Many people with dry eyes think they cannot wear contact lenses. The good news is that you can wear contacts even if you have dry eye syndrome. The key is finding the right type of contact lenses and managing your dry eye condition properly. This guide explains what causes dry eye with contacts, which lens options work best, and how to keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contacts.
Many people with dry eyes think they cannot wear contact lenses. The good news is that you can wear contacts even if you have dry eye syndrome. The key is finding the right type of contact lenses and managing your dry eye condition properly. This guide explains what causes dry eye with contacts, which lens options work best, and how to keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contacts.
Can You Actually Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eyes?
Yes, absolutely. About 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses, and many of them experience dry eye symptoms. The condition can feel more noticeable when wearing contacts, but it can be managed effectively with the right approach. Dr. Ngoddy works with contact lens wearers who have dry eyes every day at EyeServe, and she can help you find a solution that keeps your eyes comfortable.
Why Do Contact Lenses Make Dry Eyes Worse?
Understanding why dry eye feels worse with contacts can help you manage the condition better. Here are the main reasons:
Contacts Block Tear Flow
Contact lenses sit directly on your eye and can reduce the flow of tears across the eye surface. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated and healthy. When tear flow is blocked by a lens, you may feel dryness or discomfort.
Lenses Absorb Moisture
Some contact lens materials, especially older soft lens materials, absorb moisture from your eyes. As the lens absorbs tears, your eye becomes drier. Newer lens materials have been developed to retain more moisture and minimize this issue.
Screen Time Reduces Blinking
When you wear contacts, you may blink less, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at computer screens or phones. Reduced blinking means fewer tears are spread across your eyes, leading to increased dryness.
Protein and Deposit Buildup
Over time, proteins from your tears can build up on contact lenses. This buildup can reduce comfort and make dry eye symptoms worse. Regular cleaning and proper lens care help prevent this problem.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also called dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the eye surface lubricated. There are two main types:
Aqueous Tear Deficiency
Your tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. This may be caused by age, medications, or certain medical conditions.
Evaporative Dry Eye
Your eyes produce tears, but they evaporate too quickly. This is often caused by blocked meibomian glands that produce the oil layer of your tear film.
Best Contact Lens Options for Dry Eyes
If you have dry eyes, certain types of contact lenses work better than others. Dr. Ngoddy can help you choose the best option for your specific situation:
Daily Disposable Soft Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are removed every night and replaced with fresh lenses each day. This means you start each day with a clean lens that has not accumulated deposits or proteins. Many people with dry eyes find these the most comfortable option because you avoid buildup that worsens dryness.
Moisture-Rich Soft Lens Materials
Newer soft contact lens materials are designed to retain more moisture. Look for lenses that maintain 40 percent or higher water content. These materials help keep your eyes more comfortable throughout the day, even if you have dry eye syndrome.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger specialty lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). They create a reservoir of fluid on the eye surface that keeps eyes exceptionally moist. These are an excellent option for people with moderate to severe dry eye who want to wear contacts. Scleral lenses can be more expensive and require more care, but many dry eye patients find them life-changing.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring. They can provide excellent vision while minimizing dryness for some patients. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if hybrid lenses might be right for you.
Tips for Managing Dry Eyes While Wearing Contacts
Following these strategies can help you keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contact lenses with dry eye syndrome:
Treatment Options for Dry Eye While Wearing Contacts
Beyond choosing the right lenses and managing your habits, there are medical treatments that can help dry eye syndrome:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports your body's natural tear production and helps keep your eyes moist from the inside out.
Take Screen Breaks
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This reminds you to blink more frequently, which spreads tears across your eyes and reduces dryness.
Use Contact Lens Rewetting Drops
Keep contact lens rewetting drops (also called lubricating drops) with you throughout the day. These drops are different from regular eye drops and are safe to use while wearing contacts. They help keep your lenses and eyes lubricated. Ask Dr. Ngoddy which drops are best for you.
Remove Contacts When Needed
If your eyes feel uncomfortably dry, remove your contacts, wash your hands, and let your eyes rest for a while. There is no shame in taking a break from contacts on days when your dry eye is worse. Dr. Ngoddy can recommend how often you should take breaks based on your individual situation.
Warm Compresses for Meibomian Glands
If you have evaporative dry eye (blocked meibomian glands), applying a warm compress to your eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning can help release the oils your eyes need. This helps reduce dry eye symptoms while wearing contacts.
Keep Your Contacts Clean
Always follow your eye doctor's lens care instructions exactly. Use the recommended lens solution, clean your case regularly, and replace your case at least every three months. Protein buildup on lenses makes dry eye symptoms worse.
Do Not Overwear Your Contacts
If your prescription allows daily wear, do not sleep in your lenses unless approved by Dr. Ngoddy. Overwearing contacts causes protein and lipid buildup, which makes dry eye worse.
Use a Humidifier
If you spend a lot of time in dry environments or air conditioning, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This helps your eyes stay moist and reduces dry eye symptoms.
