Tips For Combating Dry Eye With Contact Lenses
Posted on: 29 November 2016
For many people who need vision correction, making the change from glasses to contacts can be an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, for a small number of people, wearing contacts may contribute to dry eye symptoms. This is particularly true if you wear your contacts for long periods of time each day. Before you give up on those new contacts entirely, here are a few things you should know about dry eye with contact lenses.
What Kind of Contacts Should You Wear?
If you've struggled with dry eye in the past or you're noticing signs of the condition now, being proactive can help. For example, if you tell your eye doctor that you are concerned about dry eye symptoms or that you have a history of dry eye, he or she may prescribe you a different type of contact lens designed to minimize dryness.
Soft contact lenses are better for this because they retain more water, but some have a higher water content than others. He or she can write your prescription for a particular brand or type of contact that contains more water than the others. Higher water content makes the lens more likely to retain moisture, easing your dry eye symptoms. Additionally, newer lenses like the hydrogel ones are exclusively crafted for people who have dry eye.
What Other Steps Will Help?
Another great way to minimize the dry eye symptoms is through the use of artificial tears, also called lens rewetting drops. Use them as needed throughout the day to keep your eyes from drying out. They are cooling, soothing, and can bring relief from both dryness and irritation. Just make sure that you select drops made specifically for those wearing contacts, because those are made to be safe with your lenses.
Some of the lens cleaning products and other supplies are also made to help boost retention and keep eyes from drying out. Your eye doctor may be able to recommend some options, and you can explore other lens-safe products on your own.
When you make the choice to wear contacts instead of your glasses, the freedom of ditching the frames can be significant. If you are interested in contacts but concerned about dry eye, talk with an eye doctor like http://www.the-eye-center.com about the information presented here. With his or her help and an understanding of these tips, you're sure to find a lens you can wear and a care routine that keeps dryness at bay.