For many people, contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses. However, one of the most common issues faced by contact lens wearers is dry eyes. Dryness can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even more serious eye health concerns. Thankfully, there are several effective strategies to keep your eyes feeling hydrated and healthy while wearing contact lenses. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to prevent dry eyes while wearing contacts.
1. Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses
The first step in preventing dry eyes is selecting the right contact lenses for your needs. Modern lenses come in a variety of materials, some of which are better suited for individuals with dry eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, which helps maintain moisture and comfort throughout the day. If you suffer from dry eyes, ask your optometrist about lenses designed specifically for sensitive eyes or those that are designed for extended wear, allowing for greater hydration.
2. Follow a Consistent Cleaning Routine
Proper lens hygiene is essential for both eye health and comfort. Cleaning your contact lenses regularly helps to remove debris, bacteria, and proteins that can contribute to dryness and irritation. Use only the recommended cleaning solutions, and avoid using water or saliva to clean your lenses, as they can introduce harmful microorganisms. Additionally, ensure that you replace your lenses according to the schedule provided by your eye care professional, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses. This will help prevent the build-up of allergens and particles that can exacerbate dryness.
3. Stay Hydrated
Your body’s hydration levels play a significant role in the moisture levels of your eyes. Dehydration can cause the tear film to break down, leading to dry eyes. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain the moisture levels in your eyes, ensuring that your lenses remain comfortable. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, more if you’re active or live in a dry climate. Keeping hydrated also supports overall health, contributing to your comfort and well-being while wearing contact lenses.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Prolonged screen time is a major contributor to dry eyes, especially for those who wear contact lenses. When we look at screens, we tend to blink less frequently, which reduces the spread of moisture across the surface of the eye. To prevent this, adopt the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on an object 20 feet away. This encourages natural blinking, which helps to refresh the tear film on the eyes. In addition, ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that the screen is at eye level to reduce strain.
5. Use Rewetting Drops
For those who experience dryness despite taking preventative measures, rewetting drops can offer much-needed relief. These specially formulated eye drops are designed to lubricate the eyes and restore moisture to the surface of the lens. They can be used throughout the day as needed, especially when you begin to feel dryness or discomfort. Ensure that the drops you choose are compatible with your type of contact lenses, and avoid those with preservatives that may cause irritation.
6. Avoid Dry Environments
Environmental factors play a key role in the development of dry eyes. Dry air, whether due to air conditioning, heating, or wind, can cause moisture to evaporate from the surface of your eyes, leading to discomfort. If you find yourself in an environment with low humidity, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can also protect your eyes from wind and other elements that may exacerbate dryness.
7. Practice Proper Blink Technique
When you wear contact lenses, it’s important to practice healthy blinking habits. Many people blink less frequently or less fully when wearing contacts, which can lead to dryness and irritation. To combat this, consciously focus on blinking fully and often throughout the day. This will help spread the natural tear film evenly across your eyes, providing consistent moisture and reducing the risk of dryness.
8. Consult Your Eye Care Professional
If you continue to experience dry eyes despite taking preventive measures, it’s important to consult your eye care professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and suggest appropriate treatments. For instance, you may have an underlying condition such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the quality of your tears. In such cases, your eye care provider may recommend a different type of contact lens, prescription eye drops, or even specific eye exercises.
9. Consider Alternatives to Contact Lenses
If your dry eye symptoms persist despite trying various solutions, you might want to explore alternatives to contact lenses. Options such as daily wear contact lenses or glasses may be more comfortable for individuals with chronic dry eyes. In some cases, your eye doctor might even recommend surgical procedures such as LASIK to correct your vision. While contact lenses are a great option for many, your eye health is paramount, and exploring alternative solutions may offer you lasting relief.
10. Adjust Your Lens-Wearing Habits
Finally, consider limiting the amount of time you wear your contact lenses. Extended wear can increase the likelihood of dryness, especially if your eyes are not properly hydrated. Try to give your eyes a break each day by wearing glasses part of the time. Additionally, removing your lenses while you sleep gives your eyes time to rest and recover from any dryness or discomfort experienced during the day.
Incorporating these strategies into your routine can help you maintain comfortable, hydrated eyes while wearing contact lenses. Dry eyes are a common issue, but with the right precautions, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without the discomfort. By staying mindful of your hydration, lens hygiene, and environmental factors, you can reduce the likelihood of dry eyes and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.