My Journey to Beating Dry Eyes While Wearing Contact Lenses
I never imagined that something as small as a contact lens could bring so much discomfort. When I first switched from glasses to contacts, I was excited—freedom during workouts, no more foggy lenses, and finally being able to wear sunglasses without a prescription. But within a few weeks, that excitement turned into frustration. My eyes constantly felt dry, irritated, and tired. I found myself blinking excessively and rubbing my eyes throughout the day. That’s when I knew I had to figure out how to handle eye dryness with contact lenses once and for all.
1. Understanding Why Contacts Cause Dry Eyes
Before I could fix the problem, I had to understand it. Contact lenses, especially the soft ones I was using, sit directly on the eye's tear film—the thin layer of moisture that keeps the eye lubricated. Wearing lenses can disrupt this film, leading to faster tear evaporation and, ultimately, dryness.
On top of that, I live in Arizona. The dry climate combined with long hours in front of a screen (I'm a freelance graphic designer) only made things worse. My optometrist explained that the more I stared at a screen, the less I blinked—reducing the spread of tears and increasing dryness.
2. Daily Habits That Made a Big Difference
2.1. Switching to Daily Disposable Contacts
After experimenting with different types of lenses, I made the switch to daily disposables. These are thinner, more breathable, and less likely to accumulate allergens and proteins that irritate the eyes. The difference was almost immediate—my eyes felt fresher by the end of the day.
2.2. Staying Hydrated
I realized that eye dryness wasn’t just about what was happening on the outside—it was also internal. I started drinking more water (at least 8 cups a day), and I noticed my eyes didn’t feel as gritty or tired by late afternoon. It’s a simple tip, but it works.
2.3. The 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Time
This rule saved me: every 20 minutes, I look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It reminds my eyes to blink and reset the tear film. I even installed a browser extension that gives me a gentle nudge every 20 minutes.
3. The Game-Changer: Eye Drops and Supplements
3.1. Finding the Right Lubricating Drops
Not all eye drops are created equal. I used to grab the cheapest brand off the shelf, but I learned that some formulas are better suited for contact lens wearers. I now use preservative-free lubricating drops designed for soft contacts. These don’t sting and can be used multiple times a day without causing buildup.
3.2. Omega-3 Supplements
At the advice of my eye doctor, I added omega-3 fatty acids to my routine. I take a high-quality fish oil supplement daily, and while it didn’t solve everything overnight, after a month I noticed fewer dry eye flare-ups. Omega-3s help improve the quality of your tears, making them more effective at keeping your eyes lubricated.
4. Environmental Fixes That Helped
4.1. Using a Humidifier
Living in a desert state meant dry air was a constant. I bought a small humidifier for my bedroom and workspace. It made a surprising difference—especially during the winter when indoor heating dries out the air even more. Keeping the environment moist helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
4.2. Sunglasses and Wind Protection
I used to think sunglasses were only for bright sunny days, but now I wear them whenever I’m outside, even on cloudy ones. They shield my eyes from wind and dust—both major triggers for contact lens dryness.
5. Real Talk: When It’s Time to See a Professional
If you’ve tried all these tips and your eyes still feel like sandpaper, don’t tough it out. There could be an underlying condition like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or allergic conjunctivitis. I had to go back to my optometrist twice before we figured out that I had a mild form of blepharitis—an eyelid inflammation that was messing with my tear production.
Thanks to a gentle lid scrub routine and medicated drops, I got it under control. Never underestimate the power of professional guidance. And if you're unsure where to start, check out our platform at Eye Docs to find the best eye care professionals near you.
6. Bonus Tips from Fellow Contact Lens Wearers
Over the years, I’ve connected with a community of contact lens users through forums and social media. Here are a few extra tips that others have sworn by:
- Use a warm compress at night: This helps loosen any oil blockages in your eyelid glands, improving tear quality.
- Try scleral lenses: These are specialty contacts for people with chronic dry eyes. They create a fluid-filled cushion over the cornea.
- Avoid air blowing directly into your eyes: Whether it’s from a car vent or an AC unit, it can dry your lenses out quickly.
Dealing with dry eyes and contact lenses isn’t fun, but it’s not hopeless either. With the right care, support, and a bit of trial and error, you can find a routine that works for you. I did—and my eyes have never felt better.
