Frequent lenses wearers are surely aware of the problem – contact lenses and dry eyes. However is there a steady connection between this uncomfortable eye condition and wearing contacts?
Many people who don’t wear glasses or lenses can experience eye dryness. There are several possible causes for this.
It might be that their eyes are not producing enough tears to moisture the eye sufficiently. Also some people have tears with content that does not provide enough moisture to the eye. If you fall into one of the above groups of people it seems that wearing contact lenses and dry eyes have no connection.
Being exposed to specific conditions such as smoke, extensive heat, dry air or wind can also cause dryness in your eyes. Again this can happen even if you are not wearing contacts.
Contact lenses and dry eyes however are connected. Many frequent lenses wearers complain that they feel their eyes dry. The reason behind this is the composition of the lens. Soft lenses usually contain water. Since part of their water evaporates they practically dehydrate your eye by absorbing water from your natural tear film covering the eye. For that reason it is recommended to wear lenses that have less water content.
Another connection between them is the length of the period you have been using contact lenses. People who have used extensively contacts for many years often complain that their eyes are dry. The simple reason for this is that they have damaged the structure of the cells covering the eye. The constant rubbing of the lenses with their eyes most likely damaged the special structures of the eye designed to keep the tear film stable.
Contact lenses and dry eyes is not a reason to stop wearing contacts though. All you need to do is to follow a strict routine of when, how and for how long to wear your lenses. It is not recommended to wear lenses when you are exposed to conditions that can dry your eyes in general. It is also not recommended to stay long hours or overnight wearing lenses. If you feel your eyes tend to go dry just purchase artificial tear drops and use them regularly.