What Causes Dry Eyes with Contacts?

Key Takeaways

● Dry eyes with contacts happen when your eyes don't have enough quality tears.

● Lens fit, material, wear habits, and cleaning routine can all play a part.

● Watch for burning, redness, blurry vision, and tired eyes.

● Simple daily fixes like lubricating drops and the 20-20-20 rule can help.

● Yearly exams with the eye doctors in Grayslake help keep your eyes comfortable.
 

What Dry Eye Means for Contact Wearers

Dry eyes with contacts are usually caused by a mix of lens fit, how long you wear your lenses, and how well you clean and store them. Your eyes become dry when they don't make enough high-quality tears to remain moist during the day. Contact lenses absorb some of the moisture from the surface of your eyes, making them more prone to dryness.

Fortunately, modern lenses come with a range of options that make them more comfortable to wear. If you find that contacts dry out your eyes, our team at Vision Care Grayslake can help you find lens options that work.
 

Why Your Contacts Dry Out Your Eyes

A few different factors can leave your eyes feeling parched. Here's what tends to matter most.

Lens Fit and Material
A lens that doesn't fit right can rub against the surface of your eye when you blink. That friction affects your tear layer and leaves your eyes feeling dry.

Lens material matters too. Some older lenses let very little oxygen through, which causes your eyes to work harder and dry out faster.
 

Wear Habits and Overuse

How you wear your lenses shapes how they feel. A few habits tend to dry your eyes out quickly:

● Wearing your lenses for too many hours at a time.

● Sleeping in lenses that aren't approved for overnight wear.

● Using old or expired lenses past their replacement date.
 

Cleaning Solution and Care

What touches your lenses also touches your eyes. Some contact solutions contain preservatives that can sting sensitive eyes.

A dirty lens case or reused solution may add bacteria and grime to the mix, which can leave your eyes feeling irritated. Fresh solution and a clean case go a long way towards maintaining your comfort.
 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

Your eyes often tell you when something's off. Keep an eye out for the following while you wear contacts.

● Burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling like sand is in your eye.

● Redness

● Watery eyes

● Blurry vision that comes and goes

● Light sensitivity and eyes that feel tired by afternoon
 

When to See the Team in Grayslake

Some symptoms deserve a closer look. Reach out to our eye doctors in Grayslake if you notice these signs:
● Pain or a sudden change in how well you can see.

● Symptoms that lubricating drops don't seem to relieve.
 

How to Fix Dry Eyes with Contacts

There are plenty of ways that you can improve your comfort. Start simple, then talk with your care team about lens options if things don't improve.

Simple Daily Fixes
Try to incorporate these daily habits into your routine:

● Use lubricating drops made for contact lenses to keep your eyes wet.

● Blink often and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

● Swap to glasses on days when your eyes feel especially dry.
 

Changes Your Eye Doctor May Suggest

Sometimes a different lens fits your day better. Your eye doctor might suggest one of the following:
● Daily disposables give you a fresh, clean lens every morning.

● Silicone hydrogel lenses let more oxygen reach your eyes.

● Scleral lenses hold a layer of moisture against the eye for longer comfort.
 

How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable Long-Term

Comfort sticks around when good habits do. A steady routine keeps your eyes feeling fresh week after week. Try to do the following:
● Wash and dry your hands before you touch your lenses.

● Follow your replacement schedule and refresh your case often.

● Book yearly exams so your care team can check your fit and eye health.

Dry eyes don't have to be part of wearing contacts. With the right lenses and a few good choices, you and your family can enjoy clear, comfortable vision.

Ready for relief? Book an appointment with Vision Care Grayslake today, and let our team help you find the fit that feels right for your whole family