Do you use eye drops often? You might already have dry eyes. This happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears you have aren’t keeping your eyes moist and comfy. Here are some common signs of dry eyes:
- Stinging, burning, or itching
- Redness and irritation
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Watery eyes and unusual discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Tired eyes
Contact lenses are a handy alternative to glasses. But sometimes, they can make dry eyes feel even worse, causing some people to stop using them. Learning how to handle dry eyes is a key, especially if you wear contacts. Let’s dive into 7 simple tips to help you manage dry eyes from contacts.
Tip 1: Pick the Right Contact Lenses
High water content in contacts isn’t always better. Lenses with a lot of water, usually made of hydrogel, can soak up moisture from your eyes, making them drier. Lenses with less water, made from silicone hydrogel, let more oxygen reach your eyes and keep them moist better.
High water content lenses are great for short-term wear. But if you wear lenses for long periods (over 8 hours), low water content lenses are usually more comfortable. Choose lenses based on your eye needs and how long you wear them. An eye doctor or optometrist can help you find the best lenses for you.
Tip 2: Keep Lenses Oxygen-Friendly
Your lenses need to let oxygen pass through to keep your eyes healthy. Protein deposits can block oxygen, leading to dry eyes and other issues.
Use special cleaning solutions and protein removers regularly to get rid of these deposits. Modern cleaning tools that uses smart cleaning technology, like the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner, can remove protein deposits, dust and eliminate growth of bacteria quickly and easily.
Tip 3: Limit Screen Time
Long hours on screens can make dry eyes worse because we blink less. Take regular breaks from your phone, computer, and TV. Adjust your screen settings to ease eye strain, whether you wear contacts or not.
Tip 4: Use Eye Drops
Over-the-counter (OTC) rewetting drops, also called artificial tears, can help keep your eyes moist. Choose drops that are contact lens-friendly and preservative-free to avoid more irritation. Use them throughout the day as needed. If you’re not a fan of drops, try the mfa Nano Eye Mister for a gentle steam to hydrate your eyes wherever you are.
Tip 5: Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water throughout the day is important for eye health. It helps your body make enough tears. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseeds, can also improve tear quality.
Tip 6: Optimize Your Environment
Dry or air-conditioned environments can worsen dry eyes. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Protect your eyes from wind and smoke, and wear wraparound sunglasses outside to shield your eyes from sunlight and irritants.
Tip 7: Dispose of Lenses Properly
Follow the recommended disposal schedule for your lenses (daily, weekly, or monthly). This prevents germs and bacteria buildup that can irritate your eyes. If your lenses become uncomfortable before their expiration date, daily deep cleaning with the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner can help keep them fresh and comfy.
Managing dry eyes with contacts is doable with these tips. By picking the right lenses, maintaining good hygiene, using rewetting drops, and following proper disposal practices, you can enjoy wearing contacts without discomfort. If problems persist, seek help from an eye professional to find the best solution for you.