Contact lenses are popular for people seeking clear vision without the hassle of glasses. However, some wearers report experiencing dry eye symptoms, which can make lenses uncomfortable and irritating.
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes are not lubricated and moisturized. This can feel sad, annoying, or painful. When you wear contact lenses, your eyes become very dry. This can be caused by insufficient oxygen entering the eye, excessive wear of the lens, reduced tear production, environmental factors, and poor lens hygiene.
In this article, we’ll explore whether contact lenses contribute to dry eye and provide practical tips for managing symptoms.
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Understanding contact lens-induced dry eye
The cornea is the only part of the body that receives direct air. One of the reasons people who wear contact lenses have dry eyes is because the contact lenses on the socket can block some oxygen from entering the eye. Although many contact lenses are designed to allow more oxygen to penetrate the eyes, wearers can still experience dry, crusty eyes, especially at the end of the day.
Another cause of dry eyes caused by contact lenses is the absorption of tears by the lenses. Lenses need water to stay soft and maintain shape and integrity. This is called contact lens induced dry eye.
In a healthy eye, tears can swim through the contact lens into the tear film above the cornea. The lack of tears causes a gap in the tear film, which irritates the surface of the eye. This can cause pain, redness, and itching. This effect may be exacerbated if the lens is of poor quality or does not fit the eye well. This type of contact lens has too much water from the tear film, which causes the eye to lose a lot of moisture. This also applies to wearing traditional soft lenses for a long time.
Ways contact lenses can cause dry eye
Contact lenses can contribute to dry eye syndrome by disrupting the natural tear film that keeps eyes lubricated, affecting both tear distribution and evaporation rates. When lenses sit on the eye, they can prevent the smooth spread of tears across the cornea, leading to uneven tear distribution and areas of dryness. Additionally, lenses often increase tear evaporation, as they alter the tear film’s stability and reduce the eye’s natural moisture retention. Here is some reason why contact lens can cause dry eye:
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Reduced Oxygen Flow: A common reason for dry eyes in contact lens wearers is reduced oxygen flow to the cornea. While contact lenses enhance vision by covering the cornea, they may also limit the oxygen reaching your eyes. When the eyes don’t receive sufficient oxygen, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the tear film, resulting in dryness and irritation.
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Insufficient Tear Production: When wearing contact lenses, your eyes may not produce enough tears to properly lubricate the lenses. If the meibomian glands become inflamed, they are responsible for the oily layer of the tear film, the quality of the tears will decrease and the lack of moisture will last a longtime. Using contact lenses on dry eyes repeatedly can cause irritation to the surface of the eye and eyelids, causing eye irritation.
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Improper Contact Lens Care: When lenses aren’t cleaned correctly, protein and lipid deposits build up on the lens surface, irritating the eyes and affecting tear distribution. Poor hygiene practices, such as handling lenses with unwashed hands or using contaminated cases, can introduce bacteria, leading to infections that cause inflammation and decrease tear quality. Using incompatible or outdated cleaning solutions, especially those with preservatives, can also disrupt the tear film and lead to dryness.
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Infrequent Lens Replacement: Many people wear contact lenses for longer than recommended, causing protein, calcium and other substances to build up on the lens surface. This buildup makes it difficult for your eyes to get the oxygen and moisture they need. Whether you wear monthly replacement contact lenses or daily disposable contact lenses, your eye doctor can advise on hygiene and care. Daily disposable contact lenses are popular among dry eye patients because there is no need to store and there is no risk of storing on the lenses.
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Factors that raise dry eye risk in contact lens users
The risk factors associated with dry eye include a variety of environmental, lifestyle, and biological factors that can contribute to the condition. Here is some factors:
- Exposure to environmental irritants: Factors like wind, low humidity, air-conditioning, sun, smoke, chemical fumes, and heat can dry out or irritate the eyes, leading to discomfort or conditions like dry eye.
- Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger inflammation or irritation in the eyes, causing symptoms like redness, itching, or watering.
- Eye surgery: Surgeries like LASIK (for vision correction) or cataract surgery can sometimes affect tear production or eye moisture, leading to dryness or discomfort post-operation.
- Taking certain medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics, can reduce tear production, contributing to dry eye or irritation.
- Long-term contact lens wear: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can restrict oxygen flow to the cornea and disrupt natural tear production, leading to dryness or irritation.
- Age: As people age, tear production naturally decreases, leading to dry eye symptoms, especially in those over 40.
- Female gender: Women are more likely to experience dry eye, particularly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control, which can affect tear production.
Strategies to minimize dry eye for contact lens wearers
If your contact lenses are dry, there are several things you can do to control the condition:
- Choose high-quality lenses with excellent oxygen permeability. Lenses with hyaluronan, particularly silicone hydrogel lenses, are perfect for those who are prone to dry eyes. Hard lenses are also a great option, as they draw minimal moisture from the tear film.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods until a more effective solution is found. If you suffer from dry eye disease, it is better to wear it only for a few hours and for special events, such as walking or exercising. Avoid wearing contact lenses while watching TV or working on the computer because they can strain your eyes.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses when you have a cold or flu as this increases the risk of bacteria getting into your eyes. If you have an eye infection such as pink eye, remove your contact lenses because bacteria can easily grow under your contact lenses.
- Make sure to clean and care for your lenses daily, biweekly, or monthly, as recommended by your eye doctor. Your lens case should also be replaced weekly to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Blinking regularly helps minimize dry eye for contact lens wearers by promoting the even spread of tears across the eye’s surface, which keeps the eyes lubricated. Each blink helps refresh the tear film, reducing dryness and preventing irritation caused by prolonged lens wear or reduced tear production. Frequent blinking also helps prevent excessive evaporation of tears, which can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to keep the tear film stable and prevent the eyes from becoming too dry or irritated. Using a humidifier at home or at work can help minimize dry eye for contact lens wearers by maintaining moisture in the air, which reduces tear evaporation.
In conclusion, while contact lenses can contribute to dry eye, there are several effective strategies to manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition. Emphasizing the importance of proper lens care, maintaining hydration, and scheduling regular eye exams is key to ensuring long-term comfort and preserving eye health. Additionally, if dry eye symptoms persist, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional to choose the best contact lenses for dry eyes and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the issue and improve overall eye well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do contact lenses cause permanent dry eyes?
No, contact lenses typically don’t cause permanent dry eyes, but they can exacerbate dryness symptoms while worn. Proper lens choice, hygiene, and regular breaks usually help manage symptoms, though severe or persistent dryness should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Are daily contacts better for dry eyes?
Yes, daily contacts are often better for dry eyes because they are fresh each day, reducing the risk of deposits that can cause dryness and irritation. Their design also promotes moisture retention, making them more comfortable for people with dry eyes.
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Dr. Julian Miles is a board-certified general medicine physician with over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on preventive medicine, holistic wellness, and chronic disease management.
