If you have used eye drops, you probably already experience dry eye feelings. Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears produced are insufficient to keep the eyes comfortable and properly lubricated. The symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stinging, burning, or itchiness of the eyes
- Eye irritation and redness
- A sandy feeling in the eye
- Watery eyes and abnormal discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses. However, due to some mistakes, people may feel their dry eyes are worse with contacts, causing them to give up on contacts. It is important to learn how to manage dry eyes and their symptoms, especially for contact lens users who might be more prone to this condition. So, let’s go through these 7 tips to manage dry eye from contacts.
Tip 1: Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
First of all, the higher the water content of contact lenses, the better it is not necessarily. High water content lenses are usually made of hydrogel materials, which can absorb moisture from the surface of the eyes, causing the eyes to become drier. Low water content lenses are usually made of silicone hydrogel materials, which have higher oxygen permeability and can better maintain eye moisture.
Therefore, high water content lenses are more suitable for short-term wear. If you need to wear lenses for a long time (such as more than 8 hours a day), low water content lenses are usually more comfortable. When choosing contact lenses, you should select the appropriate water content based on your eye condition and usage needs. Consulting an ophthalmologist or a professional optometrist can also help you find the most suitable type of lens.
Tip 2: Maintain the Oxygen Permeability of the Lenses
The oxygen permeability of contact lenses is crucial for eye health. Protein deposits can obstruct the passage of oxygen through the lenses to the cornea, which, over time, may lead to corneal hypoxia and cause a series of eye problems, including dry eye.
In order to effectively eliminate protein deposits, specialized contact lens cleaning solutions and protein removers need to be used regularly. With patented technology, ReO2 contact lens cleaner can remove up to 94.7% of protein deposits, restore 94% of oxygen permeability, and eliminate 99.999% of bacteria with common solutions in as fast as 10 minutes.
Tip 3: Limiting Screen Time
Extended screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms due to reduced blinking. Take regular breaks from phone, computer, and television screens. Adjust your screen settings to reduce eye strain whether you wear contacts or not.
Tip 4: Using Eye Drops
Over-the-counter (OTC) rewetting drops, also known as artificial tears, can help keep your eyes lubricated and hydrated. It is important to choose contact lens-friendly and preservative-free drops to avoid further irritation. Use them as needed throughout the day to maintain moisture on the eye's surface.
Tip 5: Keeping Overall Hydration
Hydration plays a vital role in eye health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help ensure your body produces enough tears to keep your eyes moist. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseeds, can also help improve tear quality.
Tip 6: Optimizing the Environment
Environmental factors can contribute to worsening dry eye symptoms. In dry or air-conditioned environments, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, protect your eyes from wind and smoke, and consider wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from direct sunlight and other irritants.
Tip 7: Remembering Contact Lens Disposal
Make sure to dispose of lenses as recommended, depending on the lens type (daily, weekly, or monthly). Regular disposal prevents the build-up of germs and bacteria that can irritate the eyes and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
However, I know that many contact lens users cannot wear their lenses until the expiration date, as they start feeling discomfort in their eyes after some time. In this case, daily deep cleaning of contacts with ReO2 contact lens cleaner would help. With FDA-approved results showing a 99.999% bacteria-killing rate, 94.7% protein removal rate, and 94% oxygen permeability restoration, ReO2 contact lens cleaner can refresh your contacts like new every day.
Managing dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses is possible with the suggested strategies. By choosing appropriate lenses, maintaining good hygiene with ReO2 contact lens cleaner, using rewetting drops, and following proper disposal practices, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without discomfort. If symptoms persist, always seek professional help to find the best solution for your needs.