Dry eye is a common complaint among contact lens wearers, often leading to discomfort and reduced wearing time. A contact lens on the eye’s surface can disrupt the natural tear film, acting like a sponge that absorbs moisture meant to lubricate the eye. This absorption accelerates tear evaporation, destabilizing the tear film. This causes characteristic symptoms of dryness, irritation, and grittiness. Addressing this discomfort requires specific products and behavioral changes compatible with the lens material and the eye’s biology.
Contact-Safe Lubricating Drops
When experiencing dryness, the most immediate solution is using a lubricating or rewetting drop specifically formulated for contact lens wear. These drops are distinct from standard artificial tears because they are compatible with lens materials and can be applied directly to the lens while it is in the eye. Specialized drops contain surface-active ingredients that help the tear film “wet” the contact lens more effectively, improving comfort and vision.
Many effective formulas use lubricating agents naturally present in the eye, such as hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), known for its high water-binding capacity. Hyaluronan stabilizes the tear film and retains moisture, helping to prevent deposit buildup on the lens surface. Other common lubricating ingredients include glycerin and polyethylene glycol.
A primary consideration, especially for frequent use, is whether the drop is preservative-free. Traditional preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and slowly released, potentially causing irritation and worsening dryness. Preservative-free options, often available in single-use vials, eliminate this risk. These are generally recommended if drops are needed more than four times a day.
Lens Material and Solution Compatibility
The physical and chemical composition of contact lenses dictates which solutions and drops are safe to use. Lenses are made from soft hydrogel, silicone hydrogel, or rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials, and each interacts differently with chemical components. Silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, can absorb ingredients from incompatible drops, potentially leading to lens clouding or deposit formation.
Harsh preservatives in standard eye drops are problematic, as they can bind to the lens matrix and continually irritate the eye. Checking the product label for explicit confirmation that the drop is compatible with your specific lens type is necessary. Always ensure your cleaning and storage solution is chemically compatible with your rewetting drops to prevent adverse reactions. Solutions using a hydrogen peroxide system are preservative-free once neutralized and generally safe, but require strict adherence to the neutralization process.
Environmental and Behavioral Adjustments
Managing dry eye discomfort requires modifications to your daily environment and habits, beyond using drops. Low humidity, common in air-conditioned or heated spaces, accelerates tear film evaporation and rapid lens drying. Using a humidifier in your home or office increases ambient moisture, slowing evaporation and keeping lenses hydrated.
Conscious blinking is an effective behavioral adjustment, especially during prolonged screen time. When focusing intensely, the blink rate can drop significantly, meaning the tear film is not refreshed often enough. Making a deliberate effort to complete a full, gentle blink helps spread the tear film evenly over the lens surface.
Avoiding direct exposure to moving air, such as from car vents or fans, is advisable, as airflow strips moisture from the ocular surface. Maintaining adequate systemic hydration by drinking enough water supports overall tear production. Incorporating dietary omega fatty acids, found in fatty fish, supports the lipid layer of the tear film, which slows tear evaporation.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
While over-the-counter drops and lifestyle changes manage mild dryness, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant consultation with an eye care professional. Seek advice if you use lubricating drops more than four times daily, or notice persistent eye redness, pain, or blurred vision that does not clear after blinking. These symptoms may indicate an underlying issue, such as contact lens-induced inflammation or significant dry eye disease.
An eye doctor can perform specialized tests to determine the cause of dry eye, distinguishing between aqueous-deficient (low tear production) and evaporative (fast tear evaporation) types. If over-the-counter options are insufficient, professional treatments are available, including prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops or specialized therapies. In some cases, punctal plugs may be inserted into the tear drainage ducts to conserve the eye’s natural tears.
Your eye care provider may also recommend switching to a different contact lens modality, such as daily disposable lenses, which eliminate the daily buildup of deposits. They might suggest specialized lens materials or a different lens fit to improve comfort and compatibility. Addressing the root cause of the dryness with professional guidance is the most reliable way to maintain long-term contact lens comfort.