For many busy people juggling work, family, and life around St. Thomas, contact lenses offer freedom from glasses. But sometimes, that convenience comes with an unwelcome guest—dry, irritated eyes. If you’ve ever felt that gritty, scratchy sensation by the end of the day, you’re not alone.
Yes, contact lenses can contribute to feelings of dry eye, but they don’t have to be the cause of ongoing discomfort. With the right approach and professional guidance, you can enjoy the convenience of contacts without the irritation.
The Link Between Contacts & Dry Eye
Contact lenses rest directly on your eye’s tear film. This thin layer of moisture is vital for clear vision and comfort. Contacts can sometimes disrupt this natural layer, which may lead to feelings of dryness or irritation, especially after many hours of wear.
How Contacts Affect Your Tear Film
A contact lens can absorb some of the moisture from your eye’s surface. It may also limit the oxygen that reaches your cornea. These factors, taken together, can contribute to the symptoms of dry eye, making your eyes feel tired and uncomfortable as the day goes on.
Signs Your Contacts Cause Dryness
It’s easy to dismiss eye discomfort as just the product of a long day. However, certain symptoms can point to contact lens-related dryness. Pay attention to how your eyes feel, especially toward the end of your day or after extended screen time (which can contribute to digital eye strain).
Common Symptoms of Dryness
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness & irritation
- Blurry vision that comes & goes with blinking
- A sensation of tired or heavy eyelids
- Watery eyes—which is your body’s response to irritation
How to Relieve Dry Eyes from Contacts
The good news is you don’t have to choose between contact lenses and comfort. Simple changes and professional advice can make a big difference.
Simple Tips for At-Home Care
Integrating a few small changes into your daily routine can support more comfortable lens wear. Here’s what to try:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: When spending time in front of a computer, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Practice Good Lens Hygiene: Always wash your hands before you handle your lenses & use fresh solution every time.
- Stay Hydrated: A well-hydrated body supports a healthier tear film.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor About Other Options
If home care isn’t enough, your eye doctor may suggest other approaches. This might include rewetting drops formulated for contact lens wearers or specialty lenses designed to retain more moisture.
Contact Lens Wear & Your Eye Health
How you wear and care for your lenses plays a large role in your overall eye health and comfort. Pushing the limits of your lenses can often make dry eye symptoms worse. Following a proper routine is a key part of happy contact lens wear.
The Importance of a Wear Schedule
It can be tempting to wear your contacts for longer than recommended, but this can increase dryness and other risks. Stick to the schedule your eye doctor provides. This is true whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
Are You a Candidate for Contacts?
While most people can wear contacts successfully, some pre-existing conditions can make it more challenging. Chronic dry eye or certain allergies might mean that specific types of lenses—or even glasses—are a better fit for you. We can discuss the options that suit your vision and lifestyle.
Why a Professional Eye Exam Matters
An eye exam is about more than just updating your prescription. Regular eye exams are an important part of your overall wellness, as they allow your optometrist to assess the complete health of your eyes and spot signs of dryness.
What to Expect During Your Exam
During your appointment, we’ll talk about your lifestyle—from your work to your family life. We’ll also examine your eyes in order to understand the root cause of your dryness. With the right care and professional guidance, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your contact lenses.
At First Optometry, we want you to be able to enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your contact lenses. Not sure if you’re experiencing dry eye? Take our online questionnaire to find out if you may be a candidate for treatment, then book your appointment with us today. We welcome all patients from St. Thomas and surrounding communities- Port Stanley, London, Aylmer, Belmont and Southwold.