Prescription Dry Eye Drops
Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) reduce inflammation and help your eyes produce more tears. These prescription drops may not be compatible with contact lens wear while the drops are in your eyes, but they can be used before bed to help overnight. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if prescription drops are right for you.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Dr. Ngoddy can perform a procedure that gently expresses blocked meibomian glands to release oils your eyes need. This helps restore the oil layer of your tear film and reduce dry eye symptoms.
Common Questions About Dry Eyes and Contact Lenses
Are There Contact Lenses Specifically Made for Dry Eyes?
Yes. Lenses made with moisture-rich materials are designed specifically for dry eye patients. Daily disposable lenses are also a good option because they avoid deposit buildup.
Can I Use Regular Eye Drops With My Contacts?
Not all eye drops are safe to use with contacts. You should only use eye drops labeled as safe for contact lens wearers or rewetting drops specifically designed for contacts. Ask Dr. Ngoddy which drops are appropriate for your lenses.
Will My Dry Eye Get Worse From Wearing Contacts?
Dry eye symptoms may feel more noticeable when wearing contacts, but this does not necessarily mean contacts are making your condition worse. With the right lenses and proper management strategies, most people with dry eyes can wear contacts comfortably.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Contacts When You Have Dry Eyes?
Adjustment time varies. Some people adapt within a few days, while others take 2 to 3 weeks to feel completely comfortable. People with dry eyes may need extra adjustment time. Be patient with yourself during the initial wearing period.
Should I Wear My Contacts Every Day if I Have Dry Eyes?
This depends on the severity of your dry eye. You may find that wearing contacts 5 or 6 days per week and using glasses on other days helps manage symptoms. Talk to Dr. Ngoddy about what schedule is best for your eyes.
What if Contacts Still Do Not Feel Comfortable Even With Treatment?
Some people with severe dry eye may find that contacts are not the best option for them, and that is okay. Glasses or refractive surgery might be better alternatives. Dr. Ngoddy will help you find the vision correction solution that works best for your eyes and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Dry Eyes Do Not Mean No Contacts
Having dry eye syndrome does not automatically mean you cannot wear contact lenses. With modern lens options, proper eye care management, and professional guidance from Dr. Ngoddy, most people with dry eyes can wear contacts comfortably and successfully. The key is finding the right type of lens for your eyes and managing your dry eye condition properly.
Schedule a Dry Eye and Contact Lens Exam Today
If you have dry eyes and want to explore contact lens options, or if you currently wear contacts and struggle with dryness, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ngoddy at EyeServe. She can evaluate your dry eye condition, recommend the best lens options, and create a treatment plan to keep your eyes comfortable.
Book Your Dry Eye and Contact Lens Exam
Call: (404) 460-6163
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Can You Actually Wear Contacts if You Have Dry Eyes?
Yes, absolutely. About 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses, and many of them experience dry eye symptoms. The condition can feel more noticeable when wearing contacts, but it can be managed effectively with the right approach. Dr. Ngoddy works with contact lens wearers who have dry eyes every day at EyeServe, and she can help you find a solution that keeps your eyes comfortable.
Why Do Contact Lenses Make Dry Eyes Worse?
Understanding why dry eye feels worse with contacts can help you manage the condition better. Here are the main reasons:
Contacts Block Tear Flow
Contact lenses sit directly on your eye and can reduce the flow of tears across the eye surface. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated and healthy. When tear flow is blocked by a lens, you may feel dryness or discomfort.
Lenses Absorb Moisture
Some contact lens materials, especially older soft lens materials, absorb moisture from your eyes. As the lens absorbs tears, your eye becomes drier. Newer lens materials have been developed to retain more moisture and minimize this issue.
Screen Time Reduces Blinking
When you wear contacts, you may blink less, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at computer screens or phones. Reduced blinking means fewer tears are spread across your eyes, leading to increased dryness.
Protein and Deposit Buildup
Over time, proteins from your tears can build up on contact lenses. This buildup can reduce comfort and make dry eye symptoms worse. Regular cleaning and proper lens care help prevent this problem.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also called dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the eye surface lubricated. There are two main types:
Aqueous Tear Deficiency
Your tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. This may be caused by age, medications, or certain medical conditions.
Evaporative Dry Eye
Your eyes produce tears, but they evaporate too quickly. This is often caused by blocked meibomian glands that produce the oil layer of your tear film.
Best Contact Lens Options for Dry Eyes
If you have dry eyes, certain types of contact lenses work better than others. Dr. Ngoddy can help you choose the best option for your specific situation:
Daily Disposable Soft Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are removed every night and replaced with fresh lenses each day. This means you start each day with a clean lens that has not accumulated deposits or proteins. Many people with dry eyes find these the most comfortable option because you avoid buildup that worsens dryness.
