Dry eyes, itchiness, redness – many contact wearers know these symptoms all too well. If you are suffering from dry eye while wearing contact lenses, you may have swapped them out for your glasses. However, this is not the only way to find relief. The following are some tips to combat dry eye and feel more comfortable while wearing contacts. 

Eyes Feeling Dry? Ways to Find Relief While Wearing Contact Lenses

Improve Contact Care

It’s essential to practice proper contact care. Use a quality cleaning solution when you remove your lenses and before putting them back in. If you stick to a solid cleaning routine and are experiencing irritation, you may be sensitive to your cleaning solution. Your eye doctor can confirm this and recommend an alternative solution.

Try Artificial Tears

If you aren’t already using eye drops, talk to your eye doctor about which product is best for you. Patients who already use artificial tears and aren’t feeling results should look into switching their drops. It’s possible that you are using eye drops that are incompatible with your contacts. This can damage the lenses and irritate your eyes. Your eye doctor can help match an eye drops brand to your brand of contacts. 

Try Different Contacts

Soft lenses are generally the best option for individuals with dry eye, and it’s helpful to pick a brand with moisturizing properties. Hard lenses don’t hold as much water and don’t allow oxygen to flow as freely into your eye. Look for a higher water content when choosing contacts, and talk to your eye doctor about specialized options. 

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

In addition to working with your eye doctor to find the right lenses, eye drops, and care routine, it’s important to talk to them about ruling out other dry eye causes. Individuals with diabetes, thyroid conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis, for example, may be more susceptible to dry eye and have difficulty wearing contacts. Certain medications and lifestyle factors may also lead to dry eye. This is why it’s important to treat any underlying conditions that may cause tear production problems.

Whether you are living with dry eye or are due for a comprehensive eye exam in Faribault, MN, the professionals at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic are available to care for your needs. Serving patients in south-central Minnesota, they offer eye exams, testing, and fittings for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Their state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to help you retain overall eye health. To view a full list of services, visit their website today. You can also call (507) 526-2222 to make an appointment.