Many people unexpectedly experience dry eyes from contacts, but there are some ways to prevent this bothersome issue. For example, certain habits should be added to the daily routine, such as limiting contact use, blinking often, and drinking lots of water. Using artificial tears during the day, and a soothing gel at night, can also decrease the chances of experiencing dry eyes while wearing contacts. Taking care of the contacts in general can also help, such as throwing them out when advised and rewetting them during the day.
You may find that your eyes become dry after wearing your contacts for several hours a day for many days in a row, which is why you should get into the habit of limiting your use when possible. For example, consider taking them out when you use the computer, as people tend to stare at the screen for a long time without blinking, leading to dry eyes from contacts. If you cannot limit your use, try to increase the amount that you blink. Drinking lots of water and avoiding diuretics, such as alcohol and caffeine, can also help you avoid dry eye since this will keep your whole body hydrated.
It is also helpful to start using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist throughout the day. The best kinds do not contain any preservatives, which tend to irritate sensitive eyes. Be sure to avoid drops that claim to eliminate redness from the eyes, since these will not relieve dry eye, and may in fact irritate the eyes more since they constrict the blood vessels. You can also get gel that is meant to reduce dry eye, though this kind of product tends to blur the eyes for several minutes, making it best to apply at bedtime.
Taking care of your contacts is just as important as caring for your eyes, as keeping them in good shape can help reduce the chances of getting dry eyes from contacts. Most disposable contact lenses specify how long you can use them before throwing them out in favor of a fresh pair, and following these rules is a simple way to avoid dry eyes. You should also clean the lenses everyday with solution, and consider taking them out midday to soak them again so that they can absorb moisture before you put them back in the eyes. If you still experience dry eyes from contacts after following these procedures, consider using a brand of contacts meant for dry eyes, such as the kind that allows more oxygen through to the eye and pulls less moisture from it.
