At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How do I Avoid Getting Dry Eyes from Contacts?
Many people unexpectedly experience dry eyes from contacts, but there are some ways to prevent this bothersome issue. For example, certain habits should be added to the daily routine, such as limiting contact use, blinking often, and drinking lots of water. Using artificial tears during the day, and a soothing gel at night, can also decrease the chances of experiencing dry eyes while wearing contacts. Taking care of the contacts in general can also help, such as throwing them out when advised and rewetting them during the day.
You may find that your eyes become dry after wearing your contacts for several hours a day for many days in a row, which is why you should get into the habit of limiting your use when possible. For example, consider taking them out when you use the computer, as people tend to stare at the screen for a long time without blinking, leading to dry eyes from contacts. If you cannot limit your use, try to increase the amount that you blink. Drinking lots of water and avoiding diuretics, such as alcohol and caffeine, can also help you avoid dry eye since this will keep your whole body hydrated.
It is also helpful to start using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist throughout the day. The best kinds do not contain any preservatives, which tend to irritate sensitive eyes. Be sure to avoid drops that claim to eliminate redness from the eyes, since these will not relieve dry eye, and may in fact irritate the eyes more since they constrict the blood vessels. You can also get gel that is meant to reduce dry eye, though this kind of product tends to blur the eyes for several minutes, making it best to apply at bedtime.
Taking care of your contacts is just as important as caring for your eyes, as keeping them in good shape can help reduce the chances of getting dry eyes from contacts. Most disposable contact lenses specify how long you can use them before throwing them out in favor of a fresh pair, and following these rules is a simple way to avoid dry eyes. You should also clean the lenses everyday with solution, and consider taking them out midday to soak them again so that they can absorb moisture before you put them back in the eyes. If you still experience dry eyes from contacts after following these procedures, consider using a brand of contacts meant for dry eyes, such as the kind that allows more oxygen through to the eye and pulls less moisture from it.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Drinking lots of water while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes.]()
By: vgstudioDrinking lots of water while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes. -
![Avoiding alcohol while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes.]()
By: jillchenAvoiding alcohol while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes. -
![It may be advisable to remove contacts before working on a computer.]()
By: Victoria AndreasIt may be advisable to remove contacts before working on a computer. -
![Regular use of artificial tears can help prevent dry eyes from contacts.]()
By: alco81Regular use of artificial tears can help prevent dry eyes from contacts. -
![Soft contact lenses dry up the longer they're worn, taking water from the eye.]()
By: ruigsantosSoft contact lenses dry up the longer they're worn, taking water from the eye. -
![Wearing contact lenses often leads to dry eyes.]()
By: vladimirfloydWearing contact lenses often leads to dry eyes.
Discussion Comments
I wear contact lenses, and I carry moisturizing eye drops with me wherever I go. I have to apply them about four or five times a day at work, but the relief is instant.
I also carry my contact solution and the case with me. On my lunch break, I will take out my contacts and place them in the solution. I let them soak until time to go back to work, and by then, they are fully re-moisturized.
It is a bit inconvenient to have to depend on drops and solution to keep my eyes from becoming dry. It would be nice if there were a type of miracle contacts that could totally prevent this, but in the meantime, I will continue to lean heavily on my moisturizing products.
@OeKc05 – There may be hope for people with dry eyes from contact lenses. My sister's eye doctor just told her about a kind of contact that you can wear at night to make your vision better during the day.
It can reshape your eye while you sleep, and supposedly, you can see perfectly well when you wake up and remove the contacts. This is great for people with dry eyes, because they don't have to deal with the discomfort, since their eyes will be shut while they sleep, so moisture loss shouldn't be a problem.
The only drawback is that you do have to wear them every night. However, this is still better than having to deal with dry eyes all day long.
I've tried everything, and still, I experience dry eyes with contacts. I've used the drops in the daytime, and I've even tried that gel at night, but nothing keeps my eyes from becoming uncomfortably dry when I wear my lenses.
It's too bad that contacts don't naturally improve your vision over time. I'm too chicken to try the surgery that could fix my vision, but I think I could deal with wearing my contacts if I knew that they would slowly make me able to see on my own.
I might have to give in and go with glasses. I hate to, but I can't stand the dryness much longer.
I think that the best contact lenses for dry eyes are silicone hydrogel lenses. They don't contain a lot of water, but that is actually good for dry eyes.
Contacts with a lot of water in them require more moisture to stay wet throughout the day, and they can sap your eyes of this moisture once their own evaporates. So, I wear the low-moisture kind.
These lenses also let a lot of oxygen through, so they feel more natural. My eyeballs don't dry out, because they can breathe air like they do when nothing is on top of them.
Post your comments