Tips for Managing Dry Eye Symptoms While Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses offers you the freedom from glasses, making daily activities more convenient. However, if you're among those who experience dry eye, contacts can sometimes exacerbate the issue.
 

Understanding Dry Eye and its Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tear film is unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can be due to either decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
 

Dry eye is more than just an occasional inconvenience; it's a chronic condition that can result from various factors. These include eye gland dysfunction, age, computer use, cosmetics, certain medications, and underlying health issues.
 

The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild to severe and may include a stinging or burning sensation, sensitivity to light, redness, and blurred vision. You might also find yourself rubbing your eyes frequently or struggling with discomfort after focusing for prolonged periods, such as while using a computer or reading.
 

Challenges for Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eye

Contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film, which is vital for keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. The materials used in contacts can absorb your tears over time, exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
 

When you have dry eye disease, wearing contact lenses can become uncomfortable or even painful. Inadequate amounts of tears cannot “float” the lenses and  may cause your contacts to stick to your eyes, making them difficult to remove. It can also lead to blurred vision or a decrease in the wearing time of your lenses, disrupting your daily routine.
 

Tips for Managing Dry Eye Symptoms with Contacts

The best option is to treat your dry eye disease. The most common form of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction, which is a problem with the eyelids. Multiple studies have shown an improvement in comfortable contact lens wear time with procedures such as Lipiflow. Regular eyelid hygiene and home warm compresses help to maintain eyelid health.
 

Despite the challenges, there are ways to mitigate dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of contacts without compromising the health and comfort of your eyes.
 

Maintaining good lens care and hygiene is crucial in preventing dry eye symptoms. Always wash your hands before handling your lenses, and clean them as directed by your eye care professional. Store them in fresh solution each night, and replace them according to the recommended schedule to minimize the risk of irritation.
 

Artificial tears and eye drops can be a lifesaver for contact lens wearers with dry eye. They supplement your natural tear film, rehydrate the lenses,  and provide temporary relief from dryness. Look for drops that are specifically formulated for use with contacts and use them up to four times daily.
 

Selecting the right type of contact lenses can make a significant difference in managing dry eye symptoms. Advances in lens technology offer various options designed to improve comfort for dry eye sufferers.
 

Daily disposable lenses can be a good choice if you have dry eye. Since you wear a fresh pair each day, there's less opportunity for protein and lipid deposits to build up, which can contribute to dryness and discomfort. They also eliminate the need for cleaning and storing lenses, reducing the risk of contamination that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. For patients with more significant dry eye, scleral contact lenses can be very helpful for restoring the surface of the eye and increasing comfort. 
 

Some patients have to reduce their use of contacts.  It is a good idea to have a pair of glasses with a current prescription. Wearing lenses when your eyes are not comfortable is not a good idea.
 

Achieving Comfortable Vision

Managing dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses requires a combination of proper eye care, the right choice of lenses, and lifestyle adjustments. By understanding your condition, maintaining good lens hygiene, using lubricating drops, and taking breaks from lens wear, you can improve your eye comfort significantly. Consult with your optometrist to determine the best type of lenses for your needs and to discuss any ongoing symptoms. With these tips, you can maintain clear vision and comfort, even with dry eye.
 

To learn more tips for managing dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses or to determine which contact lenses are right for your visual needs, schedule an eye exam with our professionals at Forefront Eye Care in our Boston, Massachusetts, office. Please call (617) 322-0534 to book an appointment today.