Can I Wear Contacts With Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition that affects many individuals globally. It occurs when the eyes produce inadequate tears or when they evaporate too quickly. As a result, your eye surface lacks lubrication and moisture, irritating and drying the eyes. At such times, wearing contact lenses causes discomfort and pain for some people.

 

Cause of Dry Eye

One of the most common causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction. It occurs due to the obstruction or clogging of the meibomian glands in your eyelids. As a result, your tears evaporate quickly due to a reduction in the oily layer in your tear film. Hence, you experience irritated and dry eyes.

Different factors cause dry eye. They include age, environmental factors, medication, some medical conditions, and hormonal changes. Sometimes, it can be hereditary. Thus, it is crucial to understand the root cause of your dry eye to determine the best treatment.

 

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms may not be the same for everyone. They can vary from one individual to the next. However, they often include redness, itching, burning, and stinging. Some individuals experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Seek medical attention if you experience such symptoms to diagnose the condition and start treatment.

Can Contact Lenses Aggravate Your Dry Eye Condition?

Wearing contact lenses aggravates dry eye symptoms in some cases. They absorb the inadequate tears in your eyes, resulting in irritated and dry eyes. In addition, some people can get allergic reactions to contact lens material, worsening the dry eye symptoms.

 

Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

Ideally, choose the right type of contact lenses if you have dry eye. You can eliminate the need for storage solutions and cleaning if you wear daily disposable lenses. Doing so can reduce the risk of your dry eye symptoms worsening. Additionally, silicon hydrogel lenses can minimize irritation and dryness because they let in more oxygen to your eyes. Lastly, your optometrist can work with you to see if you’d be a good candidate for specialty contact lenses.

How to Take Proper Care of Your Contact Lenses

People with dry eyes must learn to care for and maintain their contact lenses. It entails following the disinfecting and cleaning procedures recommended. They must also avoid overwearing the lenses. Additionally, it is crucial to keep your eye lubricated by using eye drops or artificial tears.

Artificial tears help keep contact lenses comfortable and relieve the symptoms caused by dry eye. Artificial tears without preservatives may be more suitable as they are less irritable. It is vital to consult your eye doctor to determine the ideal artificial tears for your needs.

 

When to See Your Eye Doctor 

It is vital to seek medical care from your eye doctor if your discomfort or dry eye symptoms persist while wearing contacts. Your eye specialist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and recommend ways to help you wear contacts and manage your dry eye condition. The proper attention and care will help you enjoy wearing your contact lenses if you have dry eye.

For more about wearing contacts with dry eyes, contact Highlands Optometry at our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia. Call (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612 to book an appointment today.