Are Your Contact Lenses Causing Dry Eye?

One of the most common complaints among contact lens wearers is eye dryness. People who have worn lenses for a long time often experience dry eye symptoms, including redness, itchiness, and irritation. While dry eye syndrome can affect anyone, those who wear contact lenses experience more severe symptoms. If you experience the condition, an exam can help determine the cause. 

Contact Lens and Dry Eye
 

Contact lenses rest directly on the eye surface. The cornea, or front eye surface, receives direct oxygen from the air. Contact lenses block or limit the oxygen, leaving the wearer experiencing dryness and grittiness after several hours of use. 

Contact lenses need liquid to remain soft so as to function properly and maintain their shape. It causes them to absorb most of the tears produced by the eye. It leaves the eye surface with inadequate moisture, resulting in eye dryness. 

Healthy Eye Surface
 

A healthy eye surface has adequate tear film, allowing contact lenses to swim comfortably above the cornea. Inadequate lacrimal fluid affects the tear film, resulting in eye surface irritation. It causes pain, itchiness, and redness while wearing contact lenses. 

If lenses are poorly fitted or of poor quality, they absorb most of the liquid in the tear film. It causes the eyes to lose essential moisture. When lenses are worn for extended periods, they cause symptoms.

Relieving Dry Eye From Contact Lenses

There are things you can do to reduce contact-lens-induced dry eye. They include:

• Choosing contact lenses with good oxygen permeability enhances comfort 

• Wearing daily disposable lenses reduces the buildup of protein deposits

• Applying eye drops to relieve discomfort

• Getting scleral lenses that vault over the cornea, keeping the surface from drying out

• Consuming nutrients that improve eye health and increase contact lens comfort 

• Wearing contact lenses only while sleeping (orthokeratology)

• Following contact lens care instructions, including using the right cleaning solution  

Your doctor can recommend the best eye products to prevent dryness if you have sensitive eyes

Contact Lens Fitting

The best way to avoid contact lens-induced dry eye and inflammation is by scheduling contact lens fitting. A comprehensive exam will help determine if you are a good candidate for the lenses. 

If you are a suitable candidate, the doctor will take measurements of your eyes. The tests will determine your eye shape, curvature, and strength. It will ensure you get contact lenses that fit perfectly for the best function and comfort. 

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Getting your eyes examined regularly can ensure that your eyes are healthy. The doctor will check your visual acuity and ocular health during a comprehensive eye evaluation. If you are prone to eye dryness, consider wearing high-quality contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods. Always dispose of your lenses after the prescribed wear period to prevent the buildup of germs.

If you suffer from eye dryness, your eye doctor will determine the root cause. It is vital for creating the best treatment plan. Contact lenses can provide the best visual clarity, but they also need to be comfortable to be effective. 

For more on whether your contact lenses are causing dry eye, visit Primary Eye Care at our Tupelo, Mississippi office. Call (662) 200-9842 to schedule an appointment today.