Many actions and lifestyle choices can trigger dry eye symptoms in patients. For example, people who smoke regularly or have high alcohol intake can start facing dry eye issues. Another related cause for dry eyes is infections, damaged oil-producing glands in the eyes, and cornea issues. However, most people ignore one issue as a major determinant for dry eye syndrome is the frequent and prolonged use of lenses. Here, the article will focus on the dry eye with contacts and dry eye from contacts. Also, dry contact eyes treatments will be discussed, including blink eye drops and refresh drops for contacts.
- What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
- How to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms from Contact Lenses?
- Lens Water Content
- Lens Size
- Caring for the Contact Lenses
- Home Remedies for Dry Eyes Caused by Contact Lenses
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What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are many underlying causes of DES. Some people may have damaged eye tear glands. Similarly, skin-related issues like psoriasis and rosacea can cause inflammation as well. Another related illness that can trigger dry eye syndrome is Sjogren’s syndrome. People with autoimmune conditions and those regularly using antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and birth control pills are all related to an elevated risk of dry eye syndrome. Women in menopause may suffer from hormonal changes triggering dry eye syndrome.
Amongst the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, the most common ones are burning, pain, and gritty feeling. Likewise, you may experience blurred vision and a lack of comfort with the contact lenses that you use.
How to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms from Contact Lenses?
Your doctor can first determine the contact lenses you are using are an underlying cause of dry eyes. If so, they may provide you some lubricants to keep your eyes lubricated if the natural tear count is low. Such lubricants include blink eye drops, refresh drops for contacts, and other artificial tears as well. Secondly, they may also recommend a procedure to plug the drain system of your eyes. This way, tears can stay in your eyes for extended periods, ensuring moisture.
The next issue is lens material. Different types of contact lens are available for the patient to use. It is preferable to use soft contact lenses that are synthesized using flexible plastic products. These flexible plastic base materials allow oxygen to pass through. It overcomes a major flaw in the non-permeable contact lenses made from hard materials.
This change in contact lenses can prevent protein deposits. Therefore, you may have to prefer using disposable lenses instead.
One such option is using Pro Clear, which is currently the only FDA-approved brand to provide lenses for dry eye discomfort.
Lens Water Content
The quality of the soft lenses is determined based on the water content they can return. Lenses that can retain high water content can protect your eyes better than those retaining low water content. Similarly, you can also try different lenses first for a few days before selecting the one you will use in the long term.
Lens Size
Most lenses are 9 millimeters across. Thus, they cover the iris only. However, you can get scleral contact lenses that focus on covering the sclera or white part of the eye. These lenses allow oxygen to reach the eye while filtering out dust particles.
You can also change the solutions you use to clean the contact lenses. Sometimes, people use saline solutions for leans cleaning. The remnants of the solution on the lenses can damage your eyes internally. Similarly, eyes may have an allergic reaction to some cleaning components as well.
Caring for the Contact Lenses
Remember, relieving dry eye symptoms is largely connected to how you use the contact lenses correctly. First, choose the right lens type that suits you. Then, take care of the lenses as well. Make sure you only wear contact lenses for the recommended time as prescribed by your doctor. Over usage can lead to eye irritation and increase the symptoms of dry eye-related issues.
Similarly, properly moisten your eyes with rewetting drops. These drops should be used throughout the day, especially if you live in a dry environment.
If the problems persist, you may have to take a break from contact lenses. The best way to replace them is to war wrap-around eyeglasses instead.
Home Remedies for Dry Eyes Caused by Contacts
Apart from the changes to the lenses themselves, certain home remedies can help in reducing the dry eyes symptoms.
- First, people who regularly drink alcohol must reduce their intake. Alcohol causes dryness in the body which can translate to your eyes as well.
- Secondly, excessive smoking is related to change in tear quality and composition. Tears may become full of mucus and may lose the oil that helps to prevent the eyes. Therefore, quitting smoking can be a huge step on the path of dry eye recovery.
- Your dietary choices are another major factor. People who have reduced intakes of Vitamin A, B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids are likely to experience extreme symptoms. On the other hand, people who consume these products may effectively reverse dry eye issues in the long term.
- Properly clean your eyes every day. However, avoid using chemical soaps and shampoos. One option is to use a baby shampoo that is effective for eye cleaning as well. Another option is to use a warm compress to clean your eyes gently and unclog your old glands.
- Finally, you can change your work environment if you work in an area full of dust or smoke. Try limiting your digital screen usage. Take frequent breaks in between your work to provide rest to your eyes. Manage your blinking rate even during focused tasks. Otherwise, you may face serious issues in the long term related to your vision.
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Conclusion
Dry eye may be caused by the wrong types of contacts or extended usage. Changing the lenses and trying home remedies can help make you feel better. Let us know in the comments section if the article was helpful.
