Close to five million Americans have problems with dry eye syndrome, which causes the eyes to stop producing enough tears or lubrication necessary to maintain comfort. As more than 30 million people in the country wear contact lenses, having dry eye syndrome is bad news for sufferers. Dry eye syndrome can be present whether you wear contacts or not, but it’s especially uncomfortable if you do wear contacts.
You don’t have to get rid of your contact lenses if you have dry eye, however. These tips can help you manage the issue.
Avoid Touching Contacts With Unwashed Hands
While there are different causes behind dry eye syndrome, one of the most common is the presence of allergies, disease or infection. If you don’t wash your hands properly before touching your contacts, you may be passing microorganisms to them. Wash your hands properly with soap and water before touching your contacts.
Replace Your Lenses
Not all contacts are the disposable type, but technically, all lenses should be replaced periodically. Cleaning your contacts is a must, but they come with instructions about when to get rid of them. Visit your favorite eye care center for a fresh pair when your current contacts are almost due for replacement.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Type of Lenses
Sometimes, it’s the contacts themselves that are causing dry eye and irritation. Talk to your doctor about trying out a different type. Some of the most common types of lenses are daily wear lenses, extended wear lenses, disposable lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses and hard lenses. Ask your doctor which type is more advisable for your case.
Keep Your Lens Case Clean
To save on solution, most people just top off what’s in their lens case. Microscopic debris and germs can accumulate in your lens case if you do this. Instead, periodically remove the solution, rinse the case with fresh solution, and let it dry out for a while.
We can give you more tips on the management of dry eye syndrome associated with contact lens wear. At Guilford Eye Center, we also offer the LipiFlow® treatment for dry eye if we determine that you are suffering from ocular surface disease (OSD) or dry eye disease (DED). Talk to us about it. Call us today at (336) 292-4516, or use our contact page to set an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at our Greensboro, NC, clinic.
