Key Takeaways
- Dry eye disease doesn’t automatically rule out contact lens wear.
- The right lens type, fit, and daily habits can make a noticeable difference in your comfort.
- A proper contact lens fitting evaluates your tear film before any lens is selected.
- Persistent discomfort is a sign to book a visit with an eye doctor.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to wear contacts, but you know that your eyes already feel dry and scratchy by mid-afternoon. At Amherstview Eyecare, many of our patients ask us if they can wear contact lenses if they have dry eye, but we want you to know that you have options.
With a little help from your optometry team, many people with dry eye disease can wear contact lenses comfortably.
What Dry Eye Disease Feels Like
Dry eye isn’t just about eyes that feel dry. The symptoms can be surprisingly varied, and some of them aren’t what you’d expect.
Though everyone experiences dry eye a little differently, common signs can include:
- A gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation in your eyes.
- Redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.
- Excessively watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation.
You may notice these symptoms can flare up in certain environments, such as air-conditioned offices, windy weather, or with long periods of screen time. But you don’t have to manage the symptoms alone: Our team can provide you with personalized dry eye care to help you find relief.
Why Contacts and Dry Eye Don’t Always Get Along
How Lenses Affect Your Tear Film
Your eyes are coated in a thin layer of tears that help keep your vision comfortable and clear. Contact lenses sit directly on top of that layer, which can affect your tear film.
For example, contact lenses can sometimes affect tear film stability and, depending on the lens type and fit, may reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye). Both of these factors disrupt your tear film, contributing to those dry, uncomfortable feelings.
Signs Your Lenses Are Contributing to Discomfort
Pay attention to how your eyes feel throughout the day. Some discomfort is common during an adjustment period, but certain signs might suggest your current lenses aren’t a good fit for your eyes.
If you notice that your eyes feel uncomfortable after only a couple of hours of wear, or that you have trouble removing your lenses because they feel stuck or dry, you should book a visit with our team. There are options that can help you feel more comfortable.
The Right Contact Lenses for Dry Eye
Lens Features to Look For
There are contact lenses that are designed for dry eye. Our team can help you find a lens material that works for you, so that you can feel comfortable wearing contacts day to day.
Some options our optometrist may suggest could include:
- Daily disposable lenses, which some people find more comfortable because you get a fresh pair each day.
- Low-water-content lenses may feel more comfortable for some people, since certain lens materials are less likely to draw moisture from your tears.
- Scleral lenses, which vault over the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) and hold a reservoir of fluid against the eye’s surface throughout the day.
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting
A contact lens fitting goes far beyond simply matching your glasses prescription to your contacts. Our eye care team takes our time to make sure you feel comfortable and informed, every step of the way.
During a contact lens exam, we can evaluate your tear film and assess how the lens moves and fits on your eye to help reduce irritation and improve comfort.
Skipping this step and relying on an outdated prescription is a major reason why people with dry eye can struggle to feel comfortable with contact lenses.
Everyday Habits That Can Help You Wear Contacts Comfortably
Contact Lens Care Tips
Your lens care routine plays a big role in how your eyes feel throughout the day. A few simple habits can make a difference in your comfort:
- Unless your eye doctor says it’s okay, never sleep in your lenses or wear them past their recommended lifespan.
- Always use fresh solution and never top up old solution.
- Wash your hands before you touch your contacts or your eyes.
- Keep contact-safe lubricating drops on hand to use when your eyes feel a little dry.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Support Comfort
Beyond lens care, a few daily habits can help provide some relief while you wait for your appointment:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Stay hydrated, which supports your whole body, including your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from drying wind and harsh air.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Contact lenses should feel comfortable. If you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s worth talking to an eye doctor so you can find relief, especially if you notice:
- Discomfort that continues even after following proper care routines.
- Symptoms that are getting worse or starting to affect your daily activities.
- It’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, since annual visits help monitor tear film health and catch changes early.
A comprehensive eye exam can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening with your eyes, from the quality of your tear film to whether your current lenses are still the right option for your vision needs.
If dry eye is making contact lens wear difficult, the good news is that managing the dry eye itself often makes a real difference in comfort. Our team can recommend treatments such as preservative-free artificial tears, prescription eye drops, eyelid care, warm compress masks, and omega-3 supplements to support a healthier tear film. For more persistent cases, we can also discuss in-office treatment options.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
If dry eye has been getting in the way of comfortable contact lens wear, our team at Amherstview Eyecare in Kingston can help you find an approach that works for your eyes and your lifestyle.
Book a visit today, and get a clear starting point for more comfortable vision.
