Dry Eyes and Contact Lenses: Top Dos & Don’ts

If you suffer from dry eyes, it can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and even increase your risk of developing a serious eye infection. But don’t toss out your lenses for eyeglasses just yet! Here are some steps that can make wearing contact lenses safer and more comfortable if you have dry eyes.

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Dry eye is a condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the right quality of tears, to be healthy or comfortable. This eye condition can cause uncomfortable symptoms including blurry vision, dry, gritty, or irritated eyes, and increased light sensitivity. 

You may be at risk of developing dry eyes if you: 

• Are over the age of 50 
• Wear contact lenses
• Spend a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated rooms
• Smoke or drink alcohol 
• Take certain medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure drugs

If dry eyes are making it difficult for you to wear contact lenses comfortably, then your Calgary optometrist can help. Your eye doctor will be able to suggest the most appropriate course of treatment, be it lifestyle changes or eyedrops.

Our Calgary Optometrists Provide Comprehensive Dry Eye Care 

At Blink Eyewear, our Calgary optometrists can provide comprehensive eye exams and dry eye care to help diagnose and relieve symptoms of this eye condition. In doing so, our team can help restore the health, clarity, and comfort of your vision as soon as possible and make wearing contact lenses more comfortable. 

If you suffer from dry eyes, you can still wear contact lenses! During a contact lens fitting, our Calgary eye doctors will assess your eye health and particular circumstances to determine which type of contact lens is safest and best for you. 

Want to know more? 

BOOK A CONTACT LENS FITTING 

Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes: Dos and Don’ts 

If you have dry eyes that are making it difficult to wear contact lenses — don’t worry! There are some steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms and continue wearing your lenses comfortably and without frustration. 

Here are some dos and don’ts you must follow when it comes to contact lenses and dry eyes: 

DO Take Care of Your Contact Lenses 

The best way to take care of your dry eyes when wearing contact lenses and keep an infection at bay is by following the lens care advice given to you by your optometrist. This includes: 

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses.
• Clean your contact lenses and soak them in an approved solution overnight.
• Discard the solution after every use. Reusing the solution will affect its sterility.
• Never use water (tap, bottled, or distilled) on your contact lenses. Always remove your lenses when showering, going swimming, or getting into a hot tub. 
• Store your contact lenses in the right storage case. After every use, rinse the case with solution and air dry it. Make sure to replace the case every three months. 
• Never overwear your contact lenses or wear them past their expiry date. 

9 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WITH YOUR CONTACT LENSES 

DON’T Ignore Any Signs of Infection 

If you are experiencing new changes in your vision, especially ones that come on quickly, it could mean that you have an eye infection. Some signs you need to watch out for include: 

• Eye pain
• Reduced vision
• Light sensitivity
• Redness
• Eye discharge or excessive watering 

If you suddenly develop any of the above symptoms, then you should contact your eye doctor right away. Left untreated, an eye infection can become a serious condition that may even result in vision loss. 

DO Work With Your Optometrist to Find the Best Solution 

If you do suffer from dry eyes, talk to your eye doctor about ways to reduce any discomfort associated with wearing contact lenses. If the problem persists, your optometrist might suggest reducing the number of hours you wear contact lenses or switching to another type of lens. 

DON’T Assume That You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses 

While it’s true that wearing contact lenses may be more challenging when you have dry eyes, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to only wearing eyeglasses. For many people who have dry eyes, basic precautions and simple steps can greatly improve your comfort and safety. 

This includes: 

• Switching to a different type of contact lens.
• Taking care of your lenses properly.
• Moistening your eyes with rewetting drops before putting in your contact lenses. 
• Temporarily stopping wearing contact lenses to let your eyes recover.
• Only wearing your lenses for the amount of time your eye doctor prescribes. 

6 SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY EYES 

We Can Help You Feel Comfortable With Your Contact Lenses 

If you want to know more about our dry eye care services and how our team of highly qualified eye doctors can protect your eye health and make wearing contact lenses more comfortable, contact us at our Crowfoot (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292) branches.

FAQs 

Q: What type of contact lens is best for people with dry eyes?
Soft contact lenses are significantly better for people with chronic dry eye. The materials used in soft contacts hold water and allow oxygen through the lens to let your eyes breathe. If you do wear hard contact lenses and have dry eyes, you may benefit from making the switch to soft contact lenses. 

Q: Do contact lenses cause dry eyes?
In most cases, contact lenses do not cause dry eyes, but they can exacerbate the symptoms. This is especially true towards the end of the day when patients experience symptoms related to dry eyes such as blurry vision, itchiness, or a gritty sensation. 

Q: How can I keep my eyes hydrated?
There are several steps you can take to keep your eyes hydrated when wearing contact lenses such as using artificial tears, remembering to blink more often when using digital devices, keeping a humidifier in your home during the colder seasons, and quitting smoking.