Tips for Managing Dry Eye Symptoms While Wearing Contacts

Patients with dry eye syndrome often think they cannot wear their contacts anymore. While it may be challenging to wear contact lenses with dry eyes, it is not entirely impossible to do so. All it takes is good dry eye management. Here are some tips for wearing contact lenses while managing dry eye syndrome.

Do Not Keep Your Contact Lenses on While Sleeping

Keeping your lenses on while sleeping increases your risk of cornea infection. The lenses will not allow your eyes to get a good amount of oxygen. Your eyes will become an oxygen-deprived environment that will encourage the growth of bacteria. Wearing your lenses while sleeping can also lead to corneal ulcers. This can further worsen your dry eye syndrome. 

Wash Your Hands Well Before Handling Your Contacts

Do this each time you need to touch your lenses. Your hands are coated with impurities and pathogens that could cause infections. Unwashed hands can transfer these pathogens to your lenses and then to your eyes. Studies reveal that proper handwashing with mild soap and water is ideal. Drying them with lint-free cloth can prevent them from transferring impurities to your lenses. 

Have Regular Eye Checks Each Year

Regular eye checkups will allow your eye doctor to see if your contacts are still working. If not, he/she can provide you with updated ones. The eye checks will allow your eye doctor to check the quality of your tear film. You should not wait for problems to worsen before you see your eye doctor. Regular eye checks can reduce your dry eye symptoms and improve your vision. 

Replace Your Lens Cleaning Solution Each Day

Topping off your contact lens solutions may seem like a good cost-cutting idea until you notice the debris accumulating in the lens case. Your contact lenses will carry them to your eyes. Over time, you will develop eye infections. You must cease this scrimpy routine. Dump used lens solutions every day to keep your lenses free of pathogens and sediments. 

Get Some Lens-free Time

If you have dry eye syndrome, schedule lens-free hours each day. The short break will allow your eyes to breathe. It lets your eyes enjoy the natural tear film and oxygen without any barrier. Alternatively, you can wear prescription eyeglasses for a while. 

Apply Artificial or Rewetting Eye Drops Even if Your Eyes Do Not Feel Dry

Your tear film is your first line of defense against dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome deprives you of lasting quality tears to lubricate your eyes. Applying artificial tears when your eyes cannot produce healthy tears can prevent your symptoms from acting up. Use them like you use sunscreen. Apply the drops before the dry eye symptom worsens. 

Following the mentioned tips can make your contact lens experience pleasant despite your dry eye syndrome. At Westchester Eye Care Center, we provide high-quality eye services and products. Please visit our center in Los Angeles, California, for a one-on-one consultation. Call 310-670-1888 to set an appointment or ask about our dry eye symptom treatment packages.