If you wear contact lenses, you may know the feeling all too well—a gritty, dry sensation that makes your eyes feel tired before the day is over. You might wonder if your lenses are the cause of this discomfort and if you need to give them up for good.
While some contacts can contribute to feelings of dryness, you often have more options than you think. The right type of lens, a precise fit from a contact lens exam, and healthy habits can help you find lasting comfort and clear vision.
How Contacts & Dry Eyes Are Connected
Your eyes stay comfortable because of a thin, stable layer of moisture called the tear film. This layer keeps the surface of your eye smooth and hydrated. A contact lens rests directly on this tear film, and for some people, it can disrupt the natural balance, leading to the symptoms of dry eye.
The Impact on Your Natural Tear Film
A contact lens can absorb moisture from your eye, much like a tiny sponge. It can also affect how your tears spread across your eye’s surface with each blink. When this happens, you may start to notice signs of dryness, especially after wearing your lenses for several hours.
Common Signs of Dryness From Contacts
You might experience dryness from your contact lenses if you notice:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, as if sand is in your eye
- Redness or general irritation
- Vision that gets blurry, which can happen when dry eyes cause blurred vision that clears when you blink
- A feeling that something is always in your eye
- Difficulty wearing your lenses for as long as you used to
Key Factors That Affect Contact Lens Comfort
Several things influence how your eyes feel with contacts. A professional can identify which factors matter most for you during a contact lens fitting.
The Type of Lens Material
Not all contact lenses are made from the same material. Some older materials can draw moisture away from your eye, while newer silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to pass through to your eye, which helps it stay healthier and more comfortable.
The Importance of a Proper Fit
A contact lens that fits poorly can cause significant irritation. If a lens is too tight, it can trap debris and prevent your natural tears from flowing beneath it. If it’s too loose, it can shift with every blink, creating friction and discomfort. That is why a specific exam for contact lenses is so important.
Your Daily Wear & Care Habits
How you care for your lenses plays a big role in your comfort. Wearing them longer than recommended or failing to clean them properly can lead to a buildup of protein deposits. These deposits can feel rough and make your eyes feel dry and irritated, so following contact lens safety tips is key.
Find Relief & Enjoy Your Lenses
You can take simple steps to improve how your eyes feel. An optometrist can work with you to find a solution that fits your vision needs and your lifestyle.
Explore Modern Contact Lens Options
Lens technology has come a long way. Many modern contacts are designed specifically for people who experience dryness. Learning about the different types of contact lenses can help you have a more informed discussion about your options. Some lenses have moisturizing agents built right into the material, releasing hydration throughout the day.
Schedule a Contact Lens Exam & Fitting
A specific contact lens exam is different from a regular eye exam. It involves precise measurements of your eye’s surface to determine the ideal lens size and shape for you. This helps find a lens that works with your unique eyes, not against them.
Adopt Healthy Habits for Your Eyes
Small changes can make a big difference. Try using rewetting drops approved for contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses one or two days a week, and remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. Following a consistent wear and care routine also helps.
Your Questions About Contacts & Dryness
Get straightforward answers to common questions about wearing contacts when you experience symptoms of dry eye.
Can You Still Wear Contacts With Dry Eyes?
For many people, the answer is yes. The focus shifts to finding a contact lens material and replacement schedule that supports your eye’s natural moisture. Your optometrist can recommend options designed for comfort.
Are Daily Disposable Lenses a Good Choice?
Daily disposables can be a great option. Starting with a fresh, clean lens every morning means you avoid the daily buildup of deposits that can cause irritation. This simple change can significantly improve comfort for many wearers.
How Do Eye Exams Help?
A proper eye exam in Surrey BC is your opportunity to have a direct conversation about your symptoms. It’s much more thorough than a simple sight test, allowing for a full health check. Your eye care team can use that information to provide personalized solutions, from recommending specific lens brands to suggesting adjustments in your daily routine.
Find Comfort & Clarity With the Right Contact Lenses
You don’t have to settle for uncomfortable vision or give up on contact lenses altogether. If dry eyes are affecting your contact lens wear, the team at West Coast Optical can help you find lenses that work with your eyes, not against them.
With access to the latest contact lens technology and decades of experience fitting lenses for patients across Surrey, Langley, and White Rock, our optometrists can recommend personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether that means switching to daily disposables, trying lenses with built-in moisturizing agents, or adjusting your care routine, we’ll work with you to find lasting comfort.
Schedule an appointment today and discover a path to clear, comfortable sight that lasts all day.
