Dry Eyes

Dry Eyes and Contact Lens Wearers

Dry eyes is one of the most common complaints from contact lenses wearers, but if you experience dry eye it doesnt necessarily mean that you need to stop wearing your contact lenses, there are other options available.  Some symptoms of dry eye can include irritation, burning sensation, redness and blurred vision. Contact lenses can effect the eyes ability to produce tears which help keep the eye moist and comfortable. 

Some common and easy ways of overcomming dry eye while wearing contact lenses include the use of re-wetting drops such as Refresh Contacts, Clear Eyes or Blink Contacts during the day or alternatively you could also re-soak your contacts in a little contact lens solution through out the day then re-insert them.  The frequency of both of these methods would depend on how severe your case of dry eye is, but if you are needing to do either of these things more than 3 to 4 times a day it would be advisable to see your optometrist as it may be an indication of infection or some more serious irritation.  Where possible it is recommended to obtain eye drops that are preservative free as it is belived that preservatives can contribute to dry eye and discomfort from wearing contact lenses.  Some people find that by adding a few of the re-wetting drops to their contacts before inserting them is enough to keep dry eye at bay for the day.

Ensuring you clean your contact lenses regularly is imperative in keeping your lenses in the best possible condition and minimising the risk of dry eye as well as changing your contact lenses as soon as they are due as wearing them longer than recommended could cause serious eye infections and may contribute to the discomfort you may feel while wearing them.

Prescription eye drops are also available should you have no success with over the counter eye drops, but of course you would need to see you optometrist for this.

Failing all of these things you should consult with your optometrist should your dry eyes persist as they may be able to suggest and fit you with alternative contact lenses, made from material more suitable to your eyes.

The most important thing to remember is to visit with your optometrist if you experience anything that you believe is not normal and to take you contact lenses out if you experience any infections in your eyes as continuing to wear them could prolong the infection and more importantly cause damage to your eyes.