How to Save Yourself the Pain of Dry Eyes
Dry Eyes and Contact lenses: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
In our daily life, we are always surrounded by many digital devices such as smartphones, computers, TVs and more, and therefore our eyes are being more at risk for dry eyes. Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable, but they can also affect your vision and interfere with daily tasks such as driving, reading and writing.
If you wear contact lenses, unfortunately your risk of dry eye problems is even higher. Check out everything you need to know below.
What are dry eyes?
Our tear film consists of three layers: the oil (lipid) layer, the water (aqueous) layer, and the mucin layer. Problems with any of these three layers can cause insufficient tear production or affect tear quality to form a protective tear film, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Are dry eyes associated with wearing contacts?
Contact lenses and dry eyes are not always related. However, wearing contacts incorrectly or not taking proper care of your lenses can cause dry eyes, so make sure to be careful!
It is very important to clean contact lenses daily and follow the instructions all the time.
However, even with proper care, some other external factors can cause dry eyes, so you have to stay on the lookout to avoid these symptoms.
What are the main causes of dry eyes?
- Long-term use of electronic devices (due to decreased number of blinks)
- Dry environment (air condition etc)
- Sun exposure
- Long-term wearing contact lenses
- Not washing hands properly before touching eyes or contact lenses
- Aging
- Certain medical conditions
These are not the only causes of dry eyes, however can still cause discomfort and some other eye diseases.
What are the main symptoms of dry eyes?
- Stinging or burning in the eyes
- A sandy or gritty feeling in the eyes
- Redness and pain in the eye
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Heavy eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Mucus
- Excess tears following very dry eye periods
Some tips for avoiding dry eyes caused by contact lenses.
- When handling contact lenses, wash your fingers, between your fingers, hands, the backs of your hands, and your wrists with foaming soap properly, rinse thoroughly, and wipe off with a paper towel.
- Keep your contact lenses and storage case clean all the time. Rinse the contact case well with tap water, let dry naturally, and replace it once a month.
- The length of time you wear the contact lenses depends on the condition of your eyes, so follow the instructions of your eye specialist.
- Use proper artificial tears/eye drops suitable for your eyes to keep your eyes healthy.
- DO NOT sleep or take a nap while wearing contact lenses, unless otherwise specificed
(If you wear extended wear contact lenses, follow your eye specialist’s instructions to wear them correctly.) - Be sure to follow the prescribed cycle of changing new contact lenses (it depends on your eye condition that is directed by your eye specialist).
- For fortnightly or monthly lens wearers, it is a good idea to fix the day or date of replacement, and set up the replacement date on your phone’s calendar in case you forget to change new ones.
- Consult your eye specialist periodically and use contact lenses, solutions and eye drops that are suitable for your eyes recommended by your eye specialist.
Occasionally, temporary discontinuation of contact lens use may be necessary to resolve dry eye symptoms.
Give your eyes a rest by giving them more time to breathe while you wear glasses instead of contact lenses after coming back home or on your day off at home.
Always remember to wear your contact lenses correctly for avoiding dry eyes and other eye diseases, and consult your eye specialist periodically to keep your eyes healthy all the time!
