Wearing contact lenses offers a convenient alternative to glasses and an effective way to correct your vision. However, for many wearers, the experience can be disrupted by dry eye symptoms. Itchy, gritty, or burning eyes can make it difficult to wear lenses comfortably throughout the day and may even impact your vision clarity. Understanding the connection between contact lens use and dry eye, along with knowing how to manage it, can help you maintain clearer and more comfortable vision.
 

Why Contact Lenses Can Contribute to Dry Eye

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, reducing the flow of oxygen and moisture to the cornea. Over time, this can lead to increased tear evaporation and irritation. Certain types of lenses, environmental factors, and even extended screen time can make symptoms worse.
 

Tips to Improve Comfort and Clarity

Here are some helpful strategies to reduce dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses:
 

• Use Rewetting Drops: Lubricating eye drops designed for contact lens wearers can provide on-the-spot relief. Be sure to use preservative-free options recommended by your eye doctor.
• Follow a Proper Cleaning Routine: Build-up on your lenses can contribute to irritation. Clean and disinfect your lenses as directed, and replace them according to your schedule to avoid bacterial accumulation.
• Limit Screen Time When Possible: When staring at screens, we blink less often, leading to faster tear evaporation. Take frequent breaks and use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Drinking plenty of water and consuming omega-3 fatty acids may help support tear production and reduce inflammation.
• Choose the Right Contact Lenses: Not all contacts are created equal. Daily disposables or lenses made from moisture-retaining materials may significantly improve comfort for dry eye sufferers.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you experience persistent dryness, blurry vision, or eye discomfort while wearing contacts, it's time to schedule an eye exam. At Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates in Lynnwood, WA, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms and customize a treatment plan.
 

A professional assessment can help:
 

• Identify the underlying cause of your dry eye
• Recommend the best type of contact lenses for your eye health
• Offer targeted treatments such as medicated eye drops, punctal plugs, or in-office therapies

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with dry eyes shouldn’t mean giving up your contact lenses. With the right care, guidance, and lens selection, you can enjoy both clarity and comfort.
 

If dry eyes are affecting your ability to wear contacts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates to find a solution that works for you. Visit our office in Lynnwood, Washington, or call (425) 712-8443 to book an appointment today.