoiding dryness and irritation while wearing contacts. Make sure to clean your lenses regularly with a gentle solution recommended by your eye doctor. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as this can introduce bacteria and other contaminants that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
Try a different type of contact lens
For those with more severe cases of dry eye, scleral lenses may be a great option. These larger-than-normal contact lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a reservoir of fluid that helps keep the eyes moist and comfortable. At Southern Eye Centers, we offer these lenses and can help you decide if they are right for your eyes.
Explore advanced treatment options
Sometimes, eye drops or home remedies aren’t enough, and dry eye is chronic. In these cases, our eye doctors may suggest more advanced treatment options such as OptiLight IPL therapy, LidPro, or MiBo Thermoflo treatment. These procedures treat underlying causes of dry eye, providing significant relief for many of our patients.
Managing dry eye while wearing contact lenses doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By following these tips and exploring advanced treatment options like those offered at Southern Eye Centers, you can find relief from discomfort and see clearly and comfortably again with contact lenses. Contact us today for an appointment or to learn more about our dry eye treatment in Plaquemine and Baton Rouge.