How to Treat Dry Eyes From Contacts

While contacts offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses for vision correction, these lenses come with an increased risk of dry eye. This condition can cause severe discomfort and impact your ability to wear contact lenses. Fortunately, your optometrist near you at Chico Vision Care Optometry in Chico, CA, can alleviate dry eye from contact lenses to help you see clearly and comfortably again. We are here to help you understand how contacts can cause dry eye and how to treat it.

How Do Contact Lenses Cause Dry Eye?

Although contact lenses are adept at correcting refractive vision errors, these prescription lenses can result in eye dryness due to your eyes receiving a lack of oxygen. Contacts get placed on the cornea to correct your vision, but doing so prevents your eye from receiving oxygen. Reduced oxygen flow can disrupt your tear production, leading to dry eye. Contact lenses can also impact your tear film and result in your eyes receiving less lubrication.

Treating Dry Eye at Home

You can often treat mild cases of dry eye with over-the-counter drops. These eye drops relieve discomfort and provide additional lubrication to keep your eyes from becoming dry. You can typically resolve eye dryness from excessive digital screen usage with adjustments to your work environment and habits. For example, looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes you use a computer can relieve eye strain and reduce your risk of dry eye. Proper lens hygiene and taking breaks from your contacts also help prevent dry eye symptoms.

Getting Help From an Optometrist

Moderate to severe cases of dry eye from contact lens use may require a visit to your optometrist. They can perform an eye exam to detect underlying issues contributing to eye dryness and provide prompt treatment. Your optometrist may prescribe artificial tears to relieve eye irritation or medications to stimulate tear production. They can also recommend specialized contact lenses, such as daily disposables or silicone hydrogel lenses, to help your eyes retain moisture and lubrication.

Contact Your Optometrist Near You in Chico, CA, for Dry Eye Treatment Today

Dry eye from contact lenses can significantly impact your contact lens comfortability and visual clarity, so contact Chico Vision Care Optometry in Chico, CA, to get dry eye treatment today. Our optometrist can help you see clearly and comfortably again, so call us and schedule an appointment at (530) 342-9644 to maintain healthy eyes and strong vision.