Guide to Contact Lens Care for Dry Eye Sufferers

Understanding Why Contact Lenses Can Cause Dry Eye

Wearing contact lenses relies on a delicate tear film for eye comfort. Lenses can disrupt the tear film, leading to faster tear evaporation and possible risk of dry eye symptoms.

The lens itself can absorb moisture and reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, so your eyes may feel gritty or irritated, especially later in the day. Knowing this, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your eyes.

Tips for Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

• Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses.
• Always rub and rinse soft lenses with the recommended solution before storing or inserting them.
• Never rinse lenses with tap water or saliva.
• Use fresh solution daily. Pour fresh preservative-free contact lens solution (like Menicon’s MeniCare Plus for RGP lenses or a recommended multipurpose solution) into your case each time.
• Discard old solution after each use and let the case air-dry on its side.
• Replace lenses and cases on schedule. Follow the replacement timetable your eye care professional gives you.
• Daily disposable lenses are great for dry-eye sufferers, as they prevent deposit buildup from multiple wears.
• Replace the lens case every few weeks with monthly lenses to prevent germs.
• Review your cleaning solution. If your eyes sting or burn, the solution may be the issue.
• Consult your eye doctor about the appropriate solution for your lenses.
• Consider using a preservative-free or hydrogen-peroxide system for better comfort.

Lubricating Drops and Gels for Relief

Even with perfect hygiene, dry eyes can still flare up. The right eye drops and gels make a big difference:

• Preservative-free eye drops. Look for contact-safe lubricating drops (often labeled “preservative-free”).
  • These drops refresh the tear film without coating your lenses or irritating your eyes. Brands like Systane, NovaTears, or Hylo-Forte are good options.
  • Using these drops as needed will reduce friction and help your lenses feel smoother.
• Night-time eye gel or ointment. Before bed, remove your lenses and apply a hydrating eye gel or ointment to lock in moisture overnight.
  • Products like Xailin Gel, Xailin Night Gel, or Optimel Manuka Eye Gel (available on our site) provide long-lasting hydration for chronically dry eyes.
  • These thicker eye gels may blur vision, so they’re best for use with contacts out and eyes closed.

Lifestyle and Environment Tips

Your daily habits and environment can also affect dryness. Simple changes can make your contact lens experience much better:

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. fish oil or flaxseed). Good nutrition supports healthy tear production.
• Avoid dry or windy environments.
• Use a humidifier indoors in winter and protect your eyes from direct air conditioning, fans or heat.
• Practice the 20-20-20 rule when on screens: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away. This reminds you to blink fully, which spreads tears over the eye surface.
• Reduce screen glare and strain. Position monitors at eye level and about an arm’s length away.
• If you feel strain, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break with glasses for a while.
• Use artificial tears even when you’re not wearing lenses. Applying drops before putting lenses in can give them extra moisture to cling to.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you’ve tried all the above and your eyes still feel dry or irritated, consult an eye care professional. Persistent dryness and lens discomfort could mean it’s time for new lens parameters or even a different lens type. 

If symptoms don’t improve, schedule an eye exam – you may benefit from specialised lenses (like silicone-hydrogel, daily disposables, or scleral lenses) or prescription treatments.

At the One Stop Dry Eye Shop, we’re here to help. Explore our range of contact lens care products, including Contact Lens Solutions and preservative-free Eye Drops and Eye Gels. With the right routine and products, you can stay comfortable in your contacts despite dry eyes. Stay proactive about your eye health and wear your lenses with confidence.