Moisture-Rich Soft Lens Materials
Newer soft contact lens materials are designed to retain more moisture. Look for lenses that maintain 40 percent or higher water content. These materials help keep your eyes more comfortable throughout the day, even if you have dry eye syndrome.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger specialty lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). They create a reservoir of fluid on the eye surface that keeps eyes exceptionally moist. These are an excellent option for people with moderate to severe dry eye who want to wear contacts. Scleral lenses can be more expensive and require more care, but many dry eye patients find them life-changing.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring. They can provide excellent vision while minimizing dryness for some patients. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if hybrid lenses might be right for you.
Tips for Managing Dry Eyes While Wearing Contacts
Following these strategies can help you keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contact lenses with dry eye syndrome:
Treatment Options for Dry Eye While Wearing Contacts
Beyond choosing the right lenses and managing your habits, there are medical treatments that can help dry eye syndrome:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports your body's natural tear production and helps keep your eyes moist from the inside out.
Take Screen Breaks
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This reminds you to blink more frequently, which spreads tears across your eyes and reduces dryness.
Use Contact Lens Rewetting Drops
Keep contact lens rewetting drops (also called lubricating drops) with you throughout the day. These drops are different from regular eye drops and are safe to use while wearing contacts. They help keep your lenses and eyes lubricated. Ask Dr. Ngoddy which drops are best for you.
Remove Contacts When Needed
If your eyes feel uncomfortably dry, remove your contacts, wash your hands, and let your eyes rest for a while. There is no shame in taking a break from contacts on days when your dry eye is worse. Dr. Ngoddy can recommend how often you should take breaks based on your individual situation.
Warm Compresses for Meibomian Glands
If you have evaporative dry eye (blocked meibomian glands), applying a warm compress to your eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning can help release the oils your eyes need. This helps reduce dry eye symptoms while wearing contacts.
Keep Your Contacts Clean
Always follow your eye doctor's lens care instructions exactly. Use the recommended lens solution, clean your case regularly, and replace your case at least every three months. Protein buildup on lenses makes dry eye symptoms worse.
Do Not Overwear Your Contacts
If your prescription allows daily wear, do not sleep in your lenses unless approved by Dr. Ngoddy. Overwearing contacts causes protein and lipid buildup, which makes dry eye worse.
Use a Humidifier
If you spend a lot of time in dry environments or air conditioning, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This helps your eyes stay moist and reduces dry eye symptoms.
Prescription Dry Eye Drops
Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) reduce inflammation and help your eyes produce more tears. These prescription drops may not be compatible with contact lens wear while the drops are in your eyes, but they can be used before bed to help overnight. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if prescription drops are right for you.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Dr. Ngoddy can perform a procedure that gently expresses blocked meibomian glands to release oils your eyes need. This helps restore the oil layer of your tear film and reduce dry eye symptoms.
Common Questions About Dry Eyes and Contact Lenses
Are There Contact Lenses Specifically Made for Dry Eyes?
Yes. Lenses made with moisture-rich materials are designed specifically for dry eye patients. Daily disposable lenses are also a good option because they avoid deposit buildup.
Can I Use Regular Eye Drops With My Contacts?
Not all eye drops are safe to use with contacts. You should only use eye drops labeled as safe for contact lens wearers or rewetting drops specifically designed for contacts. Ask Dr. Ngoddy which drops are appropriate for your lenses.
Will My Dry Eye Get Worse From Wearing Contacts?
Dry eye symptoms may feel more noticeable when wearing contacts, but this does not necessarily mean contacts are making your condition worse. With the right lenses and proper management strategies, most people with dry eyes can wear contacts comfortably.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Contacts When You Have Dry Eyes?
Adjustment time varies. Some people adapt within a few days, while others take 2 to 3 weeks to feel completely comfortable. People with dry eyes may need extra adjustment time. Be patient with yourself during the initial wearing period.
Should I Wear My Contacts Every Day if I Have Dry Eyes?
This depends on the severity of your dry eye. You may find that wearing contacts 5 or 6 days per week and using glasses on other days helps manage symptoms. Talk to Dr. Ngoddy about what schedule is best for your eyes.
What if Contacts Still Do Not Feel Comfortable Even With Treatment?
Some people with severe dry eye may find that contacts are not the best option for them, and that is okay. Glasses or refractive surgery might be better alternatives. Dr. Ngoddy will help you find the vision correction solution that works best for your eyes and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Dry Eyes Do Not Mean No Contacts
Having dry eye syndrome does not automatically mean you cannot wear contact lenses. With modern lens options, proper eye care management, and professional guidance from Dr. Ngoddy, most people with dry eyes can wear contacts comfortably and successfully. The key is finding the right type of lens for your eyes and managing your dry eye condition properly.
Schedule a Dry Eye and Contact Lens Exam Today
If you have dry eyes and want to explore contact lens options, or if you currently wear contacts and struggle with dryness, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ngoddy at EyeServe. She can evaluate your dry eye condition, recommend the best lens options, and create a treatment plan to keep your eyes comfortable.
Book Your Dry Eye and Contact Lens Exam
Call: (404) 460-6163
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 5 PM