How To Get Contact Lens Help If You Have Dry Eyes?
Dealing with dry eyes while wearing contact lenses can be uncomfortable and frustrating. However, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the dryness and ensure that you get the help you need. This article will guide you through the best practices and resources available to help you manage dry eyes with contact lenses.
Understanding the Causes of Dry Eyes with Contact Lenses
Dry eyes with contact lenses can stem from various factors. Understanding these causes is the first step to finding relief. Common reasons include lens material, environmental factors, and personal health conditions. For instance, the material of your contact lenses can impact how much oxygen reaches your eyes, thereby affecting the moisture levels. Silicone hydrogel lenses are better as they allow more oxygen flow, minimizing dryness. Additionally, factors like prolonged screen time, wind, air conditioning, and specific health issues, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, can exacerbate dry eyes.
The tear film on the surface of your eye is divided into three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer. Contact lenses can disrupt these layers and affect the stability of your tear film. When your tears evaporate too quickly or aren’t produced enough, it leads to dry eyes. Symptoms include a gritty sensation, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Learning more about the tear film and how contact lenses interact with it helps in selecting the right lenses.
It’s essential to recognize that environmental factors also play a role. Many people experience dryness due to air-conditioned environments, windy conditions, or prolonged exposure to digital screens. Each of these factors can contribute to the evaporation of the tear film. Implementing changes such as using a humidifier in dry environments and taking regular breaks from screens can help mitigate these effects.
Consulting with Your Eye Care Professional
If you’re struggling with dry eyes, it’s crucial to consult with an eye care professional. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate solutions. They may begin by assessing your tear production and evaluating the fit of your contact lenses. An improper fit can exacerbate dry eyes, and an adjustment may provide significant relief.
During your consultation, your eye care professional might suggest various treatments, including switching to a different type of lens or using specialized cleaning solutions. They could also recommend over-the-counter or prescription eye drops designed to lubricate your eyes and reduce inflammation. Speaking with a specialist is a proactive step in managing dry eyes.
Developing a personalized eye care plan with your professional ensures you receive guidance tailored to your specific needs. Sometimes minor lifestyle adjustments, combined with medical advice, can make a significant difference in managing dry eyes while wearing contacts.
Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lenses
Choosing the appropriate type of contact lenses can make a world of difference for someone with dry eyes. Daily disposable lenses are often recommended as they ensure a fresh, clean surface on the eye each day, reducing the risk of deposit buildup which can irritate dry eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses are another excellent option because they provide higher oxygen permeability, helping to maintain moisture and comfort.
Soft contact lenses are generally recommended for dry eyes, but it’s important to consult with your eye care professional to find the best fit. Scleral lenses, which sit on the white part of the eye, can help by creating a moisture-rich environment around the cornea. This type of lens might be beneficial for those with severe dry eyes as it aids in trapping moisture and providing continuous hydration.
Alternative lenses like hybrid lenses, which combine a hard center with a soft outer ring, can also offer comfort for dry eyes. These lenses provide the crisp vision of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens, making them a viable option for individuals experiencing discomfort with standard lenses.
Using Eye Drops
Eye drops can play a significant role in alleviating dry eye symptoms. Lubricating eye drops help maintain moisture on the surface of your eyes, and they can be used several times a day. It’s important to choose eye drops that are compatible with contact lenses and free from preservatives, which can sometimes cause additional irritation. Consult your eye doctor to find the right eye drops for you!
For more severe dry eye conditions, your eye doctor may recommend preservative-free lubricating gels or ointments. These products provide longer-lasting relief, especially when used before bedtime. However, they may cause blurred vision temporarily, so it’s often best to use them when you don’t need clear vision, such as during sleep.
If over-the-counter solutions do not bring the expected relief, a healthcare professional might suggest prescription medications. These can include drops that reduce inflammation or nasal sprays that stimulate tear production. Following a tailored approach ensures that you get effective help for your dry eyes.
Practicing Good Contact Lens Hygiene
Good hygiene practices are vital to prevent dry eyes and other complications while wearing contact lenses. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses to minimize the risk of introducing irritants or infections. Use a suitable cleaning solution to disinfect and store your lenses; avoid tap water as it can harbor harmful microorganisms.
Regularly replacing your contact lens case is also advised to prevent bacterial contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends changing your case at least every three months and ensuring that it dries out completely between uses. Proper storage and cleaning routines significantly reduce the likelihood of eye infections and irritation.
Adhering to recommended wearing times and avoiding overnight use of contacts, unless they are specifically designed for extended wear, helps maintain eye health. Lens over-wear can lead to decreased oxygen supply to your corneas, worsening dry eye symptoms.
Adopting Lifestyle Changes for Better Eye Health
Making small lifestyle changes can greatly improve eye health and reduce dry eye symptoms. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining tear production. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, as these nutrients can support eye health and reduce inflammation.
Taking breaks from screens is another effective habit to develop. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps reduce eye strain and allows your eyes to rest and re-lubricate naturally.
Using a humidifier at home or in your office can also create a moisture-rich environment, counteracting the dryness caused by air conditioning or heating systems. Additionally, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors protects your eyes from wind and dust, preventing them from becoming overly dry.
Considering Alternative Treatments
For severe cases of dry eyes, your eye doctor might suggest alternative treatments that go beyond traditional methods. Prescription medications such as cyclosporine can reduce inflammation and increase tear production. Additionally, punctal plugs, which block tear ducts to retain moisture on the eye’s surface, are an option worth considering.
Advanced treatments like LipiFlow, which uses heat and massage to unclog blocked meibomian glands, can bring significant relief to those suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction. Additionally, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve gland function, benefiting overall tear quality.
Exploring these options with your eye care professional can lead to personalized treatments that effectively address your specific dry eye symptoms. Staying informed about new and advanced treatments can also provide hope and relief for those struggling to find solutions that work.
In Summary
Managing dry eyes while wearing contact lenses doesn’t have to be a struggle. By understanding the causes and solutions, consulting with your eye care professional, and following proper lens care practices, you can enjoy the comfort of your lenses without the discomfort of dry eyes.