Key Takeaways
• Not every contact lens works for every eye, picking the right one can make a noticeable difference.
• Good hygiene, correct cleaning, and keeping lenses moist reduce discomfort and lower infection risk.
• Follow a safe wear schedule and get regular eye checks to protect your vision.
• Left unchecked, dry eyes can worsen. But with a few sensible habits, lenses can stay comfortable most of the day.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dryness happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tear layer evaporates too quickly. Long hours in front of screens, low water intake, allergies, certain medications, and dry indoor air from heaters or air conditioning are common causes. For contact lens wearers these issues are amplified — lenses sit on the cornea and interrupt the natural tear film. So managing both contacts and dryness isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for comfort and clear vision.
Suggested Read: Common Contact lenses Mistakes that Trigger Eye Infections
Rule 1 — Choose the Right Type of Contact Lens for Dry Eyes
Lenses aren’t one-size-fits-all. If dryness bothers you, look for lenses made to hold onto moisture.
• Silicone hydrogel lenses: They let more oxygen reach the eye, which often means less redness and a reduced dry feeling.
• Daily disposables: Putting in a fresh pair each morning avoids the protein and debris buildup that can irritate sensitive eyes.
• Water‑gradient lenses: These have an ultra‑moist surface that feels silky and resists drying.
Talk with your optician about materials and brands that fit your daily life — whether you commute, work at a screen, or spend time outdoors. The right lens can turn an irritating routine into something you barely notice.
Rule 2 — Follow Proper Cleaning and Storage Practices
How you handle and store lenses matters even more when your eyes are dry. Those dry eyes are already prone to irritation and infection.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching lenses.
• Use only the contact solution recommended by your eye care professional — never rinse with tap water or saliva.
• Replace your lens case every two to three months to avoid bacterial buildup.
• Store lenses in fresh solution and, when instructed, let them soak in a clean case.
Skip these steps and protein or debris stick to the lens surface, making dryness worse. Clean gear equals healthier, more comfortable eyes.
Rule 3 — Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Hydration is an easy fix that’s often overlooked. Both your body’s fluids and the moisture around your eyes matter.
• Drink water throughout the day to support natural tear production.
• Use preservative‑free artificial tears made for use with contacts to add moisture.
• Run a humidifier in dry offices or on long flights to slow tear evaporation.
• Blink more — especially during screen time — to refresh the tear layer.
These small habits can make a real difference; you’ll notice the lenses feeling better by midafternoon.
Rule 4 — Stick to the Recommended Wearing Schedule
Wearing lenses longer than advised is a common cause of dryness and irritation. Each lens type has a safe timeline — follow it.
• Daily disposables: Toss them after one day of wear.
• Bi‑weekly or monthly lenses: Clean, store, and replace exactly as recommended.
• Avoid sleeping in lenses: Overnight wear cuts oxygen flow to the cornea and makes dryness worse.
Even if your eyes seem fine, give them breaks. Letting your eyes go lens‑free now and then helps restore moisture balance and lowers the chance of problems.
Explore our Daily contact lenses and Monthly contact lenses
Rule 5 — Regular Eye Check‑ups Are a Must
Eyes change over time, and so should your lens plan. Regular check‑ups ensure lenses still fit, your prescription is current, and your tear film is healthy.
At appointments your optometrist will:
• Assess tear quality and hydration.
• Recommend newer lens materials tailored for dry eyes.
• Update prescriptions if dry eye is affecting clarity.
Routine reviews catch early signs — like corneal dryness, redness, or inflammation — before they become serious.
Additional Tips for Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eyes
A few small changes add up.
• Avoid smoky, dusty, or gusty places when possible.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block drying wind.
• Try the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Remove lenses if your eyes feel gritty, look red, or hurt.
• Keep rewetting drops approved for contact lenses on hand for quick relief.
Little tweaks like these help prevent irritation and keep lenses comfortable longer.
When to Seek Medical Help
Don’t ignore persistent dryness or pain. See your eye doctor if you have:
• Ongoing redness or burning.
• Blurred or fluctuating vision.
• Unusual tearing or discharge.
• Pain or light sensitivity.
Some causes of dryness — for example blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction — need specific treatment. A professional evaluation gets you the right care and better lens recommendations.
Conclusion
Contact lenses and dry eyes don’t have to be at odds. With the right lens choice, good hygiene, consistent hydration, and regular check‑ups, you can wear contacts comfortably. Your eyes are worth a little TLC now — those small efforts pay off in long‑term comfort and clearer vision. If dryness persists, talk to your optometrist for personalized advice and better lens options.
FAQ
Which contact lenses are best for dry eyes?
Silicone hydrogel and water‑gradient lenses are often the best choices because they allow more oxygen and keep the surface moister longer.
Can I wear contact lenses all day if I have dry eyes?
Try to stick to the hours recommended for your lens type. Overwearing usually makes dryness worse. Give your eyes regular breaks.
How often should I replace my contact lenses?
Follow your optician’s schedule: daily disposables are single use, while bi‑weekly and monthly lenses need proper cleaning and timely replacement.
Do eye drops help with lens dryness?
Yes — preservative‑free lubricating drops approved for contact lenses can relieve dryness. Check with your eye care professional first.