Contact lenses rely on the eye’s natural tear film to remain comfortable, but factors like screen time and dry air can disrupt this balance, leading to grittiness and irritation. When lenses feel dry, they often become stiff and sticky, compromising both visual clarity and eye health. Maintaining consistent moisture throughout the day is highly important for comfortable wear and also helps to prevent the buildup of deposits. Addressing dryness requires a combination of immediate actions, environmental adjustments, and strict hygiene practices.
Immediate Strategies for Wearing Comfort
The quickest way to restore moisture while wearing your lenses is through the use of rewetting drops. These products are specifically formulated to be compatible with contact lens materials, refreshing the tear layer that coats the lens surface. Unlike standard artificial tears, contact-safe drops are designed to spread smoothly without causing the lens to cloud. Applying one or two drops as soon as discomfort begins can significantly reduce friction between the lens and the eyelid.
Another technique to combat dryness involves conscious blinking exercises. When concentrating on a digital screen, the natural blink rate can decrease, and many blinks become incomplete, failing to spread the tear film fully across the lens. To counter this, practice the 20-20-20 rule: look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time. During these breaks, consciously close your eyes completely to ensure the eyelids meet, lubricating the entire lens surface.
Systemic hydration plays a direct role in maintaining the volume and quality of your tears. Tear production is linked to the body’s overall hydration level. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day supports the natural moisture of the eye, making the tear film more stable and less prone to rapid evaporation. This internal moisture management complements the surface-level relief provided by rewetting drops.
Optimizing Your Environment and Habits
External environmental factors, particularly forced-air systems, contribute significantly to lens dehydration. Air conditioning, heating vents, and fans reduce ambient humidity, accelerating the evaporation of the tear film. To manage this, avoid sitting directly in the path of airflow from car vents or office fans, redirecting them away from your face.
Indoor humidity levels below 40% are often associated with increased lens discomfort. Using a small humidifier in your primary workspace or bedroom can help maintain a humidity range between 40% and 50%. This adjustment reduces the rate at which lenses dry out, extending the time they remain comfortable.
Protecting your eyes from the elements outdoors is important for moisture retention. Wind and dusty conditions rapidly strip the tear film away and introduce irritating foreign particles. Wearing wrap-around sunglasses or other protective eyewear acts as a physical shield, minimizing exposure to wind currents and airborne debris. This barrier helps preserve the eye’s natural moisture layer.
Proper Storage and Solution Hygiene
Maintaining a strict hygiene routine for your lenses while they are not being worn is foundational to keeping them moist and clean. Always use a fresh batch of manufacturer-recommended solution every time you store your lenses. Never “top off” the existing solution, as this practice reintroduces new microorganisms into a less effective disinfecting environment.
The type of solution used also influences lens moisture retention. Multipurpose solutions are convenient, but some contact lens wearers benefit from hydrogen peroxide-based systems. These systems are preservative-free and offer superior disinfection, which can be beneficial for individuals sensitive to the preservatives found in multipurpose solutions. Many solutions also incorporate moisturizing agents like hyaluronate to help the lens retain water throughout the day.
Tap water and saliva are not sterile substitutes for contact lens solution. Tap water contains microorganisms, most notably Acanthamoeba, which can cause a severe, sight-threatening eye infection. Furthermore, tap water’s different salt concentration can cause soft lenses to swell or change shape, leading to a poor fit and discomfort. The lens case itself must also be cleaned daily by emptying the old solution, rinsing the case with fresh solution, and allowing it to air-dry upside down.
When Dryness Requires Professional Help
If persistent dryness, redness, or a gritty sensation continues despite following all comfort and hygiene tips, consult with an eye care professional. Chronic discomfort may signal an underlying dry eye condition that requires specialized medical intervention beyond over-the-counter remedies. The eye doctor can perform tests to determine the specific cause of dryness and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
Professional solutions often involve changing the lens material or design. A doctor may suggest switching to a silicone hydrogel lens, which allows more oxygen to reach the cornea, or a daily disposable lens, which eliminates deposit buildup. For severe dry eye, specialty lenses like scleral lenses, which vault over the cornea to create a continuous moisturizing reservoir, may be recommended. Adjusting the lens prescription or fit can also alleviate symptoms of dryness rooted in an improper lens-to-eye relationship.