Contact lenses can act as barriers that prevent oxygen from entering the eyes, which means the eyes create fewer natural tears. Eye doctors work to minimize as much of the problem as they can through the lens design, but people who wear contacts are more prone to dry eyes than those who do not. Some of the symptoms of dry eyes include itchiness, redness, tiredness, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.

What Can Help With Dry Eyes?

If you suffer from dry eyes and feel any of the above symptoms when wearing contact lenses, practice the following tips so your eyes will feel more refreshed and less irritated.

Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Contacts

Just soap and water will do, and then dry your hands with a lint-free towel to minimize particles transferring from your fingers onto your lenses.

Take Out Your Contacts Every Night

Sleeping in your contact lenses will dry them out and put you at risk for infection. Since your eyes cannot breathe nearly as well with contacts, they need to take breaks. You will notice a reduction in symptoms if you take them out for hours at a time—including while you sleep. This will provide more oxygen to your eyes, so they’ll be moist and ready for the next day of contact wearing.

If Your Contacts are Monthly Prescriptions, Wear Them Monthly 

Do not extend your lenses past when your eye doctor recommends. You may not think you need to replace them, especially if nothing seems wrong with these month-old lenses, but they will still build up with bacteria, eye goop, makeup, etc. Replace them and keep your eyes from infection.

Check Your Contact Solution

Some contact solutions work better for those prone to dry eyes. Once you have decided on the right one, change the solution in your case after each use. Rinse out your case and leave it face down to naturally dry before you use it again that night. The solution disinfects your contacts overnight but will lessen efficacy if you continually reuse it.

Supplement with Eye Drops

If you have changed your contact solution, but still suffer from dry eyes, ask your eye doctor about drops that contact lens wearers can safely place in their eyes. It’s best to use the drops before you feel dry eye symptoms. Regularly moistening your eyes will remove your symptoms or reduce the duration of your symptoms significantly. 

For all your contact lens needs, turn to the team at Jeffrey Foreman O.D., in Fort Dodge, IA. With almost 35 years of experience, the optometrist will answer all your questions about contact lenses and proper care. Visit the practice’s website to learn more about their services and on-site optical laboratory, and call (515) 955-7777 to schedule an appointment today.