Managing Dry Eye Symptoms While Wearing Contacts

Many contact lens wearers suffer from dry eye symptoms, some of which can be overwhelming. You may experience eye redness, itchiness, and discomfort. When met with these, it’s best to remove your contact lenses and never wear them again. Fortunately, there are various ways to manage dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses. 

Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms

Understanding the causes of dry eye symptoms is crucial before managing them. Different factors can contribute to dry eyes. They include using certain medications like antihistamines. Environmental conditions like spending long hours staring at digital screens, the wind, or air conditioning can contribute to dry eyes. You must find the root cause of your dry eye symptoms to know how to manage them effectively.

Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses 

Wearing contact lenses can cause dry eye symptoms for some people. However, choosing the right type of contact can help manage your dry eye symptoms. Soft contact lenses can help. They conform to the shape of your eye and are more comfortable than rigid gas-permeable lenses. 

Contact lens wearers who suffer from dry eye symptoms can also benefit from wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses. These contacts allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes and are more breathable.

Use Eye Drops

Dry eyes occur when you lack adequate or quality tears to lubricate or add moisture to your eye surface. Contact lens wearers who experience dry eyes experience much discomfort.

For relief, you can add moisture to your eyes by using rewetting eye drops. Choose preservative-free drops to avoid irritating your eyes. It is also vital to avoid overusing your eye drops and use them as directed to prevent further irritation.

Your eye doctor can give you prescription eye drops if rewetting eye drops do not help. These eye drops contain ingredients that manage dry eye symptoms by promoting tear production. Your eye specialist will prescribe the ideal type of drops based on your specific needs.

Use a Humidifier 

Dry air worsens your dry eye symptoms. A humidifier can add moisture to the atmosphere of your home or office. It is helpful in rooms where you use heating or air conditioning as they can dry out the air. Place your humidifier in your room or workspace for dry eye relief.

Clean and Replace Your Contact Lenses Regularly

Contact lens wearers should practice good hygiene when handling their lenses. They must maintain a replacement schedule and avoid wearing contact lenses past the recommended period or expiration date. Old or dirty lenses can lead to complications such as irritation that can worsen dry eye symptoms.

Follow the instructions your eye doctor gives you or those from the manufacturer to avoid overwearing your lenses. Typically, they need replacing every two weeks to a month, based on the type you wear.

Take Breaks From Wearing Contact Lenses

You can manage dry eye symptoms by taking breaks from wearing contact lenses. If your discomfort persists, try to wear eyeglasses for a while.

For more about managing dry eye symptoms with contacts, visit Eyecare Association Optometric Group. Call us today at 626-804-3266 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit our office in Azusa, California, for an in-person consultation with us.