Key Takeaways
- Dry eyes don’t always prevent you from wearing contact lenses.
- Modern lens materials help keep your eyes comfortable all day.
- Good hygiene habits support a healthy natural tear film.
- Screen breaks reduce irritation and redness.
- An eye doctor can suggest options that balance luxury and economy.
The Right Contacts Help With Dry Eyes
Do your favourite contact lenses sit in their case because they cause your eyes to feel like sandpaper by noon? Our team at Parkview Optometry understands this familiar frustration—and we’re here to help.
You can comfortably wear contact lenses with dry eyes when you choose the right materials and practice good daily care habits. Here’s what to look for.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes
A healthy tear film keeps your vision clear and comfortable. However, sometimes your eyes either stop producing enough moisture or the tears that they do produce evaporate too quickly. This lack of moisture contributes to a noticeable physical reaction.
Common Sensations to Look Out For
The discomfort of dry eye often builds as the day goes until, until you finally have to take your lenses out. Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stinging or burning in your eyes
- A sandy or gritty feeling
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
When You Might Need a Break from Contacts
Thanks to modern technology, most people with dry eyes can find a comfortable contact lens option. However, in some cases, you might need to take a break from contacts to give your eyes time to heal or recover. These situations include:
- You have severe or untreated eye conditions.
- You experience frequent eye infections or reactions.
- You deal with intense allergies affecting your eyes.
The Link Between Contacts & Dry Eyes
Contact lenses rest directly on the delicate surface of your eye. Soft lenses can absorb moisture from your eyes, disrupting your tear film and contributing to dry eye symptoms. Other potential causes of dryness include:
- Your lenses block oxygen from reaching your eyes.
- Poorly fitted lenses leading to friction and irritation
- Overwearing your lenses
Lens Materials and Types for Extra Comfort
Many modern lenses combine comfort with economical value.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
A fresh pair of lenses every morning can help keep your eyes feeling refreshed.
- Fresh lenses reduce protein build up.
- You give your eyes a break from overnight wear.
- You have a lower chance of irritation and redness.
Low Water Content Lenses
It seems backward to use a low water lens for dry eyes. However, a lens with less water actually pulls less moisture from your eye. The lens stays hydrated without stealing your natural tears.
- These lenses draw less liquid from your natural tear film.
- They keep moisture on the surface of your eye.
- The material (silicon hydrogel) allows more oxygen to flow freely.
Daily Care Habits to Relieve Discomfort
Your habits play a big role in how your eyes feel at the end of the day. A few simple changes to your routine can help your lenses feel comfortable again.
Try the 20-20-20 Rule
Digital screens make you blink less often, and this lack of blinking dries your eyes out quickly. That’s why it’s important to take regular breaks.
- Look away from screens every 20 minutes.
- Focus on an object 20 feet away.
- Hold your focus for 20 seconds.
Lens Hygiene and Routine
How you handle your lenses matters just as much as what type you wear. A clean environment stops debris from getting trapped against your eye, so sticking to proper contact lens care is helpful.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Replace your contact lens case every three months.
- Switch to a gentle contact solution.
Plan Your Visit to an Optometrist in Oshawa
Professional guidance helps you narrow down your options. Our team at Parkview Optometry provides quality care in a friendly and welcoming space. We balance luxurious options with economical choices to find what works for you.
Prepare for Your Appointment
A little preparation helps your doctor identify the main source of your discomfort. Your daily experiences hold the clues to finding a better lens.
- Note when your eyes feel irritated.
- Bring your current contact lenses and solution.
- Write down your daily screen time habits.
What Your Eye Doctor Checks
An eye exam goes beyond reading letters on a chart. The team looks closely at your eye health to support comfortable vision.
- Your care team assesses your natural tear production levels.
- Your eye doctor checks the fit of your current contact lenses.
- They suggest luxurious yet economical lens options.
At Parkview Optometry, we blend classic family focused care with a modern edge to support your eye health. Call our clinic today to book an appointment and explore a new level of daily comfort.
