Contact Lenses Dor Dry Eyes: To Be or Not To Be

As fancy and convenient contact lenses may be, it can be uncomfortable if you have dry eye syndrome, which occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or fluid to keep your eyes lubricated. The National Eye Institute states that almost five million Americans experience dry eye syndrome. Wearing contact lenses for an extended period also causes dry eyes, according to studies by eye experts. They also explained that many contact lens wearers develop contact lens-related dry eyes.

Symptoms associated with dry eyes include a gritty feeling like something stuck in the eyes, pain, burning. When your eyes are dry, you may have difficulty wearing your contact lenses. Having dry eyes does not mean that you should give up wearing contact lenses. Focus on addressing the cause of the dry eyes or changing your lenses completely.

Other options to consider if you want to use a contact lens with dry eyes include using eye drops if your eyes do not produce enough tears. If the dry eye is due to the side effect of medication, you may seek an alternative. There is also a procedure that plugs the drain system in your eyes to help them retain more moisture. However, this is for severe cases. Switching to daily disposable lenses may prevent protein deposits that make your eyes feel drier. Besides, the use of a silicone-based hydrogel lens does not allow water to evaporate quickly. They can reduce the effect of dry eyes better than regular ones.

Moisten your eyes with rewetting drops before applying your contact lenses. Use them during the day to keep your eyes wet. During the winter, when you may need to use heat, use them more frequently. If symptoms persist after trying these options, consult your doctor. You can also get more information by reaching out to Accent Eyes today.