Dry Eye in Contact Lens Wearers: Making Your Lenses Work for You

Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes can be like trying to slide a piece of sandpaper onto your eyeballs—not ideal. If you’ve ever had to blink aggressively just to keep your lenses from feeling like tiny torture devices, you know the struggle is real.

But good news! You don’t have to give up on contacts just because your eyes are a little (or a lot) on the dry side. Here are some pro tips to keep your eyes happy and your lenses comfortable.

Why Do Contacts Make Dry Eyes Worse?

☑️ Contacts soak up moisture – Your lenses act like little sponges, sucking up the natural tears your eyes desperately need.

☑️ They block oxygen – Healthy eyes need oxygen, and some lenses just aren’t great at letting your eyeballs breathe.

☑️ Blinking is reduced – We already blink less when looking at screens, and contacts make it even worse. Less blinking = drier eyes.

☑️ Solution sensitivity – Some contact lens solutions contain preservatives that irritate dry eyes even more (rude, right?).

Hacks to Make Contacts More Comfortable

1. Switch to a Better Lens Material

Not all contacts are created equal! Some lenses hold moisture way better than others. If your eyes feel like a desert, ask about:

👁 Daily disposables – Fresh, new lenses every day = less irritation.
💧 Silicone hydrogel lenses – These allow more oxygen to reach your eyes, keeping them healthier.
👓 Scleral lenses – If your dry eye is severe, these lenses literally hold a cushion of moisture over your cornea.

2. Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears (But Not Just Any Drops!)

Some eye drops can damage your contacts or make them cloudy. Look for preservative-free rewetting drops made specifically for contact lenses.

🚫 Avoid “redness relief” drops—they shrink blood vessels and don’t actually fix the dryness.

3. Upgrade Your Contact Lens Solution

If your solution burns, stings, or makes your lenses uncomfortable, it might contain preservatives that are irritating your eyes. Try switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based solution (like Clear Care) for a deep clean without the harsh chemicals.

4. Take Breaks from Contacts

Yes, I know you love your contacts. But your eyes need a break!

👓 Give your eyes at least a few hours a day in glasses to let them recover.
🌙 Never, ever sleep in your contacts (unless they’re specifically designed for it—and even then, I wouldn’t risk it)

5. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

💧 Drink more water—your tear film depends on it!
🍣 Eat more Omega-3s—salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds can help improve tear quality.
🛑 Avoid fans & AC blowing directly at your face—unless you enjoy feeling like your eyeballs are in a wind tunnel.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Dry Eyes Ruin Your Contact Lens Life

Dry eyes and contacts don’t always get along, but with the right lenses, drops, and habits, you can wear them comfortably. If your eyes still feel miserable, let’s chat—there are even more advanced options we can try.

Call (859) 787-0936 or visit our office, 2020 Eyemax, in Lexington, Kentucky to book an appointment today.