Contact lenses are a convenient option for people who need vision correction. However, if you suffer from chronic dry eye, you may experience some irritation and discomfort while wearing them. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on wearing contact lenses entirely. Treating the underlying condition or wearing specialty contact lenses can help provide relief.
At Vision Center Ltd, we can recommend treatment options, such as prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, or help you find contact lenses that are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Here are some tips to help you manage dry eye while still enjoying the convenience of contact lenses.
Try wearing scleral lenses
If you have dry eyes, traditional contact lenses might not be your best option. Instead, consider trying scleral lenses. These lenses are larger than regular contacts and rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera), creating a pocket of fluid between the lens and your cornea. This extra moisture helps keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day, relieving dry eye symptoms. They not only help prevent irritation but also offer better comfort and clearer vision.
Keep your lenses clean
Wearing dirty contact lenses can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms. A clean lens is more comfortable and helps reduce irritation caused by buildup or debris. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses, including only using contact lens solution made for your lenses. Other liquids, such as saliva or tap water, can introduce harmful contaminants and harm your eyes.
Limit screen time and blink more
People are spending more time than ever staring at screens, but too much screen time can dry out your eyes, especially if you’re wearing contacts. When we focus on screens, we blink less, which means less moisture on the surface of the eyes. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to rehydrate and helps keep them from drying out.
Stay hydrated and adjust your surroundings
Staying well-hydrated helps your body produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. You can also use a humidifier at home or in your office to add moisture to the air, especially if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated environments. This can make a big difference in how your eyes feel while wearing contact lenses.
Use rewetting drops or artificial tears
If your eyes start feeling dry during the day, rewetting drops or artificial tears can provide quick relief. Look for eye drops that are contact lens-friendly to make sure they don’t interfere with your lenses. These drops can soothe irritation and help you get through your day more comfortably.
Consider professional treatment
If you’ve tried all these tips and your contacts are still uncomfortable, it might be time to explore professional treatment options. At Vision Center Ltd, we offer dry eye treatment in Shelton to address the underlying causes of dry eyes and provide lasting relief.
TearCare® uses gentle heat to clear blockages in the meibomian glands, so your eyes can produce the oils needed to keep them hydrated. It’s a quick, in-office procedure that targets the root cause of dry eye. Equinox Light Therapy® uses light energy to reduce inflammation and stimulate better oil production in the tear film, offering a non-invasive solution for chronic dry eye.
Both treatments, along with scleral lenses, can significantly improve comfort and reduce irritation. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to keep your eyes feeling great while wearing contact lenses. Please give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
