When contact lenses dry out, they lose essential moisture, becoming less soft, flexible, and comfortable. This common issue can make lens wear irritating. Understanding the implications of dry contacts is important for maintaining eye comfort and health.
Impact on Your Eyes
When contact lenses lose moisture, they cause uncomfortable sensations. Individuals often experience dryness, a gritty feeling, or a sense of something foreign on the eye. This irritation can lead to redness and a burning sensation, making it difficult to keep eyes open. Vision might also blur as the dry lens can no longer properly conform to the eye’s curvature, affecting its optical properties.
Continued wear of dry lenses can lead to more serious conditions. Friction against the delicate corneal surface can cause microscopic abrasions, or small scratches. These abrasions cause discomfort and increase susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections. If a dry lens adheres too tightly, it restricts oxygen flow, compromising corneal health and increasing complication risk.
Impact on Your Contact Lenses
Dryness significantly alters contact lens material. Soft, pliable lenses become stiff and brittle when they lose water. This change makes them less comfortable and can cause them to adhere more firmly to the eye’s surface. The rigid state also increases the likelihood of tearing or developing nicks and scratches, particularly during removal.
A dry lens also compromises its primary function: oxygen permeability. Lenses allow oxygen to pass to the cornea, which needs a constant supply to remain healthy. When a lens dries, its structure compacts, reducing oxygen transmission. This diminished flow can stress corneal cells and contribute to eye irritation and potential long-term issues.
Immediate Actions
If contact lenses feel dry or stuck, avoid forcing them out to prevent damage to the lens and eye. Instead, blink rapidly to encourage natural tear production and rehydration. If blinking is not sufficient, apply a few drops of rewetting drops specifically formulated for contact lenses. Allow moments for the drops to spread and rehydrate the lens on the eye’s surface.
Once the lens feels rehydrated and moves freely, carefully remove it. If the lens appears damaged, torn, or does not regain its original soft texture, dispose of it immediately and do not reuse. If eye pain, redness, or blurred vision persists after removal, consult an eye care professional. These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion or another underlying issue requiring medical attention.
Strategies for Prevention
To prevent contact lenses from drying out, maintain adequate hydration throughout the day, as it contributes to tear production. Use rewetting drops proactively, especially in dry environments. Blink more frequently, particularly when using digital screens, to distribute tear film.
Minimize exposure to overly dry conditions, such as direct air conditioning or heating vents. Take regular breaks from lens wear, especially after prolonged use, to allow eyes to rest and rehydrate naturally. Adhere to recommended cleaning and storage routines, using fresh solution daily, to keep lenses hydrated and free from deposits.