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How to Stop Eyes from Drying Out with Contacts

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A man standing taking off his eyeglasses rubbing his eyes with his fingers due to eye problems.

Contact lenses can be a game-changer for anyone who needs vision correction but doesn’t want the hassle of glasses. However, it can take time to adjust, and a common problem can be dry eyes.

To lower the risk of dry eyes occurring with contact lenses, invest in high-quality lenses, use eye drops, clean your contact lenses properly, and get a contact lens exam and fitting to lower the risk of dry eyes.

Speak to your eye doctor if you have contact or eye trouble. Taking proper precautions allows you to enjoy clear vision while keeping your eyes healthy and moisturized.

Keeping Your Eyes Moist with Contact Lenses

Dry eyes can be scratchy, red, and painful and interfere with daily life. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it while enjoying contact lenses’ benefits. These are some ways to help stop eyes from drying out with contacts.

Use Eye Drops to Keep Your Eyes Moist

Your doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops if your eyes aren’t producing enough tears. 

Two types of eye drops are recommended for contact lens wearers.

  • One is rewetting eye drops, specifically designed for contact lenses, providing lubrication for the eyes and hydration for the lenses.
  • Another option is preservative-free eye drops, also known as artificial tears, which do not contain additives or preservatives and are often preferred by contact lens wearers.

These drops provide relief for dry eyes and are compatible with use when wearing contact lenses.

Clean Your Contact Lenses Properly

Properly cleaning your contact lenses is crucial to maintain quality and prevent eye infections. It’s essential for individuals with dry eyes, who are more susceptible to infections.

To keep your lenses free from debris and bacteria, always follow the cleaning instructions provided by your eye doctor and clean and disinfect them properly before reinserting.

Remember to clean your contact lens case with a sterile solution and replace it every three months or immediately when damaged. Tap water should be avoided at all costs.

A woman sitting in an optometrist's office looking into a machine that tests her vision.

Invest in High-Quality Lenses

Contact lens technology has advanced so much over the years that lenses can suit nearly anyone, even those with dry eye syndrome. 

It’s always encouraged to consult an eye doctor to get the proper lenses for your specific needs.

Get a Contact Lens Exam & Fitting

It might be time to get a contact lens exam and fitting to help find contact lenses for your eyes. 

Because contacts sit directly on the eye, you need additional tests beyond your regular comprehensive eye exam to determine your appropriate lens type. They’ll also assess your corneal health and measure your cornea for the proper contact lens fit.

In addition, you’ll get a contact lens fitting as part of the contact lens exam process. During your fitting, you’ll discuss your lifestyle and needs to determine the types of lenses that might be best for you.

Get Relief from Dry Eyes with Eye Care Plus

Everyone wants to wear contact lenses and enjoy crystal-clear vision without eye irritation. We understand, and that’s why we offer high-quality lenses and personalized eye care with contact lens exams and contact lens fitting so you can have safe, comfortable, and thorough vision care. 

Our eye specialists provide high-quality eye care to help you have clear vision. With specialized services such as our virtual frames gallery, drive-thru window, and eyeSPA for eye aesthetics, you can find tools and services to care for your unique eyes.

Don’t let dry eyes hold you back from living an active life. Book a contact lens exam and contact lens fitting at Eye Care Plus today to get the personalized service and advice necessary to protect your vision.

About the Author

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Dr. Jaya M. Pathapati grew up in the Bronx and Yonkers, NY. She got her Bachelor of Science in Biology and was awarded the highest distinction in Biology at the College of Mt. St. Vincent. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the State University of NY, College of Optometry. She rotated through externships that were hospital-based and through Veteran’s Affair in NY. Following graduation, she moved to Amarillo, Texas, with her husband. She has practiced in the Panhandle for the past 21 years.
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