Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable, and in some cases, wearing contact lenses can worsen dry eye symptoms. However, this doesn't mean that everyone with dry eyes is unable to wear contact lenses. It depends on the severity and cause of your dry eyes, as well as your individual tolerance for contact lenses.
Dry eyes occur when the tear glands do not produce enough tears, or when the tears produced are not of the right quality, to keep the eyes moist and comfortable. This can cause symptoms such as burning, itching, and redness in the eyes, as well as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and eye fatigue.
Wearing contact lenses can make dry eyes worse by reducing the
amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, and
by absorbing the natural tears that protect and moisturize the eyes. This can
lead to dry, irritated eyes and a higher risk of eye infections.
However, there are several ways to manage dry eyes and make
wearing contact lenses more comfortable:
1. Choose the right type
of contact lenses: Certain types of contact lenses, such as daily disposable
lenses, can be less irritating to the eyes than other types, as they do not
need to be reused and disinfected every day. Additionally, there are some types
of contact lenses, such as silicone hydrogel lenses, that allow more oxygen to
reach the eyes and are less likely to dry out the eyes. Your eye care
professional can help you determine the best type of contact lenses for your
individual needs.
2. Use artificial tears:
Artificial tears are a type of over-the-counter eye drops that can help
lubricate and moisturize the eyes, making them more comfortable and reducing
dry eye symptoms. There are many different types of artificial tears available,
and your eye care professional can help you choose the best one for you.
3. Use a humidifier: Dry
indoor air can worsen dry eye symptoms, and using a humidifier can help keep
the air around you moist and comfortable.
4. Take frequent breaks:
If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other digital screen, it
can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Taking frequent breaks to close your eyes,
look away from the screen, and blink can help keep your eyes comfortable and
reduce dry eye symptoms.
5. Adjust your diet:
Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as salmon and
nuts, can help improve the quality of your natural tears and reduce dry eye
symptoms.
If you have dry eyes and are considering wearing contact lenses,
it's important to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your eye care
professional. They can help you determine if contact lenses are a safe option
for you, and recommend the best course of treatment to manage your dry eyes and
make wearing contact lenses more comfortable.
In conclusion, not everyone with dry eyes is unable to wear
contact lenses, but it depends on the severity and cause of the dry eyes, as
well as individual tolerance. There are ways to manage dry eyes, such as using
artificial tears, using a humidifier, taking frequent breaks, and adjusting
your diet, that can help make wearing contact lenses more comfortable. If you
have dry eyes, it's best to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your eye
care professional before starting to wear contact lenses.
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