Sometimes contact lenses feel irritating. They itch, they exert pressure, and they sometimes make eyes feel dry. Luckily, your optometrist can help you overcome all of these issues and ensure you feel comfortable in your contacts. He or she will assess your eyes to see what causes the dryness, and then he or she will prescribe one of the remedies listed below.
1. Contacts That Counteract Dryness
Some contact brands feature contact lenses that retain moisture more effectively than other types of contacts. So, even if your eyes dry out, your contacts won’t, allowing you to have crisp, clear, and comfortable eyesight throughout the day. The moisture seal on these contacts may even help you solve chronic dry eye, depending on what causes the dryness.
2. Daily Wear Contact Lenses
Some daily wear contacts cause less irritation than their extended use counterparts. After all, you replace the lenses each day, so the materials have less of a chance to absorb preservatives, develop deposits, or become worn. They’ll cost a little bit more than extended wear contacts, but you’ll feel more comfortable wearing them in the meantime.
3. Eye Drops or Sprays
Sometimes special contacts won’t quite solve the problem because you have dry eyes for a medical reason. Your optometrist might prescribe eye drops to help you overcome that condition. Your optometrist can tell you more about how long you’ll have to use eye drops, as the duration may change depending on which condition makes your eyes dry.
4. Rewetting Solution
Not everyone can manage eye drops, so your optometrist might give you a rewetting solution instead. You’ll carry the solution around with you, and when your eyes feel dry, you’ll remove your contacts with clean fingers and wet them with the solution. Ask your optometrist before choosing a solution, as not all solutions may be compatible with your lenses.
5. Eye Vitamins
Your eyes depend on certain vitamins to function properly. If you don’t get enough of these vitamins, your eyes could go dry or fail to make tears properly. Of course, you’ll have to visit your optometrist to see if vitamins will help with your particular condition. Some common supplemental vitamins for dry eyes include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
Make sure you consume plenty of omega-3s as well. Each of these vitamins helps your eyes—including your tear ducts—stay in top condition. You may find that you solve your dry-eye problems with these supplements.
6. An Improved Contact Lens Cleaning Routine
Your optometrist likely outlined a recommended routine when he or she prescribed your contact lenses. If you’ve deviated from this routine, such as switching to a different contact lens solution brand or neglecting to clean your contacts, these deviations could contribute to your dry eye. You should use the solution your optometrist prescribed to ensure you give your eyes the best chance at optimum health.
Additionally, you should only handle your contacts with clean hands, so make sure you wash your hands with soap and water and dry them on a clean cloth before putting in or removing your contacts. And make sure you clean your contacts with your fingers before wearing them by gently rubbing them. Contact solution does loosen debris, but you’ll need your fingers to clear it away.
You may also find that you wear your contacts for too long each day. Ask your optometrist what he or she thinks, and switch to glasses at certain times of day when your eyes become tired.
You don’t have to give up contacts if you have dry eyes. You can still enjoy these corrective lenses’ subtle appearance and feel comfortable if you treat your dry eyes using the methods listed above. Ask your optometrist if you have any further questions.